HOW I INCREASED MY WORD COUNT | WRITING HACK

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks so much for watching!! If you have any super power abilities that allows you to write more... share with us! I’m always looking for ways to be more productive!

[@charlottebyrd4967]

Definitely dictation. I use Dragon anywhere on my phone using sprints - 15 min, 25 min and 20 min (1 hour a day)

[@englishnerd5580]

Sometimes the simplest things can get your mind in the groove! I’m not a super fast writer but I go almost twice as fast when I don’t overthink a first draft and just allow it to be flawed. Once I’ve made that mindset shift, I can write way faster!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I’m the same exact way. Just letting the words fly seems to be the key!

[@dawn-coramead9536]

That’s an amazing total word count! I usually get a good word count in if I’m zoned in with music. I try to find music that pertains to the scene/mood I’m writing. The most I’ve gotten in a day is ~6200.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Dawn-Cora Mead music is a must!!

[@kirakiraclover7050]

This works!!!! I got a typewriter for my birthday, and it totally changed my life! No internet, no social media, just the paper in front of me. It's also so satisfying to hear the click-clack of the keys. ^_^

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oooh yesss! A typewriter would have zero distractions!!

[@yanettemantro]

Love this vid!!! I noticed I write more on my iPad. I need to start doing that. I just felt like my computer was better. But now, I’m going to use my iPad more. Thanks!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

oh yay! That makes me so happy!

[@doggiesarus]

You can do the same thing if you just write off-line. Just have a writing program or wordprocessor that you can use offline.

[@narcissamalfoy2666]

I use Pages for my writing. I usually write on my MacBook Pro, but whatever I write on there automatically saves on my Pages app on my iPhone. That way I can write on my MacBook, but when I have to leave quickly, I just save my progress, and leave, and I’ll still be able to write on my iPhone But I am currently saving up for an iPad and an Apple Pen, but it seems like I have to save up a bit more for one of those wireless keyboards

[@Redundant_underscore]

I've had an Alphasmart Neo for 12 years, and have written countless words on it. Not once did I ever lose any data. I feel bad that you had a poor experience with it, because it's been my distraction free go-to for years, and I love that little old school device. Happy for you that you found an alternative, though!

[@hypatia4754]

I find it virtually impossible to lose any data on the Alphasmart. Can´t imagine what she did for that to happen.

[@JohnHighman]

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement! Nice to know all the systems to make it work!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome!

[@lpink75]

So I can't afford an ipad right now, but I have a keyboard. Do you think it would work with the phone if I put it on sleep?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Laura Pink it will work perfectly on your iPhone! When I just have my keyboard I’ve connected Bluetooth with it! The google docs app works the same way on the iPad too. No use spending $1000 on something!

[@MMabieAuthor]

I still use my AlphaSmart, BUT if I can use my phone, this keyboard might be a great alternative! Love ya, Lyra. And congratulations on the stellar word counts!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

M. Mabie you totally can! 😘😘😘😘😘 Google docs app is on android and Apple and works the same way!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

M. Mabie and thank youuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

[@teehryan215]

Funny you say this because a week ago I found I can write easier and faster on my phone using Google docs. My laptop is so cheap and slow that I avoided using it. I'm also a new mum to a 3 month old so, when he's asleep in my arms writing on my laptop is too difficult. Do I still get distracted? Sometimes yes lol but I've written more on my phone this past week then my laptop in months.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yes!! I feel the same way. I think it's something with not having the gazillion tabs open. Glad you're getting all the words. That's awesome! I typically write one my phone during my lunch breaks at work. :)

[@teehryan215]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you! It's going really well so far. I've just recently found you about 48 hours ago and I'm binge watching/listening to your videos! (You're my reward at the end of the night after reaching my word count lol) I've learnt so much from you about self-publishing and writing. A huge thank you!

[@katrinamarieauthor]

OMG! It's like fate. I just started doing this, too. It would take me FOREVER to get 500 words. I've been writing double to triple that when I write on my iPad. Tonight, I'm not evening opening my macbook until I've hit my word count for the day on the iPad.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Katrina Marie oh thank god it’s not just me! Seriously, I’m like, I cannot be the only person who’s figured this out. But it’s been absolutely amazing and I’m not going back!

[@katrinamarieauthor]

@@TheCourtneyProject I literally just started doing it this week and I've already doubled my weekly word count. Even my hubby is like no more laptop for you until your writing is done. lol

[@TheCourtneyProject]

That’s absolutely amazing!!

[@KatieLarsen]

Do you eat lunch?!😂 I use a chromebook flip, gdocs and no apps on the chromebook! Its beautiful and only 10 inches(fits in purse!) Also...I noticed that when I started slotting 30 mins at work first thing when I get in(before everyone else) and TRACKING word count... doubled my weekly count! 💖 it.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Katie Larsen lol, I stop and take a few bites here and there. Somehow by the time lunch break it over, I’ve written and eaten. Multitasking! Haha!! :) It makes such a huge difference tracking.

[@HJBellus]

Love this! Great as always. I'm going to give it a try with Kindle because I'm the Mom that sold all the iPads! LOL...

[@TheCourtneyProject]

HJ Bellus I’m sure it will work fine! :) No tabs!!

