Good Writing Takes Time

 

There are a lot of writers out there who believe they must or that they should be able to write everything super-fast. It’s almost as if having this ability to write everything faster than the average writer makes them stand out. From writers challenging themselves to bang out a 50,000-word novel in one week by writing 10,000 words a day to writers promising to meet a deadline for their article by the next day, these writers feel that being able to get work done in record time makes them more desirable or competent.

 

However, if you want to write well, you should give yourself the time to write well. Don’t try to force the words or the story in order to finish writing a project really fast. Don’t try to rush it. (Trust me, your readers will know if your writing seems forced.)

 

As frustrating as it can be for some writers, it takes time to write a good article, a good story and a good book. For some writers, it may come naturally to write something fast, because they have been writing for so long that they have a good grasp on how to get their work done in good time. These are the writers who can easily get their work done quickly – and still be able to produce good work.

 

For other writers, they may need some time to write that first draft or to even finalize their fifth draft. That’s perfectly acceptable!

 

Good writing takes time to write. If you try to rush through the writing, you might miss something or make mistakes. You might end up with something poorly written or a story lacking depth, characterization and good description. I have come across many published stories that are obviously first drafts. They contain many mistakes and are poorly written. I couldn’t help but wonder if the author felt rushed to write this story and get it out there. Your readers may end up thinking the same thing if you don’t give your writing the time it requires to be written, revised and edited.

 

If you are a writer in such a situation where you do have to write something quickly (such as a news reporter), then remember how you were taught to write. Stick to your training. Write the best piece you can and go over it carefully before submitting.

 

If you are a writer with a deadline, then get to work on your assignment as soon as you can. Try to write your first draft as far away from your deadline as possible so that you have the time to go over it. Use the days leading up to your deadline to continue to research your piece and complete interviews so that you can add them to your work as your deadline moves closer.

 

In the event you have the time to write, however, then give yourself the time you need. Go at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you start struggling with your work, then step away from it in order to figure it out while doing other things. Write it as often as you can, yes, but don’t try to force it.

 

It can absolutely make a writer a more desirable candidate for work if they are able to write fast, but what you want to be able to do is produce good work. What matters the most is that you are able to produce good writing, even if it takes a little time to write it. Give yourself time to write and your work will turn out better for it.