How to Write Fast

by David A. Fryxell

Provides techniques on problem-solving, concentration, organization, speed and creativity and examines other writing processes step-by-step to cut wasted time and effort

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

Reviews

[A.J. Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to write a few notes on this me thinks. Bought at a second hand book shop it was a bargain (and had evidently been unread; it still had the receipt from 1993 in its crisp pages).
There are chapters you'll skip these days. 1993 internet was modem dial up and not used for research. There's chapters on libraries and Dewey Decimal system, and what to buy computer wise (dot matrix printers and funny software) which are quaint.
But the sections on writing are excellent. And for £1 I can't complain.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deals mostly with journalism and nonfiction, but the general principles apply for all types of writing. There's also some incredibly dated advice in here (unsurprising, as it was published in 1992), but the basics are pretty sound.

[Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide to the business of organizing and executing - very GTD-esque in its way. The star loss is purely from his emphasis on using the library for all information purposes - the Internet is relegated to an appendix. That's not Fryxell's fault, per se, since he did write this in 1992 - it's just remarkably dated.

This particular book is out of print - I have heard tell that Fryxell is revamping it for the Internet age. Stay tuned!

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best buddy who encouraged me in my writing career bought me this book at the start of my professional writing career.

Following Fryxell's system, based in discipline and organization, I published about 400 articles in my first two years.

[Jessica McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book and have re-read it many times during my writing career. It is packed with practical, insightful advice for fiction and nonfiction writers alike. When I worked as a magazine editor, I made this book required reading for my editorial staff. I highly recommend it for all writers.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good advice.

[Ryan Petty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated but good. Pre-Internet.