language

I’ve been writing a lot more than usual lately. I like it. In fact, I love it. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t. Things we do regularly seem to get easier every time. There are a few things I’ve learned to do to make writing go faster and better:

1. Get main ideas down quickly, in the fewest words possible. If seemingly unrelated words trigger some idea for you, then do that. Whatever it is, just get everything out.
2. Then, just write, write, write.
3. Seriously, don’t stop writing. Every little thing, write it down. I cannot emphasize this enough!
4. Do not erase anything. If you must, strike out ideas with a single line
5. Explain why the subject is important
6. Reveal any biases—be as transparent as possible
7. Edit, edit, edit. Edit some more. Sleep. Edit again.
8. Chop as much out as possible while maintaining your original meaning and intent

I’ve got three main places I write. When at my computer I use a program called xPad (Mac only). It has a dock that lists all the documents I’ve written, auto-saves as I write, spell–checks, and has a word–count. I’m sure there are alternatives for other operating systems. If I’ve got internet access, I use gmail or Google documents to write and save whatever it is I’m working on. The third place is in my notebook/cards. I always have my notebook or a stack of notecards held together by a binder clip. I jot down my ideas so that I don’t forget. If it’s not written directly in xPad, it eventually gets reviewed, transfered, and elaborated upon later when at a computer.

Writing by hand—unless for a thank–you note, personal letter, or the sensuality of ink on paper—just seems like a huge waste of time and energy. Don’t get me wrong—I love to do it—but writing research papers and blog entries require a bit more organization and flexibility. And that’s because I edit the fuck out of almost everything I write. I’ve tried to write rough drafts by hand, then revise by hand, and type them out once completed. It just doesn’t flow as easily. I can’t cut and paste ideas from one location to another; I can’t copy a quotes quickly and reference their sources; I can’t write at almost 80 words per minute by hand. I’ve considered learning shorthand to do just that. Perhaps I will, but until then, I’ll stick to my computer when possible and appropriate.

Writing is a necessary tool, not just as a student, but as a professional. Be it for a designer or internet-based crafter, the ability to communicate adeptly through written word is an undeniable asset—and one that I strive to continuously hone.