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Testing out popular (FREE) writing hacks

There are a lot of writing hacks floating around, tips that are supposed to increase your writing productivity. Well, I tested them, and here are my thoughts:

1. Use Comic Sans

Let’s be honest. When we were in primary school, we typed EVERYTHING in Comic Sans. However, as we got older and more professional, Comic Sans appeared childish and we stopped using it.

Ask anyone what the most unprofessional font is and they’ll probably answer: Comic Sans MS

However, earlier this year the idea of using Comic Sans when writing your first draft started popping up and now, a lot of writers are swearing by it.

So, did it increase my productivity?

YES

I started writing a scene in Comic Sans and I wrote about five pages in like 30 minutes. The words just flowed. I don’t know why this font increases writing productivity, but if it works, I don’t really care why.

So, I would 100% recommend trying Comic Sans for your first draft. Remember, no one’s going to see it. And it’s pretty easy to change back to something like Times New Roman once you’ve finished a scene.

2. Dictation

I’ve heard a lot of professional authors rave about how much time they save by dictating their first drafts. However, a lot of dictation software and microphones are quite expensive. So, I tried the free alternatives at my disposal.

The latest version of OneNote, which comes included in a lot of Microsoft Office packages, now has a dictation feature. I know this isn’t technically free, but it was for me, since I already have Office installed. The OneNote mobile app is free, but I don’t know it is has this feature. And I just used the built-in microphone on my laptop. Google Docs also has a dictation feature, I think, but I haven’t tried it yet.

So, does it work?

The accuracy is surprisingly good. I dictated about three paragraphs this morning and only one or two words were incorrect. Also, OneNote’s dictation doesn’t allow for speaking punctuation, which means you’ll have to add these after the fact. Additionally, few people actually write in OneNote, so you’ll have to paste the text into your document.

Overall, this could be great for someone whose hands are tired of typing or who cannot sit at a desk any longer than their job already requires. However, it doesn’t really increase productivity. This may just be me, but I take longer to think up good sentences when I have to speak them. Then, I have to go back and add punctuation marks and correct some words. And then paste it into my draft document. It’s easier to just write it from the get-go.

However, some authors say that it just takes getting used to. So, maybe if you’re more of a verbal/audio thinker and don’t have your hands available at all times, this is a good hack for you. I just don’t think I’ll be using it much. 

3. Writing sprints

This has been around for quite some time, but I only really started using it when I attempted Camp Nanowrimo during my test month. Essentially, writing sprints entail setting a timer for somewhere under an hour and then just focusing on getting as many words written as possible before the timer goes off. There are many published authors who swear by this.

So, does it increase productivity?

Yes. Firstly, it pushes you to write when you wouldn’t have in other circumstances, since it allows you to utilise even the smallest free periods. Have an hour between classes? Find a flat surface and do a writing sprint. Have to study all evening? Do a 25-minute sprint before you start. Secondly, it also helps you get more words down in that time, because you don’t have to worry about what you have to do next or whether your writing is any good. All you focus on is producing as many words as possible before that timer goes off.

So, if you’re a busy person, try using writing sprints here and there to increase your productivity.

4. Writing groups

Many authors enjoy the camaraderie and accountability that comes with writing with a lot of other people, whether it be in a physical space or an online group. There’s a set time everyone in the group will be writing and you keep one another company, checking up on one another’s progress and sharing motivation.

Does it increase productivity?

Not for me. This is largely a personal thing, but I actually get less writing done in the presence of other people. I’m more anxious. I get distracted by other people’s comments. And I constantly find myself wondering when the session will end. To me, writing is a solitary thing. I work best holed up in my room with no one around and no one leaving online comments about their own writing. Yes, I love checking in on others’ progress and sharing my own on Instagram, but only after my writing session has finished.

However, you may find that writing groups work for you. Maybe not being alone is just nicer for you, regardless of whether you get more words down or not. So, this one is definitely dependent on the individual.

5. Background noise

Some writers create signature playlists for each of their WIPs. Some write specific scenes to specific songs. Others use white noise or instrumentals. But it’s clear that writing with some form of background sound works for a lot of authors.

