Triple your WRITING SPEED with these 4 steps

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

STUFF I MENTIONED: Dictate app for Mac: apps.apple.com/bb/app/dictation-speech-to-text/id1124772331 5k WPH Spreadsheet: www.chrisfoxwrites.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/5kwph.xlsx 5k WPH by Chris Fox: amzn.to/3w4nxWx 2k to 10k by Rachel Aaron: amzn.to/3PrYAed

[@denniszenanywhere]

I wonder how safe and private this dictate app is.

[@SylviaDziuba]

I actually found the last step to be the most helpful. I take forever writing my books, because I'm constantly re-writing what I've already written ... CONSTANTLY! Over and over again... So, the idea of printing out the manuscript as you progress through your first draft is just AWESOME!!! I'm about to start on my next book, so I'll definitely incorporate this as I write. Thank you Michelle :)

[@luisaah5707]

I love painting. And that is very true. I go from light to dark and from light shapes and focus later on the next details.

[@jennfischetto]

This is me. I've never liked the writing stage. Brainstorming, plotting, outlining, even editing = yay! Love them! But those first words...complete dread. Thank you for this!

[@readingdino711]

I think this video just saved me a few weeks because I finally started my dreaded detailed chapter outline, aka draft 0 of my book. I wouldn't write it if I didn't know for sure that I was going to get stuck without it.

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

Regardless of feelings, FASTER and BETTER words puts the food on the table faster, PERIOD. 😊

[@alaskau9175]

Good content. It's interesting you're learning to draw. That's like pro athletes training with other sports than their primary one. Plus, I've found that when I'm stuck on a scene storyboarding it, drawing it, frees me up.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I would love to get to the point where I can illustrate scenes from my stories!! That does sound like a fun way to beat writer's block.

[@richardn3387]

With a background in software, iteration is how it's done. The first step is to throw it together, see how it works. And then making it faster, making it more clear, making it look good... all done afterwards. Sometimes it's rewritten from scratch. For wtiting, people expect to sit down with a blank page and churn out Shakespeare or Atwood or Chandler in one shot.

[@johnparnham5945]

I like your way of thinking. It's often the thought that comes first and the feelings will follow. It's good psychology. It ' not easy at first but it's worth it.

[@BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily]

This video is so great. I could go on for weeks about how great this video is. Seriously. I’m incredibly proud of you. I think changing your mindset about how you feel about drafting was such a HUGE step. Our mindset has such an impact, it makes ALL the difference in the world. 🥂

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Aw, thanks Lisa!! Yeah, the mindset shift was the biggest thing. It's helped so much.

[@RichardHolliday]

Hi Lisa! I know, that "catching your thought" thing was the lightbulb moment for me. I think that whole "blank page syndrome" and expecting words to emerge perfectly on first draft is a major reason we as writers can dread the draft. Gamechanging advice from Michelle! 💡

[@Avionne_Parris]

Oh gosh, this was so helpful, Michelle! I've been looking for ways to triple my writing speed so that I can get some projects done. Honestly, first drafts are difficult for me for a number of reasons. One, I have a hard time letting go of the fact that the prose flowing out of fingers and onto the keyboard isn't the bestselling, award-winning prose that's flowing in my mind. That disappointment gap is tough to recover from. Some have an inner critic, I have an entire committee of critics! I always have to convince myself that I'm dumping sand in the sandbox and will create the epic sandcastle that will shutdown the sandcastle community when I can edit later. Editing is my fave part of the writing process btw. Two, I tend to get stuck in one of two things: Either the creative parts of my story that have NOTHING to do with the story (Canva enneagram graphics or avatars of my dream cast) OR research parts of my story that can be used in the story but is basically stalling so I don't have to write anything. If there's nothing on the page or on the screen, there's nothing to criticise. Three, finding time to write has become SO difficult in my household when I'm stuck babysitting my nephew almost every night for two years! I've addressed it with my family but they've fallen on deaf ears. I can't even go outside in the backyard and write while nephew runs around or rides his bike since my relative who's not supposed to be on our property (and is the person solely responsible for our ongoing legal property battle) invites strange people over and I don't want nephew and I to be held ransom or face potential danger in our own backyard. Nowadays, I write after hours when nephew is asleep but I'm usually so tired since I've been dealing with him after an 8 hour work day so I usually end up watching Netflix or KZbin which is basically numbing out. But I'll try to watch something along the lines of my WIP so at least it can count as "research". Furthermore, I'll try waking up early in the mornings or during my work lunch breaks to see if I need to adjust my writing routine time. I'm on vacation for a week starting tomorrow so I definitely want to hit the ground running with my WIPs. Thanks, Michelle! Hi Rosa :-)

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That frustration that the prose on the page isn't the prose in your mind is exactly why I never finished the first draft of my first book idea! I'm so glad you're reminding yourself that editing always comes next. I wish I had some good advice re: your nephew...that sounds incredibly frustrating. I think watching a show that will keep you inspired and motivated on your own project at night (instead of forcing yourself to write when you're just exhausted) is amazing. You are SO committed to your writing, Sio! It's inspirational!

