How to Speed Up Your Writing

If you're a writer who visits forums about writing, then you may have noticed one discussion topic cropping up again and again: How long should it take to write an article? Which is then usually followed by various people boasting how it takes them half an hour to write a 500-word article, with images.

Which makes me wary of the article quality - who can research and write a 500-page article in half an hour? Do they revise their writing or do they just post? Are they talking about blog posts or third-person articles? Agreed, an expert on a field who has done topic and image research previously could write a clear article off the top of her/his head. But otherwise I'd say don't worry about how long it takes . Do the best job you can with proper research, quotes and images and worry about improving your speed later. It'll follow naturally. And nothing is as rewarding as getting praise for a well-researched and helpful article.

But there are a few ways to speed up typing: learn useful keyboards shortcuts and special character shortcuts that you use often, for example when you write in or about a different language. Here are a few articles of mine on the subject:

• Keyboard shortcuts for writer
• Typing special German letters fast
• Typing special Spanish letters fast
• Decoding text messaging lingo - for sms use only, don't write articles in sms short forms

Happy writing!

Oh, by the way, that beautiful picture above is of Molokini Crater in Hawaii - it's a snorkelers' and scuba divers' paradise. It is one of the best pictures I've used this week; it was for an article I did on submarine volcanoes - check it out if you would like to know more.

And in case you were wondering - it took me about 60 minutes to write this post, including spell check, image, links and revisions.

Getting Paid as a Freelance Writer

One topic I'll keep coming back to in this blog because it's so central to freelance writing is getting paid. I couldn't say it better than one of the writers on Freelance Writing Jobs, one of the most helpful blogs for freelance writers out there: "There are only two types of freelance writers: Those who have been stiffed and those who will be."

Truer words were never spoken. If you belong to the lucky group who has not yet been left unpaid after a gig - brace yourself, the client will come along who thinks that you might not be interested in getting paid for your work.

I belong to the group who almost got stiffed. I took on this job back in September and from the beginning, I had a feeling about it because the way the project was organized (not at all) and the way it was approached (unprofessional) made me want to back out. But, back then, work was scarce and I took it. I did a good job, finished almost a week before deadline, submitted my invoice and waited. And waited. Checked back after a month - send me your invoice again. Did that, checked back after two weeks. The client hasn't paid yet. Checked back the following week, nothing.

After two months, I suggested I'd contact the client directly. Suddenly, the client had paid. Send us your mailing address, we'll send you a check. My mailing address is of course located on top of my invoices, but never mind, I sent it again. And waited. Checked back after a week. The client made out the check to us, the middle men. We'll make out a check soon, it'll reach you any day.

So again I waited for my check, without results. Now, I sent an sms, inquiring if the check may have been lost in the mail? No, we haven't sent it yet. We're having a cash crunch at the office. I dryly remarked that I could relate to that. They were really sorry but - no money.

Finally, three months later and into the new year, I did something I usually don't: I referred to personal circumstances and how my life got affected by not receiving the money. It was a last resort because reasoning (work done, invoice raised, follow-up, reminders) had failed. And, would you know it, one week later, I had a check! I say "a check" because they sent me half the money. Remember, their cash crunch?

What do you do in that case? Of course, I was happy to have gotten something but I also wanted to close the chapter with this client. First I cashed the check, then I waited a bit, and then tried yet another avenue: contacts. And this finally work. Another four weeks later, I have received a second check with the other half of the money. Hallelujah!

So, I guess what I have learned is that

• don't write off money that is owed to you so easily,


• be polite yet persistent,


• try different ways of contact (phone, email, sms),


• evaluate your approach and try something new.

Good luck to anyone chasing money out there!