56 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
56 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to write a book easier and faster

by ianstables
43 replies
I'm looking for writers to share their easier and faster methods of writing e-books.
#book #easier #faster #write
  • Profile picture of the author mpluto
    This is how I do it:

    Write 10 (or whatever amount) of chapter names.
    For each chapter, write 10 bullet points on what you want to talk about
    And for each of those bullet point, about 3 - 5 bullet points with details, kind of like notes.

    This way you stay on track.

    Then, it becomes kind of like "fill in the blank".

    My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8550805].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author iLinkedin
      Originally Posted by mpluto View Post

      This is how I do it:

      Write 10 (or whatever amount) of chapter names.
      For each chapter, write 10 bullet points on what you want to talk about
      And for each of those bullet point, about 3 - 5 bullet points with details, kind of like notes.

      This way you stay on track.

      Then, it becomes kind of like "fill in the blank".

      My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.
      Thanks, You can always wear some kinds of shirt " Do Not Disturb "
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551105].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author zetetician
        As I create my outline, certain points or turns of phrase come to mind that I jot down under the relevant topics.

        Then simply join them up and expand on them, revise, and the first draft is done.

        Put it aside for a few days to stew in its own juice, then read through it again with alternating delight and despair. Edit, change a few bits around and it's ready for public consumption.

        I find the period of setting it aside for a while to mature essential to improve the quality and clarity of what I'm trying to communicate.
        Signature
        Zetetic: seeker, one who proceeds by inquiry.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551165].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DoubleOhDave
      Originally Posted by mpluto View Post


      My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.

      I hear you!!!!
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551283].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alex Mensah
      Originally Posted by mpluto View Post

      This is how I do it:

      My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.
      Perhaps give her some money to go shopping with or whatever she likes to do and she will get out of your hair long enough for you to write your ebook. lol
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551837].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by tpw View Post

        I know this is going to sound silly, but writing fast begins with an outline of what you want to say.

        When you know exactly what you want to say, the words come quickly.
        Expanding on this, efficient processes can help tremendously.

        A lot of people, even with an outline, do something like this:

        Type, type, type, google something, type, edit, type, google something, check email,etc.

        Much quicker and more efficient like this:

        > Create your outline.

        > Do first round of research. If you already know the subject, this may just mean cataloging what you already know in an expanded outline.

        > Do your first draft. No editing, spell check, email, etc. Get the draft done. If you find a gap in your research, insert a symbol [XXX - note] works well, and keep going until you finish the draft.

        > Search through your draft for those XXXs and make a list for your second round of research. Do the research and fill in the blanks.

        > Proceed with editing, proofreading and polishing. Do not skip this step. I have a bunch of otherwise very good ebooks on my Kindle that are marred because the author never went back and proofread after editing. The giveaway is sentence structure where words are added or moved and the original words are still there.

        Originally Posted by mpluto View Post

        My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.
        Tell her that. I bet you get all the alone time you can handle...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552118].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Gengis
      Originally Posted by mpluto View Post

      This is how I do it:

      Write 10 (or whatever amount) of chapter names.
      For each chapter, write 10 bullet points on what you want to talk about
      And for each of those bullet point, about 3 - 5 bullet points with details, kind of like notes.

      This way you stay on track.

      Then, it becomes kind of like "fill in the blank".

      My biggest problem with writing an ebook is that I constantly get disturbed. I wish my girlfriend would go out more often and I would have a lot of alone time.

      Awesome way to get the outline done! I totally understand what you are talking about with your gf cuz I deal with the same thing all the time lol..
      Signature
      My Craigslist Arbitrage Method Of Making Money On Demand -->

      http://www.warriorplus.com/w/v/f2fwlp
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552804].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesBorg
    First I'd decide whether the book is an end in itself (something I really want to do for its own sake, some knowledge or viewpoint I really want to share, etc.).

    If that passion isn't there -- if the book is solely a means to make money -- I'd much rather buy some PLR book or outsource the project to a ghost writer. Easy enough and fast enough.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8550823].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I've never worried about "faster" or "easier". A book isn't something meant to just whip through and the quality might really be compromised if you try to get it done too fast. If you have a subject you know well enough to write a decent book about - just get it done right.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8550849].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      I've never worried about "faster" or "easier". A book isn't something meant to just whip through and the quality might really be compromised if you try to get it done too fast. If you have a subject you know well enough to write a decent book about - just get it done right.
      I have to disagree with this one. There are faster and easier ways to write a book.
      Just like it is easier to bake a pie if you have the ingredients and a recipe, it is faster and easier to write a book if you have the essential elements. As tpw points out the key is knowing what you want to say.