[@Avionne_Parris]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Thanks, being a writer is my life-long dream so commitment is the key. I have a personal mission statement that I look at anytime I feel like giving up on my writing dream: "I am a writer. Not because I want to be rich in life but because I want to enrich the lives of others."

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

@@Avionne_Parris That is beautiful!

[@melindagallegan5093]

What happens if you don’t look after your nephew? Would his parents be forced to step in once they realise they can’t keep taking advantage of you? Apologises if this sounds heartless but I have noticed how quick people are to take advantage of you, but we try to get them to reciprocate that, they either ignore you or get very offended.

[@Avionne_Parris]

@@melindagallegan5093 His father isn't in his life much which is why my mother (his grandmother) and I try to help out his mother (single mom, she-wolf pack vibes). But yeah, they either ignore me or get offended. And poor nephew sometimes suffers because of it and I feel bad because my heart is so big and I care which is how I end up back where I started. I appreciate this comment though 🙂

[@therealannataylor]

This is AWESOME. I’m about 6 weeks postpartum and while I was pregnant I really couldn’t write. I got into a few drafts but after about 20k I always left it alone and couldn’t get past the 25(ish)% point in the story. But now that I’m not pregnant anymore and finally feeling more creative I want to try some of these and see if all around having a better attitude towards it will help. I don’t want this to be a year where I don’t write anything 😕

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

You've got this, Anna! I'm so happy you feel like your creative energy is coming back. Experimenting and playing with your routine/method can be a lot of fun - keep me updated on how it's going!

[@lisaverweij8806]

Wow!! I got the audiobook, and found your masterclass on skillshare! It's amazing!!!! I've got 7 a4 pages of notes on three of my characters from postulates to arcs and then I used your outline video to finish plotting. I've never gotten this much work done in a day!

[@starriousinventor]

😍THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU I am so relieved that I have only started Ch1 of my book, will be incorporating this into my routine! I have a suspicion that even though I write 'better' at night, I MAY be more productive in the day... who knows? Maybe this night owl is a day owl.

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

I've always had fluctuations in my time to write. At the moment its the wee hours, other times its been midday, others into the night. It changes and you gotta go with it!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Same here! I feel like over the last decade, my ideal writing time has slowly shifted earlier, from night owl to afternoons at a cafe to crack of dawn, haha

[@starklingspars8956]

Good advice. Thanks Michelle

[@joer1402]

You are my new favorite writer/coach! You got me thinking I could actually do this and I am working on my series again.

[@chillgamingchannel1283]

The posititve affirmations are definitely helping me realise the truth of what I am telling myself. Great step 1! :)

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Wonderful! So happy that's helping! :)

[@billyalarie929]

Haven’t seen your channel in a bit, but I thought about it today and thought I’d see what you’re up to. Good update!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Hey, thanks! :)

[@grimreads]

You haven't re-watched X-Files until you dream of Tooms. Great video Michelle

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

LOL so true!!!

[@cassie_hart]

I love the idea of experimenting with things! This has given me the kick in the pants I needed to change things up a bit.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

So happy to hear that, Casse! :)

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

Michelle's method is completely different from mine - I doubt I will ever be able to dictate, except if I'm discussing the book with someone else, and I don't outline except in my head. But listening to other people's methods is fascinating. And I bet this help someone. Lots of someone's. I write it all long hand and then put on Scriviner or Microsoft, generally. I keep forgetting to mark my writing sprints vs my typing . . . I'm curious at how fast I can write vs type.

[@RichardHolliday]

Michelle this was a fantastic video, thank you for making it. Catching that thought and experimenting with my routine are the two big hitters I'm definitely going to be trying to consciously take on board, but this is all golden advice. I love the "printing my writing for the day to see the stack grow", that's almost magical and tangible. I try to leave myself some bullet points at the end of a session/day with the random thoughts for what's next so it's not such a "cold start" when I next open the document!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, Richard! The thought thing was huge for me, seriously. I love your bullet point idea - that's awesome! Anything we can do to make the next session easier to jump into is A+

[@stagename2]

Love your energy. I always feel encouraged.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm so glad! :) Thanks for watching!

