WritingThoughts

What comes to mind as the most unusual writing tool you’ve ever used? Maybe a unique book, or an unusual pencil comes to mind. Maybe you’ve even used an antique typewriter or quill pen.

I’ve discovered something a little bit different to help me with my writing, however. It’s the timer on my Microwave. That’s right, a kitchen timer.

How does a kitchen timer help you write, you might ask. Well, it’s like this. I’ve been looking for ways to write my web content articles more quickly. You see, the more efficiently I write, the more I can earn. This is true of all writing, but it is especially true for writing web content.

Now, typically when I sit down to write I might start an article, write for fifteen or twenty minutes, and then find myself distracted by other tasks. I might find myself caught up in extra research. I might even find myself distracted by small chores around the house. I do a couple of those other tasks, and then come back to finish the article.

These breaks in my writing slow me down and cause me to earn less. That’s where the kitchen timer comes in. The articles I write average about 500 words. To earn my keep, so to speak, I need to be able to produce an article in approximately 45 minutes.

I can do it. I’ve done it. I know it’s doable. It just doesn’t always happen. Or, at least it didn’t always happen before I started using the kitchen timer.

Here’s how I use the timer to increase my writing speed. I initially set the timer to 30 minutes. Just knowing that I’m writing against the clock helps me stay on task. When the 30 minute timer goes off. I set the timer again for 15 minutes. I use these last 15 minutes to wrap up the article.

I tried it today and it works like a charm. I got my article done in less than 45 minutes without yielding to any distractions.

Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.