      Having an outline saves you from fiction plots that go no where and from struggling to write non fiction. So start with a general outline of what you want to write about. This can help you write hundreds to even thousands MORE words daily than doing it by the seat of your pants.

      Next commit to writing. It is easy to get distracted but if you focus on the task with mini breaks you will get to the end quicker than if you don't.

      Keep folders on your desk top with your character pictures, research notes etc. Being organized will save tons of time.

      Pick non fiction topics you are well versed in or fiction genres that you have a deep familiarity with. The writing will be much smoother and so much easier.

      Make sure your writing environment is comfortable so you want to write. I have special foam arms on my office chairs to make them more comfortable etc.

      Use tools like Scrivener IF it will help you produce faster and easier...writing tools are not for everyone.

      There you have it writing faster and easier....it truly CAN be done!
      Signature

      Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551504].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by LilBlackDress View Post

        I have to disagree with this one. There are faster and easier ways to write a book.
        Just like it is easier to bake a pie if you have the ingredients and a recipe, it is faster and easier to write a book if you have the essential elements. As tpw points out the key is knowing what you want to say.

        Having an outline saves you from fiction plots that go no where and from struggling to write non fiction. So start with a general outline of what you want to write about. This can help you write hundreds to even thousands MORE words daily than doing it by the seat of your pants.

        Next commit to writing. It is easy to get distracted but if you focus on the task with mini breaks you will get to the end quicker than if you don't.

        Keep folders on your desk top with your character pictures, research notes etc. Being organized will save tons of time.

        Pick non fiction topics you are well versed in or fiction genres that you have a deep familiarity with. The writing will be much smoother and so much easier.

        Make sure your writing environment is comfortable so you want to write. I have special foam arms on my office chairs to make them more comfortable etc.

        Use tools like Scrivener IF it will help you produce faster and easier...writing tools are not for everyone.

        There you have it writing faster and easier....it truly CAN be done!
        LOL - never compromised on baking pies either - and if I have the idea of making a pie, I go and get what I don't have, because you CAN'T bake it without the ingredients at all.

        I am getting a very strong feeling that I am the only writer in the world that doesn't outline before I write. Don't get me wrong - I know what I want to write and how I will proceed beforehand, but don't take the time for "organizing" beforehand. Never liked "paperwork" and find it distracting. Even in college where the outline had to be handed in with the dissertation, I ended up writing it after the work was completed. If I had to hand it in earlier, it never looked like the finished work. LOL. So the "plot" drifts from what I might have thought when I first sat down - but I find that sometimes ideas solidify during the writing process in ways that make an outline obsolete anyway. Without the outline to distract me, I just take the more natural turn and cover things as they logically progress. I do jot down some "talking points" here and there, though, sometimes to avoid forgetting to cover specific things while writing.

        In the long run - I'm finding I do a LOT of things differently from others, but writing doesn't take me any longer without the outline - it's the research that slows me down and I would rather not write than shortcut that one.

        So if there is anything for someone who follows my style (if anyone does), it's a good handle on ways to shorten time researching a subject that really helps. I used to have some software that pulled excerpts from all over - and if I read an excerpt that I wanted to know more about, the URL was right there. I lost that in a computer crash and never got another one - and now can't even remember what it was. That would be my best idea for a time saving resource, though.
        Signature

        Sal
        When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
        Beyond the Path

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552987].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MagicD
    A great way, which is what I use ALL the time. Type your niche in to the search engine "niche + blog" and check out all the comments. Open another tab, and search "niche +forums" find out what people are talking about and create a kindle book about it.

    This is without a doubt the fastest way to write a kindle book. Another tip, do not out right copy and past peoples posts, just expand on what they are saying. Have someone from 5er do the work.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8550882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    I know this is going to sound silly, but writing fast begins with an outline of what you want to say.

    When you know exactly what you want to say, the words come quickly.
    Signature
    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8550913].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      I know this is going to sound silly, but writing fast begins with an outline of what you want to say.

