Whether you want it or not, here’s my tips and tricks for writing . . .
Like turning off spellcheck, using placeholders is another way to streamline your draft writing.
Deep into a novel, I might forget a name or a location. Rather than pausing my writing, I type ‘INSERT NAME’ or ‘INSERT TOWN NAME.’
When I’m done with the draft, I’ll be revisiting it a few times, with my workbook where I tend to collect names and locations and I can correct it then.
But I don’t limit this just to names. I might also need my thesaurus or simply have a word on the tip of my tongue (as they say). I write ‘INSERT WORD’ and then keep writing.
This can be used for other things that you might have to google, like ‘INSERT BEE FACT’ or maybe even ‘INSERT JOKE HERE’ if you’re not feeling especially witty. I’ve even written ‘INSERT FIGHT SCENE.’
I personally find it easier to get as much on paper (or screen) as I can in the time that I’ve allotted for writing. There will be time later to dwell on the details. And you can even search in WORD for those ‘INSERT’ phrases but capitalizing them usually is enough to make them stand out.
Want more writing tips, check back every Last Wednesday of the month . . .
WELCOME TO THE JIREVERSE 