5,000 Words Per Hour

1. Micro Sprints: The Foundation of Rapid Writing

"Writing sprints will help you get into flow state on command."

Start small, dream big. Begin with 5-minute micro sprints to build your writing stamina. During these sprints, focus solely on writing without editing or interruptions. This technique trains your brain to enter a flow state, where you can produce high-quality content at a rapid pace. As you progress, gradually increase the duration of your sprints.

Benefits of micro sprints:

• Builds writing consistency
• Improves focus and concentration
• Increases overall word count
• Teaches you to complete projects

Over time, you'll develop the ability to write for longer periods, eventually reaching 30-minute or even hour-long sprints. The key is to start small and consistently improve your performance.

2. Create a Dedicated Writing Space and Time

"Your tortoise enclosure is more than just a physical location, though that is part of it. It's a time and place your mind must associate with writing."

Establish a writing ritual. Create a "tortoise enclosure" – a dedicated time and space for writing that becomes associated with productivity in your mind. This could be a specific room, a favorite coffee shop, or even a particular chair. The important thing is consistency.

Elements of an effective writing space:

• Free from distractions
• Comfortable and conducive to focus
• Associated only with writing activities

Set a regular writing schedule, preferably early in the day when your mind is fresh. This routine will train your brain to enter a creative state more easily when you're in your designated writing space and time.

3. Track Your Progress to Improve Performance

"What can be tracked can be improved, but the inverse is not true."

Measure to motivate. Keep detailed records of your writing sessions, including start and end times, word count, and words per hour (WPH). This data will help you identify patterns, set realistic goals, and celebrate your improvements over time.

Key metrics to track:

• Daily word count
• Words per hour (WPH)
• Writing session duration
• Editing speed

Use tools like spreadsheets or dedicated writing apps to visualize your progress. Seeing your improvements graphed over time can be a powerful motivator to continue pushing your boundaries and increasing your productivity.

4. Eliminate Distractions for Focused Writing Sessions

"Every time you tab out of Scrivener or Word to check the internet, every time you answer a phone call or turn around to speak to a family member, you're setting yourself back to square one."

Clear the decks. Before each writing session, systematically remove all potential distractions. This includes turning off notifications, silencing your phone, and using website blockers if necessary. By creating a distraction-free environment, you allow yourself to fully immerse in the writing process.

Common distractions to eliminate:

• Social media notifications
• Email alerts
• Phone calls and text messages
• Unnecessary browser tabs

Develop a pre-writing routine that includes addressing any pressing matters before you begin. This allows you to focus entirely on your writing without worrying about other tasks or responsibilities.

5. Plan and Organize Your Scenes Before Writing

"You need to organize your scene(s) before you start a writing sprint so that you know exactly what it is you're going to write."

Prepare to produce. Before starting a writing sprint, take time to outline your scene or chapter. This preparation allows you to focus solely on writing during the sprint, rather than getting stuck on plot details or character motivations.

Elements to define before writing:

• Characters involved in the scene
• Setting and time
• Main conflict or purpose of the scene
• Key plot points to cover

Visualize the scene in your mind, like a movie playing out. This mental rehearsal can help you identify potential issues and spark creative ideas before you begin writing, leading to a smoother and more productive writing session.

6. Master Full Writing Sprints for Increased Productivity

"Words per hour is the first and most important metric in the long run."

Build writing stamina. As you become comfortable with micro sprints, gradually increase your writing session duration to 20-30 minutes. These full sprints allow you to tackle larger chunks of your project and significantly boost your daily word count.

Tips for successful full sprints:

• Set a timer and write continuously until it goes off
• Don't stop to edit or revise
• If you get stuck, refer to your scene notes
• Record your word count and WPH after each sprint

Remember that the goal is to produce a large volume of words quickly. Don't worry about perfection – you can refine and edit your work later. Focus on getting your ideas down and maintaining a steady writing pace throughout the sprint.

7. Boost Your Writing Speed with Voice Dictation

"Voice dictation is insanely useful. The average person speaks at between 140-160 words per minute."

Speak your story. Explore voice dictation software like Dragon Dictate to dramatically increase your writing speed. While it may feel awkward at first, dictation allows you to produce words much faster than typing, often doubling or tripling your output.

Benefits of voice dictation:

• Faster word production
• Reduced physical strain on hands and wrists
• Ability to write while multitasking (e.g., walking, commuting)
• Forces you to write without editing

Practice speaking punctuation and formatting commands to make the dictation process smoother. As you become more comfortable with the technique, you'll find it becomes a powerful tool for rapidly generating first drafts and capturing ideas on the go.

8. Efficient Editing: Content Edit and Proofread

"Because editing is easier, my words per hour is almost triple when editing."

Two-phase editing. Separate your editing process into two distinct phases: content editing and proofreading. This approach allows you to focus on different aspects of your writing and maintain a high level of productivity throughout the editing process.

Content Edit:

• Focus on plot, character development, and overall structure
• Add or remove scenes as needed
• Address major narrative issues

Proofreading:

• Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Refine sentence structure and word choice
• Ensure consistency in style and formatting

By dividing your editing into these two phases, you can maintain a higher words-per-hour rate and avoid getting bogged down in minor details while addressing major structural issues.

9. Harness Social Writing and Gamification for Motivation

"Writing socially can benefit you in countless ways."

Compete and collaborate. Engage with other writers through online communities, writing sprints, and challenges. This social aspect can provide accountability, motivation, and friendly competition to boost your productivity.

Ways to incorporate social writing:

• Join online writing forums or Facebook groups
• Participate in group writing sprints
• Share your progress on social media
• Compete in writing challenges like NaNoWriMo

Additionally, use gamification techniques to make writing more engaging. Set up a reward system for reaching milestones, use writing apps that offer achievements, and track your "streaks" of consecutive writing days to maintain motivation and consistency.

10. Cultivate a Growth Mindset for Writing Success

"Mindset. Is. Everything."

Embrace continuous improvement. Adopt a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Believe in your ability to develop your writing skills and increase your productivity through consistent effort and practice.

Strategies for developing a growth mindset:

• Set challenging but achievable goals
• Celebrate progress, not just outcomes
• Learn from criticism and setbacks
• Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded writers

Visualize your future success as a writer to motivate yourself and prime your subconscious to recognize opportunities for growth. Regularly reassess and raise your standards, pushing yourself to achieve more with each writing project. Remember that becoming a prolific and successful writer is a journey of continuous improvement and self-discovery.

Last updated: January 24, 2025