      When you know exactly what you want to say, the words come quickly.
      Not at all, it is entirely logical. If you don't take the time to thoroughly research a topic, you will have a difficult time writing anything at all.

      -Chris
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551291].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        Originally Posted by Chris Worner View Post

        Not at all, it is entirely logical. If you don't take the time to thoroughly research a topic, you will have a difficult time writing anything at all.

        -Chris
        Or anything at all that anyone will even want to read?

        Why would anyone want to create a bunch of books that stink and won't be purchased or read, or will have a long line of negative reviews? Just to say they whipped out five e-books in one month?

        Where's the sense in that?

        Terra
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551312].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
        I recommend you change your focus...

        Instead of looking for a quicker and easier way, focus on writing books on topics you are passionate in and knowledgeable of.

        If you are passionate and knowledgeable about a topic, the whole "quick and easy" approach happens anyway, but more importantly, you'll more likely produce premium content.

        On the other hand, focusing on quick and easy first, typically will generate poorly written content that would end up bringing you frustrated buyers, refunds, and more.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551336].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AlisonM
          Quality over Quantity.

          Do research in an already profitable niche.

          Perhaps through forums or a survey, find 10 areas in that niche that people are hungry for answers to.

          Make each of those 10 a chapter in your book.

          Either outsource the writing or research and write the answers yourself.
          Signature
          FREE Video - Dean Holland - Internet Millionaire - reveals the 4 Step System he uses to earn online (well worth a watch)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551510].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author tpw
          I'd like to disagree with many of the folks on this thread, with whom I often agree, where they said that if you focus on "quick and easy", the result will be poor quality content that people will not want to read.

          Not to pick on these two specifically, but just to point out the argument that has been presented repeatedly in this thread:


          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          Why would anyone want to create a bunch of books that stink and won't be purchased or read, or will have a long line of negative reviews? Just to say they whipped out five e-books in one month?
          Originally Posted by ajbarnes777 View Post

          On the other hand, focusing on quick and easy first, typically will generate poorly written content that would end up bringing you frustrated buyers, refunds, and more.

          Starting with a strong outline, I have on numerous occasions written 80-120 page ebooks/Kindle books (30k to 50k words) in Microsoft Word, in just about 3 days of staying focused on my task.

          If customer reviews are any indication at all, those ebooks were well-written and loved by many.

          Writing content quickly is not guaranteed to produce low-quality content, unless the writer is uncommitted to creating good-quality content that people will want to read.
          Signature
          Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
          Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552729].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
            Originally Posted by tpw View Post

            I'd like to disagree with many of the folks on this thread, with whom I often agree, where they said that if you focus on "quick and easy", the result will be poor quality content that people will not want to read.

            Not to pick on these two specifically, but just to point out the argument that has been presented repeatedly in this thread:

            Starting with a strong outline, I have on numerous occasions written 80-120 page ebooks/Kindle books (30k to 50k words) in Microsoft Word, in just about 3 days of staying focused on my task.

            If customer reviews are any indication at all, those ebooks were well-written and loved by many.

            Writing content quickly is not guaranteed to produce low-quality content, unless the writer is uncommitted to creating good-quality content that people will want to read.
            You know I like you and respect you as a writer, but I do indeed think that our "ideas" of fast and easy are differing in this thread. I do know that writing content quickly is not guaranteed to produce low quality content.

            Give me a topic to write on that I have a passion for and actually enjoy to the point I write it just for the sheer delight it gives me, and I'll have several thousand words of high quality work in less than an hour. One such topic is in guided imagery scripts utilizing different nature settings for stress relief, pain relief and a sense of total well being for body, mind and soul.

            I was more focusing on those who deem quantity over quality will earn them the best return on their efforts.

            Now, as for your highly structured outline!

            I can't have a highly structured outline as it stifles my creativity. I do indeed know what I want to write about and how I want to present it and how I want to end it. Other than that, I go with the flow.

            I know this isn't true for everybody, but for me it is... it reminds me of giving a talented artist like Randy Warhol or Norman Rockwell one of those paint by number things and telling them to create a masterpiece.

            It won't happen, lol!

            Anyway, we don't disagree at all, it is just that we have a different perspective on what someone's ideology or terminology actually means.

            Terra
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553079].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author tpw
              Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

              Now, as for your highly structured outline!

