Writing FAST: How to Write Anything with Lightning Speed

Writing FAST

by Jeff Bollow

Special Introduction to the Ebook Version

Let’s cut to the chase.

You’re here because you want to write something.

Or because you have to write something.

Either way: I’m going to show you exactly how to write better than you’ve ever written — faster than you ever thought possible.

How?

By demystifying the writing process. By turning it into a simple, step-by-step system.

Once you learn the simple steps, you’ll move through them quickly and painlessly. As you master the process, you’ll begin to write intuitively.

Here’s how it works:

FAST is an acronym. It stands for Focus, Apply, Strengthen, Tweak — the four phases of this writing system.

In the Focus Phase, you focus your ideas into a plan. You explore all your ideas and shape them into a powerful roadmap that will guide your writing.

In the Apply Phase, you apply that plan. You use your roadmap to blast words onto the page as quickly as possible, so stray ideas won’t derail you.

In the Strengthen Phase, you strengthen what you’ve written. You analyze your writing objectively and map out a rewrite that transforms your work into exactly what you want to say.

In the Tweak Phase, you tweak the read. You fine-tune your words to grab the reader’s eyes and pull them down the page, so your work reads fast.

As the whole process snaps into place, you’ll fly through the steps as a process — as if the entire system were one big step. You’ll turn new ideas into quality writing with surprising speed.

And because it’s a system, the more you use it, the faster and better your writing becomes.

A Universal Process

A lot has changed in the 8 years since this book was written.

Facebook and Twitter changed the way we connect with one another. The iPhone and iPad put the world’s knowledge at our fingertips everywhere we go. Ebooks went mainstream and transformed the publishing world.

But you know what?

Absolutely nothing has changed with the writing process.

In fact, the process is the same today as it was thousands of years ago. It’s the same in every country, in every language, with every project, for every writer.

Think about it. What is writing?

It’s the process of turning the ideas in your head into words on the page so that when a reader reads your words in a different time and place, the ideas in your head will appear clearly in their head.

No matter what you’re writing — books, blogs, screenplays, emails, or even a doctoral thesis — the process is the same. You have to focus your ideas, apply them to the page, strengthen until they’re solid, and tweak for impact.

The tools and techniques you use may change. The distribution format might evolve. The type of writing may have a different purpose.

But the process will always be the same.

This book is about the process.

It’s about getting your ideas into your reader’s head... fast.

How to Use This Book

This book has only one rule: Don’t just read it.

Do it.

Writing is experiential.

And no one can teach you an experience — it’s something you need to go through in your own way.

You can’t learn how to write by reading about it. You actually have to write. Physically. Like, sitting in the chair and banging it out. Even when you don’t want to. (Especially when you don’t want to.)

So in this book, I’m going to guide you through the experience — the experience of the system, which is by default an experience of the writing process.

I’ll explain how the system works, and then I’ll prompt you to do it.

In the first 3 chapters, I’ll give you background info and setup, to prepare you for it. In the last 3 chapters, I’ll snap it all together with a big payoff, so you can get the most out of it in the real world.

But in the middle — the 12 chapters at the heart of this book — is the system.

Each of the 4 phases of the writing process (Focus, Apply, Strengthen, Tweak) gets 3 chapters. At the end of each chapter are 5 Simple Steps.

Do those steps. The chapter content helps you understand them. The steps themselves are the actions to take.

There are two ways to do it. I suggest deciding upfront which way you prefer, and then sticking with it throughout the book:

1) Read the book completely, to understand how it works and how all the pieces snap together. When you’re finished, go back and apply the 5 simple steps to a real-world writing project.

Or:

2) Read the book as you write something. Preferably, use a short-form writing project (like an email or an article or short story) just to get the hang of how the system works. You can apply it to a long-form project (like a book or screenplay) afterwards.

