Are you looking for ways to boost your word count so you can write more? If so, you’re in luck.
In this post, I share 10 quick ways I use to help me write more. So, whether you’re a blogger, creative entrepreneur, or writer, I hope you’ll find something here that helps you power through your next writing project. Let’s get started!
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Tips On How To Boost Your Word Count
#1. Pinpoint your ideal writing time
The time of day you write can greatly impact your creativity, productivity, and word count. Some people find that they do their best work first thing in the morning, while others prefer to write in the evening or at night. I recently attended a workshop at the Kauai Writer’s Conference where Joshua Mohr told us he sometimes writes from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. For me, I love the mornings.
There is no right or wrong time to write; ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you.
If you’re unsure when you’re most creative, try experimenting with different times of day to find out when you have the most energy or when you feel most inspired.
#2. Don’t start without a plan
Many believe that the best way to write is to start putting words on paper and seeing where the story takes them. However, this approach never worked for me.
I find that when I start with a plan, I write more. By sketching out a general idea of what I want to write before I start writing, I save myself a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Of course, your plan doesn’t have to be set in stone. I leave myself room to make changes as I write. Starting with a plan will give you a strong foundation to work from, making the writing process smoother and faster.
#3. Break your writing up into manageable tasks
Many people find writing to be an intimidating task. The blank page can be scary, and it can be hard to know where to start. One way to make the writing process more manageable is to break your project up into smaller tasks.
For example, if you’re writing a book, start by brainstorming ideas and creating an outline. Once you have a general direction, start working on individual chapters. And within each chapter, break the material down even further into smaller sections. In addition, breaking your project into smaller tasks can help you to focus and stay on track.
As you complete each task, you’ll feel a sense of progress and accomplishment, which can keep you motivated to continue working. So next time you feel overwhelmed by a writing project, try breaking it down into smaller steps. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to get started—and to keep going.
#4. Learn how to add to your word count when you’re not writing
One of the most common pieces of advice for writers is to “write every day.” However, what happens when you’re not feeling inspired? Or when you don’t have the time? In those cases, finding other ways to add words to your total can be helpful.
One method is to keep a journal. Writing about your day-to-day thoughts and experiences. Another option is to record your thoughts and then create a transcript. This can be tedious, but it’s a great way to quickly get a lot of words down. Finally, you can always use writing prompts. These can give you a structure to work within and help jumpstart your creativity.
No matter what method you choose, adding words to your total doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little effort, you can easily reach your word count goals – even on days when you don’t feel like writing.
#5. Use timers and alarms
Many writers, myself included, find it helpful to use timers and alarms when they are writing. This can be especially useful if you are working on a project with a deadline.
By setting a timer, you can ensure that you stay focused and don’t get distracted. Whether working on client assignments or writing my next book, I set my timer for 25 minutes. Sometimes, I take a break when the timer goes off; other times, I keep writing.
Of course, it’s important to find the right balance – if you’re constantly checking the clock or stopping to reset your timer, it can actually interfere with your writing flow. But when used wisely, timers and alarms can be valuable tools for keeping yourself on track.
#6. Find ways to hold yourself accountable
One of the best ways to improve your writing is to hold yourself accountable. This means setting regular writing goals and then taking measures to ensure that you meet those goals.
For example, you might set a goal to write 500 words daily and then track your progress with a word counter. Or you might set a goal to finish the first draft of a new story within two weeks and then use a calendar to mark off each day that you write. You could also enlist the help of friends and family by sharing your goals and asking them to check in with you weekly or monthly.
The key is to find a system that works for you and then stick to it. By holding yourself accountable, you will improve your writing and develop the habit of consistent writing, which is essential for any writer who wants success.
#7. Avoid multitasking
For many of us, multitasking has become a way of life. We juggle work, family, and social obligations while trying to stay connected to the ever-present digital world.
However, when it comes to writing, multitasking can be a major detractor from quality work. That’s because when we try to do too many things at once, our attention is scattered and we’re less able to focus on any one task. As a result, we produce lower-quality work and neglect word count.
So if you want to write well, it’s important to avoid multitasking and instead give your full attention to the task at hand. You’ll be surprised at how much more enjoyable and productive the writing process can be.
#8. Block off distractions
Distractions come in many forms when you’re trying to write. Whether it’s the constant pings of notifications from your phone or the sound of new emails arriving in your inbox, distractions can break your concentration. Whatever the cause, it can be difficult to stay on track when there are so many competing demands for your attention.
One way to combat distractions is to create a physical barrier between yourself and the source of the disturbance. For example, because I am easily distracted by my phone, I put it in another room while I write. I also use headphones to listen to instrumental music or white noise to block out the noise.
By taking proactive steps to minimize distractions, I learned how to create an environment that is more conducive to writing and better able to help me focus on my writing.
#9. Don’t forget to show yourself some love
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment when you finally reach your word count goal for the day. Whether you’re working on a novel, a short story, or a blog post, reaching that goal is a real achievement.
But it’s important to remember to show yourself some love when you hit your target. Take a few minutes to celebrate your success, whether it’s with a cup of tea or a sweet treat. And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back—you deserve it.
By showing yourself some appreciation, you’ll help motivate yourself to keep writing and achieving your goals. So next time you reach your word count target, take a moment to celebrate—you’ve earned it.
#10. Practice discipline
One of the most important things I learned when increasing my word count is to practice discipline. It can be tempting to take shortcuts or to allow yourself to be sidetracked, but if you want to see real progress, it is essential to stay focused and on task.
Try to set a daily goal and stick to it. This might mean setting aside a specific amount of time each day to write or writing a certain number of words before taking a break. Either way, the key is to make sure that you stick to your plan.
Another helpful tip is to keep a running tally of your word count as you write. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated. If you struggle to meet your goals, don’t be discouraged; recommit yourself to the process and try again tomorrow. With consistency and discipline, you will find that you can boost your word count in no time.
Conclusion
By employing some of these tips, you can painlessly increase your word count and produce better-quality writing.
Whether you write for pleasure or money, you’ll find that sustaining your word count goals will become easier and more natural. And before you know it, writing more words will be second nature.
