Want to take your writing from ‘meh’ to magnificent? The secret isn’t just writing more—it’s writing smarter with deliberate practice. A targeted, goal-driven approach that helped me improve and might
I haven't much experience with Notion. - When I wrote fiction, I used Scrivener, too. One thing that helped me with writing fiction, was writing pieces of it out by hand. It made me aware of punctuation, how to do dialogue properly, etc.
That's interesting. I've heard a number of people say what a difference writing longhand can make. There seems to be more of a direct connection from your brain to your hands when doing it that way. Personally I prefer to type - especially as I'm left handed and my handwriting and spelling are atrocious.
I've also heard a lot of people expounding on the benefit of copywork, that is copying out passages from books longhand as a study aid. Again this is supposed to help deepen the connection between reading, and understanding and helping you to internalise the work your copying / studying.
Again it's not something I've tried personally but I have taken to using Notion to keep notes that I've typed in whilst reading text books and I find that helps a lot with the retention of information.
I used to use it for copywriting and after hearing about it on a podcast and gave it a go. My thinking, as I did it, was that I was writing in proper grammar and punctuation and it made me slow down and pay more attention to word choices and layout. I'm left-handed too, so I'm with you on that one. But I think it also helps you get into the head of the author as you're writing the words they did. - But maybe that's a bit woo-woo.
Maybe it’s the slowing down aspect and allowing your brain to process the words you’re reading and then sending the signals to your hand to write that allows them to build a deeper connection?
Whatever it is - writing by hand is a different beast to typing (and dictation).
Hmm 🤔 now I’m thinking I have several journals that I’ve never used (given my handwriting it seemed such a waste - and also I ALWAYS have my phone with me and use that (with Notion) as my primary journaling tool), maybe I should reconsider the hand writing part for ideation
Just seconding this one. If I'm really stuck longhand works for me too. I used to write everything longhair first but I can go in straight and type most things these days. I use a remarkable for this and editing. Editing I export to pdf, scribble all over it and then make the changes back in scrivener.
Love that. I totally get it too. It took me about 13 years to figure out how to write a book and during that time I wrote three that I sincerely wished someone else had written.
Pacing is a biggie for me too. I repeat bits because I've tried them in several places and forgotten to cut some out, or because I've done it two ways and can't decide which one to cut because they're both funny. Or I leave big holes where I've forgotten to say stuff. There are a handful of folks who act as eagle eyed beta readers, they help, and I had the most wonderful editor who taught me a massive amount as well.
I haven't quite got my head round what notion does and I suspect I lack the tech savvy to make it work but your set up sounds brilliant.
I haven't much experience with Notion. - When I wrote fiction, I used Scrivener, too. One thing that helped me with writing fiction, was writing pieces of it out by hand. It made me aware of punctuation, how to do dialogue properly, etc.
That's interesting. I've heard a number of people say what a difference writing longhand can make. There seems to be more of a direct connection from your brain to your hands when doing it that way. Personally I prefer to type - especially as I'm left handed and my handwriting and spelling are atrocious.
I've also heard a lot of people expounding on the benefit of copywork, that is copying out passages from books longhand as a study aid. Again this is supposed to help deepen the connection between reading, and understanding and helping you to internalise the work your copying / studying.
Again it's not something I've tried personally but I have taken to using Notion to keep notes that I've typed in whilst reading text books and I find that helps a lot with the retention of information.
I used to use it for copywriting and after hearing about it on a podcast and gave it a go. My thinking, as I did it, was that I was writing in proper grammar and punctuation and it made me slow down and pay more attention to word choices and layout. I'm left-handed too, so I'm with you on that one. But I think it also helps you get into the head of the author as you're writing the words they did. - But maybe that's a bit woo-woo.
Maybe it’s the slowing down aspect and allowing your brain to process the words you’re reading and then sending the signals to your hand to write that allows them to build a deeper connection?
Whatever it is - writing by hand is a different beast to typing (and dictation).
Hmm 🤔 now I’m thinking I have several journals that I’ve never used (given my handwriting it seemed such a waste - and also I ALWAYS have my phone with me and use that (with Notion) as my primary journaling tool), maybe I should reconsider the hand writing part for ideation
Just seconding this one. If I'm really stuck longhand works for me too. I used to write everything longhair first but I can go in straight and type most things these days. I use a remarkable for this and editing. Editing I export to pdf, scribble all over it and then make the changes back in scrivener.
That’s very clever. Thanks for sharing.
Love that. I totally get it too. It took me about 13 years to figure out how to write a book and during that time I wrote three that I sincerely wished someone else had written.
Pacing is a biggie for me too. I repeat bits because I've tried them in several places and forgotten to cut some out, or because I've done it two ways and can't decide which one to cut because they're both funny. Or I leave big holes where I've forgotten to say stuff. There are a handful of folks who act as eagle eyed beta readers, they help, and I had the most wonderful editor who taught me a massive amount as well.
I haven't quite got my head round what notion does and I suspect I lack the tech savvy to make it work but your set up sounds brilliant.
Good article with a lot of resources 👍
Thank you 🙏