But be warned: If you choose the first option, you will intellectualize this process. Since reading is intangible, the ideas will exist only in your mind. It’s like trying to learn the piano without ever tapping the keys. If you do that, you may find this book to be chatty or wordy, or you might get hung up on some of my metaphors, or the way I write.

But if you do the steps, the explanations make more sense because you unlock the hidden layer of this book — your experience. You personalize it and make it tangible.

And it will transform the way you write.

Please don’t consider the book finished until you’ve physically taken a writing project through the steps. These are not just words on a page. They’re a prompt to action.

A Quick Word About My Style

As you can see, I’ve written this book in a conversational tone.

There’s a reason for that.

I’m assuming you’re like me — or like the thousands of writers from around the world that I’ve had the privilege of teaching.

I’m assuming you write reluctantly.

Most of us struggle to write. We often stare endlessly at the blank page. When we do put down some words, we second-guess them. And ourselves. Sure, sometimes it flows effortlessly (and in those moments we love writing), but most of the time, it’s just hard. It’s a chore. It’s painful. But in the back of our minds we know if we don’t do it, it won’t get done. So we put pressure on ourselves to be good and to hurry up, and it scares us and frazzles our nerves!

Sound familiar?

Of course it does. We’re all in the same boat. Writing can be scary. You’re putting yourself out there.

So here’s my thinking:

What if a friend could guide you through the experience? Wouldn’t the whole thing be a lot less daunting? I think so. And I’ve chosen this conversational tone in order to be that friendly guide for you.

I’ve tried to write this as if I’m standing right next to you. Looking over your shoulder with a smile.

I’ll speak casually. Use sentence fragments. Paint word pictures. Probably even get a little silly at times.

But I’ll encourage you. Maybe even inspire you. And I hope to absolutely convince you that you can do this.

Sometimes I’ll get so excited myself that you may think, "Oh come on. Does this guy really feel that way? I don’t buy it."

Yes!, I really feel that way! I promise I won’t use any exclamation points I don’t mean.

See, here’s the thing:

I want you to write. Seriously. My efforts are wasted if you don’t.

And I know you can do this. (If I can do it, you can.) I want to push you through whatever procrastination, fear, self-doubt, or hesitation is holding you back.

If I can get a little philosophical for a minute:

I really believe that every man, woman, and child who has ever lived (or will ever live) has something valuable to say. I believe that you exist to share what’s in your mind. You have experiences no one else will ever have — which give you an imagination no one else will ever see. I believe the rest of us need you to share it. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, whether it’s a huge novel or a mid-term report or a tiny email, I believe that when you share your ideas, my world can be better. Because ideas spark ideas. Yours could have a far-reaching impact, in ways you can’t possibly predict while it’s still spinning in your head.

But if writing is hard, you might not do it.

And that’s not okay.

So my job here is to simplify it, make it easier, and help you do it fast — so that we can all benefit.

And I don’t mind looking a little goofy, if that’s what it takes.

FAST and the Lightning Bolt

I chose the FAST acronym for a very specific reason:

Great writing reads fast.

Let’s be honest. Nobody will ever care how fast you got the words onto the page. Your reader only cares how fast it reads. And it only reads fast if it’s fluid, dynamic and powerful writing. FAST helps you achieve that.

But FAST is also about writing fast. Make no mistake about it: I want to close the gap between your thought speed and your writing speed. The closer you get to writing at the speed of thought, the more pure your communication will be.

The human mind is an extraordinary organ.

Your brain is made up of a hundred billion neuron cells. Each one has up to ten thousand nerve endings, called synapses. When you have a thought, millions of tiny electrical impulses fire across these synapses to connect those neurons with other neurons in massive integrated arrays.

It all happens in a fraction of a second. And in the next fraction of a second, you’re off to the next thought, with different neural arrays lighting up.

Think about that.

Your ideas are made up of trillions of little bolts of lightning.

Our goal is to harness them. And put them on the page.