              I can't have a highly structured outline as it stifles my creativity. I do indeed know what I want to write about and how I want to present it and how I want to end it. Other than that, I go with the flow.

              LOL

              I would never call my outlines "highly structured".

              My outlines look more like a bullet point list of topics I want to cover in my manuscript.

              I scan my bullet point list (somewhat akin to a "to do list") as I begin each chapter, to see where I can go with the topic.

              When I reach the end of my manuscript, I will have covered most of my list, if not all of my list. While I am editing, I will also look to see if there are places in the manuscript where I can include some of the bullet point ideas that did not make it into the first draft.

              You can create a comprehensive outline (list of talking points) of what you want to do, hit all of the main points you want to hit, and do both without stifling your creativity in the process.
              Signature
              Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
              Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553186].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                Originally Posted by tpw View Post

                LOL

                I would never call my outlines "highly structured".

                My outlines look more like a bullet point list of topics I want to cover in my manuscript.

                I scan my bullet point list (somewhat akin to a "to do list") as I begin each chapter, to see where I can go with the topic.

                When I reach the end of my manuscript, I will have covered most of my list, if not all of my list. While I am editing, I will also look to see if there are places in the manuscript where I can include some of the bullet point ideas that did not make it into the first draft.

                You can create a comprehensive outline (list of talking points) of what you want to do, hit all of the main points you want to hit, and do both without stifling your creativity in the process.
                Correction...you can! LOL!

                And probably many others as well. As for me? Uh-uh!

                I'm the messy-in-action creative type. :p

                Terra
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553205].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author HeySal
                Originally Posted by tpw View Post

                LOL

                I would never call my outlines "highly structured".

                My outlines look more like a bullet point list of topics I want to cover in my manuscript.

                I scan my bullet point list (somewhat akin to a "to do list") as I begin each chapter, to see where I can go with the topic.

                When I reach the end of my manuscript, I will have covered most of my list, if not all of my list. While I am editing, I will also look to see if there are places in the manuscript where I can include some of the bullet point ideas that did not make it into the first draft.

                You can create a comprehensive outline (list of talking points) of what you want to do, hit all of the main points you want to hit, and do both without stifling your creativity in the process.
                That's the way they teach it at U of M. I used to have to do it that way, but never did like it and it never came naturally. I am NOT a paperwork person, and it's harder for me to do a full outline than it is for me to write the damned work. I don't care if I'm writing an ebook, a dissertation, a grant or what - the outline in my world is called the Table of Contents and comes AFTER I'm done.

                One thing about writing is that everyone has their own rituals. Their OWN. They don't always work for other people. You can give suggestions, but you can't really nail down what someone else's style will be - because there is a whole universe of mind-sets in the other individual that may call for something that is so bizarrely different from out own that it's hard to really consider them.

                Take for example a logician I knew, He used the same method to write as he did to solve quantums -- he started from the end and wrote forward (in chunks, not actually writing sentences backwards, lol). How many of us are going to be comfy and quick with that one?

                Same thing for when you sit down to actually write. What do you do first? Think about it. You probably do the same thing all the time. It's called ritual and rituals prepare the mind for a specific task. Mine is to clean house for a half hour or so, brew a pot of coffee, put on a white dress shirt, then I sit down to write. If I'm denied this routine, I find it harder to get down to work.

                It's the same with figuring out your own style. You can ask people for suggestions, and you can get all the answers in the world and find that none of them are the one that solves your problem. Still doesn't hurt to ask, though, because one of them just might.
                Signature

                Sal
                When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
                Beyond the Path

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8556078].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    Why not write less books and sell more of each one?
    Signature
    Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551169].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marcos08
    I use mindmaps to help me , I work on figuring out the main topics and then with the mindmap I can always expand and link in sub chapters etc and when I get extra ideas.......depending on the length of the book
    Signature
    http://onlinesuccesscafe.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551229].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author natebunger
    If you are looking for easier and faster ways to write an e-book, I doubt you'll be able to create a good one so I don't think they'll really sell. Change your focus, buddy. Research instead on how you can start a good e-book that people would actually want to read. Best of luck!
    Signature
    ##ATTENTION##
    Do You Hate Writing Sales Copy?
    I create killer copy for squeeze pages, video scripts, email auto-responders and sales pages. Click here to see reviews.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8551567].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GuruGazette
    I also like mind maps and batch work. Mind mapping lets me jot down thoughts and ideas fast. I can drag things around to organize the structure after I've captured the initial ideas. Then I can drag and drop links, quotes, references etc from the web while researching.

