Writing FAST - Jeff Bollow 2012

Email
How to reach lightning speed
The payoff

For me, Daily Pages are a normal part of life. Because in 1992, I became an internet geek.

I bought my first computer and plugged it into the wall. I played hundreds of hours of computer games.

Eventually, I figured out how to plug it into a phone line. It was a new thing called the “Internet,” and it had text scrolling across the page at 1200 bits per second (yeah, way back then!).

The technology fascinated me.

I could connect my computer in North Hollywood, California to a computer in Johannesburg, South Africa, and instantly share information. I was floored! I couldn’t believe it.

I started chatting on the internet, and participating in forums. And without even noticing, I began typing 80 words per minute.

And then I discovered email.

Email is Technology’s gift to writers.

It’s as if email was purpose-built to make writing easier.

Think about it. There’s no pressure to be “good.” You need to write them. You do it daily, so it’s great typing practice.

Over the past three years alone, my “sent mail” folder says I’ve sent 6,578 emails (and I figure that’s only about 70% of them — I delete a lot, too). And it’s mid-April now, and I’m up to 965 already for this year.

When you write that much email, you get faster at typing.

Sure, you can shoot off one-word replies. But why not take the time to practice your writing skills? Why not use this tool every day to apply the FAST System?

Turn it into a habit. Make it your practice session.

Heck, make your email your Daily Pages! You’ll stay in touch with friends and family, and it’ll push you to find new and interesting things to write about.

If you’re not using it — or not using it enough — you’re missing out on one of today’s greatest tools.

Use it. And whenever you do, apply the FAST System.

You’ll get to “lightning speed” a whole lot quicker.