Our goal is to put those bolts of lightning into the mind of your reader.

If I’ve done my job effectively in this book, my ideas will be clear in your mind. And they will empower you to use the FAST System to capture your ideas, and write anything you imagine with lightning speed.

I hope you enjoy this ride. I hope you take action. And I hope you share your imagination.

May it light up the darkness.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What Are You Talking About? * A Brilliant I...dea * Dazed and Confused * A Whole New Approach * The Whole World Sings * What’s Inside (And What’s Not Inside)

The Setup

1 Why Write FAST?

What’s in Store for You in this Book * What’s in Store When You’re Done * What Do You Want to Write? * Writing FAST Versus Writing Slow * Couldn’t Possibly Be Me * The Battle for Time * Your Chance to Change the World * It’s All Communication * Simplifying the Complex * And so...

2 Why You Hate Writing

It’s Okay, You Can Admit It * Excuses, Excuses * Meet Your Brain * Everybody’s A Critic * Your Head is Faster than Your Hands * The Idea Factory * Two Different Worlds * Judge, Jury and Executioner * I’ll Get to It Late * And so...

3 Meet the FAST System

The FAST System Overview * Why You Need a System * Three Definitions * Invent a Deadline * What’s the Big Idea? * The First Priority * Break it Down into Chunks * Master Talktation * Twist it All into Shape * Sharpen it Into a Fast Read * And so...

Focus

Turn Your Idea Into A Plan

4 Capture Your Idea

The Objective of this Phase * The Elusive Idea * One Single Sentence * Get Excited About It * Use Your Fear to Find It * Nail the Real Idea * Let Ideas Spark Ideas * The Great Storm * Capture Your Idea in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

5 Make Your Idea Specific

How to Make an Idea Specific * The Best Demonstration * Jump In * Create a Preview * Setup and Payoff * The Reader’s Journey * Test it Out * Make Your Idea Specific in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

6 Attach Your Lightning Rod

The Lightning Rod * Create a Power Grid * Broad Strokes to Micro Strokes * Decide the End Result * Do a Little Math (Just a Little) * Structure and Chunking * Fill in the Details * Lightning Rod Boosters * Your Focus Plan in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

Apply

Turn Your Plan Into Words

7 Talktation: The New Art of Speed Writing

The Objective of this Phase * What is speed writing? * Connect with Your mind * Keep Up with the Lightning * Introducing Talktation * Talk it Onto the Page * The Speed of Your Keys * Talktation in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

8 Harness Your Idea Overflow

Non-linear Overflow * Too Many Ideas * Personal Interference * Focus on the Road Ahead * Throw Your Ideas in the BIN * Grow the Idea Tree * Recycle for a Boost * 5 Easy Steps to Harness the Overflow * And so...

9 Ride Your Wave to the End

A Different Kind of Wave * Chunking Pays Off * Write to Your Checkpoints * Find the Optimal Flow * Take Breathers * Perfection is a Headspace * Riding the Wave in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

Strengthen

Turn Your Words Into Gold

10 Inspect What You Have

The Objective of this Phase * Inspect from a Distance * Nothing Personal * Feel the Overall Effect * The Logic of Your Work * Your Rhythm and Flow * Missing and Redundant Ideas * Your Problem List * Inspect Your Work in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

11 Decide Which Way to Go

The Big Decisions * Grade Your Writing * The Stack Test * When to Re-Focus * When to Research * When to Edit * When to Tweak * Create a Strengthen Plan * Decide Which Way to Go in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

12 Amplify for Maximum Effect

One Step at a Time * The Stages of Revision * Control the Outcome * Clarity and Impact * Cutting, Blending and Rearranging * Fix and Move On * Objective Feedback * Strengthen on 20 Minutes a Day * Amplify Your Writing in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