    My draft mode is more like taking notes. I add notes, talking points, rough thoughts etc into the notes section of each node on the map. Once I feel I've collected, brainstormed and mind dumped everything important, I export to Word and begin fine tuning (expand, clarify, edit, etc)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552614].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author troy23
    I've sold a lot of books over the years and what I tended to do was write say a page or two a day. Pretty soon you've got something taking shape. I then beef it up with pictures which adds more pages to it. Plan out your headings and then write content around them. Put your website link in the footer of each page.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552923].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pizzatherapy
    With all due respect Bill:

    Starting with a strong outline, I have on numerous occasions written 80-120 page ebooks/Kindle books (30k to 50k words) in Microsoft Word, in just about 3 days of staying focused on my task.
    I'm not sure your method would qualify as quick and easy: Sounds more like to me as careful and thorough...

    I think the quick and easy crowd wants to bang out a book before breakfast...

    Sorry I need to get back to my writing...
    Signature
    Help Support Pizza! Pizza T-Shirts for Pizza Lovers! : Find Pizza On Earth!
    I am a PowToon Ambassador
    Discover Simple Easy Video Creation Tool
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8552988].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by pizzatherapy View Post

      With all due respect Bill:

      Starting with a strong outline, I have on numerous occasions written 80-120 page ebooks/Kindle books (30k to 50k words) in Microsoft Word, in just about 3 days of staying focused on my task.
      I'm not sure your method would qualify as quick and easy: Sounds more like to me as careful and thorough...

      I think the quick and easy crowd wants to bang out a book before breakfast...

      Sorry I need to get back to my writing...

      You may be right...

      My version of "quick and easy" might be "difficult and painful" for other folks...
      Signature
      Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
      Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553022].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by tpw View Post

        You may be right...

        My version of "quick and easy" might be "difficult and painful" for other folks...
        Well, there ya go. Exactly what my point was. I just do things differently and find an actually written out outline a hindrance more than a help. Most people think that I'm nuts for that.

        Everyone has different rituals and everyone has a different style of learning and doing. Just like learning - some people learn better by listening, others by reading. About the only way to really shortcut stuff is to figure out where you actually spend more time than you should have to and find different approaches at that level.
        Signature

        Sal
        When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
        Beyond the Path

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553049].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Sal, I do write from outlines. Maybe it's the engineer coming out (I have a B.S. in Ag Engineering).

        Funny thing, though. The outline I start with and the one I finish with are often very different...

        It finally sank in that changing the outline to make the end result better was a good thing.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553052].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author HeySal
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          Sal, I do write from outlines. Maybe it's the engineer coming out (I have a B.S. in Ag Engineering).

          Funny thing, though. The outline I start with and the one I finish with are often very different...

          It finally sank in that changing the outline to make the end result better was a good thing.
          KEWL - I'm not crazy! I'm not, I'm not!

          To me the outline stems my natural thought patterns because it puts a focus on a preconceived idea and when I write. It just seems easier to let the work flow in a normal conversational pattern. That way the points get delivered in a more sensical manner in the long run.

          I will say that it does drive people nuts to be around when I write because I talk out loud a lot while I'm typing. Speech is instinctual - writing isn't so I find by bringing the natural senses into the picture it turns out easier in the long run.

          Ah - btw -- Engineers, by design, are more mathematically logical than other people, and if you study linguistics, you'll find that many people with this type of mind "coding" don't follow normal conversational patterns, either. You're just strange from the get go.:rolleyes::p
          Signature

          Sal
          When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
          Beyond the Path

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Oh - btw, another thing I do is, rather than go back over a whole first draft for a first edit - I do my first edits while I'm writing. I never go more than a paragraph at a time without rewording, editing, etc. Before computers my pages were so scratched out and re-written that it was hard to follow them to type them all out. In my view the best invention EVER for a writer is that darned back button. LOL.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553083].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Oh - btw, another thing I do is, rather than go back over a whole first draft for a first edit - I do my first edits while I'm writing. I never go more than a paragraph at a time without rewording, editing, etc. Before computers my pages were so scratched out and re-written that it was hard to follow them to type them all out. In my view the best invention EVER for a writer is that darned back button. LOL.
      Hahaha!

