Writing FAST - Jeff Bollow 2012

Customizing FAST
The FAST system in the real world
The payoff

Now, even though I think the FAST System is fantastic, I’m a realist. And I know that in the real world, you’ll run into things you don’t like about it.

Maybe a Speed Plan in the Tweak phase just doesn’t work for you. You might prefer to go through and tweak as you’re reviewing everything.

Or maybe the Focus phase actually gets in the way of your writing, or takes away some of the magic. Instead, maybe you prefer to just start writing. You like to see where spontaneity takes you first.

The FAST System is not a set of rules.

If anything, it’s designed to help you through whichever part of the process is slowing you down.

Don’t assume the Focus phase won’t work for you. Or that the Speed Plan is a wasted step. Try it out as written first, and see how you like it. Put it to the test.

But at the end of the day, the FAST System is a guide. And I want you to customize it to your own taste. What works best for you will always help you write faster and better.

Never fight this system. It’s helpful and intuitive. But if any part of it doesn’t work, skip it and move to the next step. Make it the AFST System, if you prefer. Or the ASFT System? I still think FAST works best, but writing is a deeply personal thing.

However those sparks come out easiest, let them out!

You’ll get better and better the more you write. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve watched people go through metamorphoses —from novices that take months to string a few average words together, to solid screenwriters that move through their work quickly.

Whatever helps you get there — use it. Build onto FAST. Incorporate your own techniques. If you’ve got one you’d like to share, let me know. Maybe I’ll share it with everyone else who’s reading this book.

The point is, FAST is a solid system. But it’s flexible. Rigid rules get in the way of good writing.

Break free, instead.