Tweak

Turn Your Gold Into Speed

13 Sharpen the Speed of the Read

The Objective of this Phase * The Philosophy of Tweak * Control the Ride * Macro, Micro, Sentence * The Words on the Whole * Impact Points * Beyond Instinct * The Speed of Emotion * Sharpen Your Read Speed in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

14 Techniques that Command Attention

Spice and Variety * Visual Imagery * Metaphors and Analogies * Suspense and Anticipation * Placement and Emphasis * Time and the Temporal Shift * Show Don’t Tell * Command Attention in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

15 Quicken and Polish

The Fine Print * Spelling and Grammar * Paragraphs and Length * Sentence Construction * Vague, Cliché, Unnecessary * The Importance of Doing this Last * Knowing When to Let Go * Quicken and Polish in 5 Easy Steps * And so...

The Payoff

16 The FAST System in the Real World

The Battle Against Time * Short-form Writing * The Long-form Writing Problem * Life’s Little Distractions * Motivation and Procrastination * Customizing FAST * FAST Means Fast * The FAST System on 20 Minutes a Day * And so...

17 Squeeze the Most Out of FAST

The Mental Pre-Flight * Quickly Break Down Anything * The Idea is the Key * Flexible Deadlines * Some Phases Will Take Longer * Fall in Love with Words * No Comparison * Learn to Type * And so...

18 How to Reach Lightning Speed

Practice Makes Perfect * Always FAST * Daily Pages * Email * Hardwiring Your Brain * What is Lightning Speed Really? * And so...

Epilogue

And so...

More FAST to Come * The Second Edition * A Word About My Teaching * Beyond Writing FAST * Final Thoughts

About the Author

Reference Chart

The FAST System Step-by-Step

A step-by-step chart showing each phase of the system, each movement within that phase, and the 5 Easy Steps of each movement.

More Information

embryo films

(publishing division)

PO Box 300

Artarmon NSW 1570

Australia

embryo-films.com/publishing

writingFAST.com

First Edition

Copyright © 2004 by Jeff Bollow

All worldwide rights reserved. No part or whole of this book may be reproduced in any format, whether physical or electronic, in any media whatsoever without express written permission of the author.

Jeff Bollow hereby asserts his moral rights to be identified as author of this work.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry

Bollow, Jeff.

Writing FAST: how to write anything with lightning speed.

ISBN 0 9752139 0 3.

1. FAST (Writing system). 2. Writing. 3. Authorship.

4. Motion picture authorship. I. Title.

808.066

First printing (Limited Edition), May 2004

Second printing (First Edition), August 2004

Manufactured in Australia

Writing FAST, the FAST system, FASTscreenplay, FASTscreenwriting, and Talktation are trademarks or registered trademarks of embryo films and FASTentertainment

for those who see beyond

what is already here

may this help you show us

what you see

Thank-you

To Missi, for your incredible support and encouragement, and for your love; you are a truly beautiful person.

To Dad, for your patience and belief, and for your friendship; it helps in ways that even fast words can’t describe.

To my students, for teaching me more than I ever taught you; please get off your butts and apply this stuff.

And to you, the reader, for taking this plunge; you make my efforts worthwhile.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.

—Aristotle

Introduction

There’s only one reason I’ve written this book. And it’s found within this introduction. If you don’t grasp that reason, you’ll still be able to use the FAST System to write anything with lightning speed.

But you’ll miss the whole point of the book.

So I’d ask you — please — to read the introduction. Every story needs a context. This is the context for the FAST System.

And I promise you this: The FAST System, when properly understood and applied, will revolutionize the way you write. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it works.

But I never wanted to write it.

What Are You Talking About?

In fact, if you had told me just one year ago that I’d be writing this book (and writing it in 8 weeks, no less!), I would have laughed. And probably walked away from you.

A year ago, I was disillusioned. I had become something I specifically did not want to become. I had become a respected and highly-regarded screenwriting teacher. Or, as one of my students put it: the screenwriting guy.

God I hate that.

Don’t get me wrong.