Writing for five minutes non-stop works better for non-fiction. You pick a topic, break it down into 10-15 chapter ideas; and then break those down into 2-3 subtopics. Research as needed; and then write non-stop for five minutes or so on each subtopic. Then go back to tweak the subtopics and unite them into chapters; and then join the chapters together to create a nonfiction book with seamless chapter transitions and an overriding flow. **
For fiction, think of the hook, the premise, and whatever else pops into your head. Consider the “Trailer Moments”: The iconic moments that stand out and would thus appear in the trailer for the movie if your story, novel, or especially your screenplay, becomes a movie. Knowing you have Trailer Moments helps you focus on what’s important.
Figure out a basic structure to the story. Outline as needed. And then write. Write like the wind! When you really get into the writing; and everything’s flowing, you’ll find yourself writing for a lot longer than five minutes. I’ve had entire days slip by while I wrote. Woke up while it was still dark outside; and then wrote until after sunset. With minimal eating or other breaks. That’s when it’s fun. When you write and lose track of time.
The other fun time is after you’ve finished the first draft. The write non-stop, don’t edit yourself, first draft. And then you go back to edit. But you think of something super dee duper that’s organic to the story, fits perfectly, and improves everything. Improvements that fit are fun!*** Especially funny improvements that fit; especially if you’re writing a comedy.
Keep writing. Best to you with all your creative endeavors.
Blessings & Joy,
* See Writing Advice for Part 1.
** Nick Daws: “Write Any Book In Under 28 Days”. 2004. An informative. engaging CD course that advocates writing in spurts of five non-stop minutes.
*** See “I Love the Tweaking Stage!”.
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