      I do the same thing!

      Doesn't everybody? :confused:

      That doesn't mean I won't go back over the finished piece at all, but I couldn't even do that correctly if I don't correct, edit and adjust as I go a long.

      Terra
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553090].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

        Hahaha!

        I do the same thing!

        Doesn't everybody? :confused:

        That doesn't mean I won't go back over the finished piece at all, but I couldn't even do that correctly if I don't correct, edit and adjust as I go a long.

        Terra
        Apparently not, according to John's last comment -- but he's an engineer, so go figure.

        There are a lot of people that whip through and don't do anything until after they get a rough draft. I can't do that. Tried once. Not only was it painful not editing where I knew I should be re-reading and rewording stuff, it was a nightmare when I went through the whole completed work. I practically rewrote the whole damned book and never ever tried to do a whole rough without remedial, on-the-spot edits again. Ever. I still end up reading a finished work several times to make sure I get most of the garbage edited out. Doesn't matter how many times you edit, if it's a long enough work, a few errors will survive the edits anyway. I just try to minimize them to only one or two per copy. To me the first edit of a rough draft starts at the back and I read forward. That takes out spelling and syntax errors - then I read it forward for actual copy-edit. Some stuff is just more precise in draft to start with naturally. It's a pain - but doesn't bother me. It's the marketing that I hate to deal with.
        Signature

        Sal
        When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
        Beyond the Path

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553133].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

          Apparently not, according to John's last comment -- but he's an engineer, so go figure.
          I completely understand, I'm married to one - an engineer that is.

          Terra
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553173].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Oh - btw, another thing I do is, rather than go back over a whole first draft for a first edit - I do my first edits while I'm writing. I never go more than a paragraph at a time without rewording, editing, etc. Before computers my pages were so scratched out and re-written that it was hard to follow them to type them all out. In my view the best invention EVER for a writer is that darned back button. LOL.
      The closest I'll come to that is going over the last chapter or section I drafted before quitting my previous session. It helps me get back into the flow more quickly than trying to make a standing start.

      I can't edit paragraph by paragraph. In the time I could have a finished rough draft, I might end up with 2-3 pages. They'll be brilliant. But that's all I'll have.

      Then again, as you so rightly pointed out, I'm just a bit strange from the get go...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553111].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DoubleOhDave
    LilBlackDress touched on an idea there with Scrivener - I am a cheapskate and use the free version and for fiction, it's really good!
    So, two pieces of "automation" I recommend for writing are:
    1. YWriter (free version of Scrivener) - Really excellent piece of software!
    2. Strict Workflow - Chrome extension - Really great tool for focusing on what you are doing till it's done!
    As John McCabe said - too much time is wasted checking email, on facebook etc. and this helps tremendously!

    All the best,
    Dave

    As
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553136].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author The PLR Guru
    First of all what category your book falls in? Fiction or non-fiction? Because each one has a different structure while with fiction there is no way to write better and faster unless you are a seasoned writer,( I used to write short stories and it took me days of re-writes before I submitted them to magazines) non-fiction could be less painful especially if you compile a number of articles revolving around one topic. let's say you have written 5 articles about SEO, you can flesh them out and compile them into an ebook easily
    Signature
    The PLR Guru: Your Buyer's Guide To PLR Success
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8553206].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AlexGeorge
    It's much better to take your time and write quality, valuable content than rush your book. You could use voice to text software which can help speed up the typing process. If you write a structured plan before hand, it will certainly help you and prevent any headaches from happening midway through writing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8556121].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    1) Make the title of your book a mini-headline
    2) Create chapter titles
    3) Break chapter titles down into mini-sections
    4) Use the mini-sections as inspiration to write your content
    5) Make sure each chapter is full of superior info
    6) Don't worry about length... focus on quality
    7) Buy me a panini...from Blimpie
    Signature
    Get in contact with me
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8556209].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DoubleOhDave
      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      1) Make the title of your book a mini-headline
      2) Create chapter titles
      3) Break chapter titles down into mini-sections
      4) Use the mini-sections as inspiration to write your content
      5) Make sure each chapter is full of superior info
      6) Don't worry about length... focus on quality
      7) Buy me a panini...from Blimpie
      Great summary!
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8557149].message }}

Trending Topics