[@writerbyday]

I really appreciate this video. I’ve been feeling this way for a while and this feels like the perfect guide to sparking back that interest to write. Thanks for sharing!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching! :)

[@markphillips7538]

Really great advice. I've been trying to find a revision and planning strategy that works for me and this has helped.

[@Sharkuterie327]

Wow, I needed to hear all of this. You have no idea how helpful all these tips are for the slog I’ve been in while trying to write. 😅 Thank you!

[@rosalynransawbooks]

Recommending Otter as well! I hate how Word automatically stops recording after a bit of silence, and also Otter adds punctuation which is nice. I typically dictate a scene and then when I add it to my draft I do some edits and bulk it up some. I just use the free version which is like 10 hours of dictation/month

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I tried Otter last year and I can't remember why I stopped! I think I still have an account, so I might have to give it another shot.

[@OwnYourPowerTV]

So helpful! Thank you so much.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kylawapshott460]

This came at just the right time! I've been in a total writing slump for the last month and I've realised it was because I started editing a draft from earlier in the year and it needed MAJOR developmental edits, which basically means drafting whole new chapters. So instead of editing, like I thought I would be doing, I was back to drafting which felt like a step backward and I didn't want to do it. I'd forgotten that it doesn't have to be perfect, I just need to get the words done. Thank you Michelle :)

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

YES! That's exactly it, Kyla! And FWIW, I've found that the books that I've rewritten always come faster than the books I have to revise heavily. You've already written a draft - you know this story, this world, these characters SO well. Writing all those new scenes is going to be so much easier than it was the first time!

[@cybilmallory]

I use otter on my phone for dictation and it works really well. You get like 500 something free minutes a month I think? I like dictation on my phone so can dictate anywhere or I can lay outside without looking at a screen. :)

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I've heard a lot of good things about Otter! I'm so glad it works well for you!

[@j.s.elliot7121]

I _loved_ 2kTo10k and reread it at least once a year. I don't write nearly as much as she does per session, but it does help smooth out the process. Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with Dragon (I had heard such good things about it, too!), but I'm glad that the other software is working out.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

It's such a helpful, quick read! Definitely one I'm going to go back and read again and again.

[@kanashiiookami6537]

So glad you were able to get your money back! Yikes.😬 it's insane the difference in price between that and the $17 one, but man that bit you mentioned about writing in a word/name and getting the app to recognise it would be so nice! (I have way too many fantasy names or alternate spellings, and even fantasy languages to be able to dictate my stories. Even though that would make transcribing those series I have in binders so much easier, no way I'd want to pay over $100 for only a year's subscription. I am really hating on subscription services when things used to be a one time only fee.😩) I love the bit about watching things to help with your writing. Though I find, for myself, I have to avoid it so I won't question whether I took more than inspiration from something. (Thanks to self doubt and imposter syndrome) So I've been watching and reading/listening to things outside of the genres I'm currently writing and finding a lot of good stuff. (Diana Urban' s YA mysteries are an awesome read I get done in a day. And the audiobooks for the Diviner series that I think you read an excerpt of in one of your videos? January LaVoy is an insanely good audiobook voice actress, the way she brings Libba Bray's words to life. 😍) Anyway, I've rambled more than enough. 😅 Good luck on finding a dictation app/program that does all you want/need it to do! And I hope the rest of your week is a great one.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's exactly what I was thinking with Dragon - it's perfect for fantasy writers! And yes, I'm with you. I'd way rather pay a (larger) one time fee then a subscription. Oh man, I LOVE the Diviners audiobooks! You're so right about January, she's phenomenal. I hope you have a great week too, K!! :)

[@michaelhunter2136]

Nice drawings!

[@shante3]

Awww for some reason I didn’t get your newsletter! 😭

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Oh no!! Did it maybe go to your Promotions folder, or spam? :/

[@wordcharm2649]

I always learn something new from you, Michelle. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm so glad! Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@PaulRWorthington]

Very helpful tips, thanks! I have to work on #s 1 and 4. My problem is mindset. I enjoy the writing -- all of it, worldbuilding, outlining, drafting, and revising -- but still, everyday it is too difficult to actually *get started.* I do used some meditation and affirmations to get going, and they help... until I quickly develop the same reluctance to do them that I have for starting to write without them. It's a quandary.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I know that feeling, Paul! It sounds crazy, but I swear - telling yourself "I'm excited about sitting down to write," even if you don't feel that way and you're basically lying to yourself...if you do it enough, it works. I think the reason is because the only reason we feel dread about getting started is because for so long, we've had the thought "I am dreading getting started." If you force yourself to have a new thought about it, eventually your brain catches up!