Let me start by saying that I cannot get any work done when listening to music with lyrics. So, I didn’t even try this. Instead, I tried fantasy instrumental playlists on YouTube, rainymood.com and ambient-mixer.com 

Does it work?

Sometimes.

If I’m writing a fight scene, listening to epic battle music will help me write it faster. I write at my best during thunderstorms, so rainymood.com definitely increases my productivity. Ambient mixer offers a huge variety of ambient sounds to listen to, ranging from scary woods to driving with the Winchesters. “Quiet library” on ambient mixer helps a lot when I have to study, but not really when I have to write. So, yes, in certain instances, background noise helps me write faster. But, mostly, I enjoy writing in silence or with natural, real-life sounds around me.

Once again, this is purely personal. Regardless, I can definitely recommend the two websites I mentioned above.

So, that’s all I have for you today. I hope that these “reviews” can help you decide which writing hacks will work for you. Remember that my asks are always open for creative writing questions, and that post submissions are always welcome!

Reblog if you found this post useful. Comment if there are any writing hacks you’d like me to try out in the future. Follow me for similar content.

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Maturity is realising that other people are not mind readers, even those who love you. It’s on you to reach out, talk about how you feel, and to explain yourself. ​Everybody is busy living their own lives and is caught up in their own issues & problems, amidst all that you can’t expect them to magically be in tune with your every need and emotion. Communicate.

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What are your characters insecure about? Sometimes the most iconic traits/quirks of a character are their insecurities. You can learn a lot about a character based on how they manage their insecurities or how they respond to another character’s insecurities.

Write about what makes your character feel insecure and how these insecurities developed.

Write about how your character tries to hide, embrace, or work on their insecurities.

Also, write about how your other characters respond to the person’s insecurity—do they find it silly and make fun of the person for it, or do they encourage the person and love them even more because of it?

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Chloe X Halle for Garage Magazine (2017)

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Real growth starts when you’re tired of your own shit

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Just think: stick to your plans, and in 6 months, you might not even recognize yourself.

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Photo: Artist Nicholle Kobi “Chai Latte”

Taken from Pintrest

THE CURIOUS HEART

Major sips her tea battling with her mind on how shallow of a person she is. Why can't I have my cake and eat it too? Attraction and Connection is a double negative for me. Either he is a hot hershey kisses sex magnet, built like a Kofi Sirobe with muscles bulging from his chest, and a smile that's so sweet it'll have you melt on Que. Sounds too good to be true, Welp it is because he is a narcissist, egomaniac ready to feed you lies and bullshit on the regular. On the other hand this kind, sweet, gentle soul magnifies your spirit. He speaks the truth, expresses his joy and worries. He provides a meaningful conversation that leaves an everlasting impression. An exhilarating feeling, but I can't allow myself to accept this man for who he is. Attraction is a BITCH! I earn to engage in inconsequential conversation that’ll send eurphoric signals to my brain. My soul needs to be lifted up not by your touch but your essence. I crave to lust for you due to the thought of your masculine built, gentle face, and your aroma. This intoxicating feeling, ohh how I must obtain. Should I change my approach? Does attraction trump connection, of course not but what's a connection with little to none attraction. Continues to sip tea...

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Naomi Campbell by Herb Ritts / 1992

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When in Cuba 🌺 (I’m really the tissue on the ground tho)

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instead of telling girls that they’re all beautiful, teach them that their worth is not tied to their looks

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don’t let your creativity die from the lack of support

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I don’t know who needs to hear this but your fears, your lack of self esteem and your self doubt will be your downfall and you will never ever get where you want to be in this world if you don’t let them go.

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I just want to travel the world with the love of my life that’s it

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The sun glistens over the mountaintop, spreading light over the vibrant, colorful colonial architecture that sits adjacent from one another. The buildings engulf the mountain adding character to those who live among them, and the orange and yellow umbrellas stand tall waiting to become occupied on the beach. The silent waves rush towards the onlookers on the beach while the man kicks his feet and sway whichever way the ocean see fits.

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