[@megankirrmann6624]

18,000 words.....with a day job.....are you feeling better that you are now a full time writer.....cause.....you sound like a rock ✨ ⭐✨!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank youuuu! It’s been great writing full-time!

[@megankirrmann6624]

@@TheCourtneyProject when did you start? Sorry....just wondered.....

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@megankirrmann6624 like as a whole or for this video?

[@megankirrmann6624]

@@TheCourtneyProject as a whole....I am trying to build myself from the ground up..... sorry.....just wondered!

[@shellystar]

So you're not tempted to go into other apps on your IPad? I have a Kindle Fire and I'm always on the internet which is my downfall. I need something that doesn't have have an internet app already installed. I use Scrivener and they only have apps for phones and the screen is too small for my old eyes. Maybe this is why a lot of authors write their first drafts by hand lol

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Nope! Because it’s so inconvenient to go between the apps to me so it allows me to focus!

[@shellystar]

@@TheCourtneyProject Wow! That's restraint. Found out I can get Scrivener for IPad and now I want to buy one. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@meyouandmina5081]

I am so trying this tomorrow, I've been writing slower so hope this will work, plus I already have it all. Dam those distractions 😕 😄

[@satan9487]

Dont have an ipad but i use a samsung tablet and you've just given me an idea!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh yay! Hopefully it works out for you! Should work the same with any tablet!

[@asmrdave980]

what is the brand name of that keyboard?

[@ngtskynebula]

I have a spare keyboard here, though it's not wireless... and I don't have an iPad or some sort of tablet, I wonder if it'll still work out 🤔 Anyway, great video, Courtney! Thanks a lot.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I use my phone when I'm at work. I wonder if you hooked your keyboard to your laptop if that would work. As long as I can't scroll around, I seem to get tons more done. :)

[@ngtskynebula]

@@TheCourtneyProject Oh, thanks a lot! I'll try it.

[@DeepSkyDude]

Great stuff as always! :)

[@briellemclean]

Did you try the Freewrite?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I haven’t tried it. :)

[@briellemclean]

The Courtney Project It's like the Alphasmart but way more advanced and modern. It's actually advertised for distraction free writing. The only downside is that it's really expensive ($600). They have a new model on pre-order now it's the Traveler. This one has a closing lid. It's currently on pre-order for a little over $300. Thinking about getting one for myself. Also great video, thanks.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh, yeah! I know what you’re talking about. I keep seeing Facebook ads about it. I actually have an alpha smart but stopped using it after it glitched and lost my words. The cloud on the iPad is a life saver. Thanks for watching!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh, yeah! I know what you’re talking about. I keep seeing Facebook ads about it. I actually have an alpha smart but stopped using it after it glitched and lost my words. The cloud on the iPad is a life saver. Thanks for watching!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh, yeah! I know what you’re talking about. I keep seeing Facebook ads about it. I actually have an alpha smart but stopped using it after it glitched and lost my words. The cloud on the iPad is a life saver. Thanks for watching!!

[@megankirrmann6624]

Word count....what every writer worries about....well....I do!!!

[@hellopumpkin86]

How do you write 600 words in thirty minutes? It takes me an hour to write that (pen and paper).

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Lots of practice! I'm a fast typer. 😬

[@hellopumpkin86]

@@TheCourtneyProject Do you outline first? If so, how detailed are they? Thank you for replying. :)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@hellopumpkin86 Yes, I do. Each chapter is typically broken up into bullet points of action. I've had outlines that are 5 pages and others that are 15. I think it somewhat depends on the theme of the book. :)

[@hellopumpkin86]

@@TheCourtneyProject That explains A LOT. My outlines are usually just four pages if that. Thank you for telling me. I subscribed! I'll leave an update on how I do with a more detailed outline. :)

[@hellopumpkin86]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you so much again for replying. ❤

[@haroldoduarte1393]

Maybe is a stupid question, but how do you manage to work with somebody else at the same time? Doesn't the book end up with two different "personalities"? 👀

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Our voice is really similar and we do add to each other’s chapters in edits. Most people don’t know there’s two of us. 🤣

[@haroldoduarte1393]

@@TheCourtneyProject that's really impressive. 😁

[@tropetrinitytrilogy8533]

I honestly think might help me, also because I have no self control either! XD

[@TheCourtneyProject]

tropetrinitytrilogy SAME GIRL! LOL! It’s been so helpful. ❤️

[@jazzmineanderson6330]

Can,you update this

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Update it how? I still use my iPad to write.

[@jazzmineanderson6330]

@@TheCourtneyProject Ok. So nothing has really changed sinced then

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Nope, when I want zero distractions from my laptop, I’ll write on my iPad.

[@mikeoxmaul3526]

This doesn't help me a highschool student trying to answer a minimal question with 750 to 1000 words

[@trollstheking2636]

1700 words an hour? The best writers don't even get a paragraph in an hour? Just like this video you talk nothing but dribble.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You should step up your troll game. It’s lacking. Try again.

[@ZelindraArkathius]

5 hours sleep... lmao. I need at least 8.

[@DeepSkyDude]

Great stuff as always! :)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Deep Sky Dude thank you!!!!