[@PaulRWorthington]

Thanks - I will add that specific line to my short affirmation - or just try it on its own.

[@giseledute]

Thank you so much!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Glad it helped! :)

[@ISOShakespeare]

This came at the right time for me. I'm struggling with the last book of my murder mystery trilogy. I think it's because I'm also doing final edits on book two. Edit brain does not play well with drafting brain. I'm going to try dictation. Maybe I just need to change things up. BTW I am enjoying your newsletter. I look forward to relaxing on Sundays and catching up with your process and progress and doggie updates!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm so glad this was helpful! Please let me know how dictation goes for you - I really hope you love it. And thanks so much re: the newsletter! It's been a lot of fun to put together! :)

[@reginaduke7451]

OMG, I need to call Dictate's customer service too. I subbed to Dictate Anywhere, then discovered it only works on phones and pads. I'll call tomorrow and see what I can straighten out. Meanwhile, I discovered a separate Speech-to-Text app on my MacBook. It lets me talk much faster than Siri ever did. That's a plus. The minus? you have to reactivate the app every 30 seconds. BUT the app makes a distinct sound so you don't lose anything you're dictating. Another plus: I copy the dictation and paste it to my Pages book file. I'll use dictate if they can transfer my sub to my iPad. But I'll keep using my Mac App on the laptop. :D

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Okay so another comment just alerted me to this, and I'm curious to see if it works for you - in System Preferences/Keyboard/Dictation, set a shortcut command. I tried it and now I can dictate into anything, including this comment right now. It's working really well and so far it hasn't shut off, even when I pause for a long time. I'm going to test it out on my sprints tomorrow and if it works as well as I think it does, I'm going to feel like a fool for having bought any app at all!

[@reginaduke7451]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Oh cool! I will do this! :D thank you!

[@RichardHolliday]

On the subject of dictation, did you know that Word Online can transcribe audio files you've previously recorded (as opposed to "live" dictation)? Might be worth having a look at if that helps.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I hadn't heard of that but I'll look into it! Thanks, Richard!

[@nejohnsonbooks]

You don't need to use a special app for dictation, it's built into every mac product for free. You can set it up in setting->keyboard->dictation and set it to activate with a special key press (I set mine to double tap the 'fn' key) then you can use it right inside any app that uses text like notes, word, or scrivener. I also spent $20 on an ok app before discovering on some forum that it was literally just a custom ui on top of a built-in feature.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Does it cut off after a certain period of time, and can it keep up with a decent speaking speed? I tried the free dictation features in Word and Google Docs for a long time but they cut off/froze too often.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

(That said - I'm going to activate this and check it out, and thanks for the rec!)

[@nejohnsonbooks]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor I haven't had any problems but I tend to stop a lot to think on the next line, or redo a last line.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

@@nejohnsonbooks Well I just tried it out and I'm feeling like a fool - it works great! I'm going to give it a shot tomorrow for a longer writing session. Thanks again for the tip!

[@reginaduke7451]

I added 5,000 words this weekend! Go team go. #writeclub

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Yes!!! That's awesome, Regina!!

[@RichardHolliday]

Amazing, Regina! 😁

[@elf1709]

What if you have windows or mobile. No Apple or Mac. Dictation on Google doc cuts out.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

There are a lot of dictation apps for Windows! Actually, Dragon is supposed to be excellent for Windows (they discontinued their Mac version).

[@elf1709]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Have you tried Lily Speech

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

@@elf1709 No! I've never heard of it.

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

How about copying the dictation into Pages?

[@lisaverweij8806]

Nice!!! Got the audiobook, here's hoping it gets my ADD in gear!

[@PermaPen]

I use Dragon too - and always upload to Google Drive. Never had a problem in that respect. But, have recently found it behaving very oddly, rubbish speech interpretation, so stopped using it. I suspect that may be wifi-related, though.

[@stagename2]

“Come to Jesus moment” 😂

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's what it was! LOL

[@Neil-writer-author]

Have you ever tried milwordy-writing a million words in a year?

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Yup! I tried it last year and got (I think) around 650,000 total.

[@Neil-writer-author]

That’s a lot in a year. I may try it.