Writing FAST - Jeff Bollow 2012

The reader’s journey
Make your idea specific
Focus

Think of your writing as a journey for the reader.

When I sat down to organize this book, I knew I wanted to take you through the FAST System. I knew I wanted to give you a section for each of the phases. One for Focus, one for Apply, one for Strengthen, and one for Tweak.

But, really, what’s the best way to present that?

I could’ve been intellectual, and shown you all the underlying scientific motivations for every phase. I could’ve bored you silly. (If you think it’s already boring, you should see what I’ve cut!)

Or I could’ve been extremely sparse. I could’ve presented a whole book of checklists and point-by-point instructions. Do this first. Then do this. Then this. Then this. But I believe there’s way too much variety in writing. It’s too personal. What you write needs to come from you. No cookie-cutter approach is going to be effective.

So I’ve opted for a very specific alternative. In each chapter, I’m trying to take you through the idea of the chapter. I want you to feel like you’re inside the idea. But your journey should be practical, too. So I summarize with “5 easy steps” so you can put the idea into motion.

I’ve written it this way because I believe it’ll help you feel it. And if you feel it, I think you’ll be able to do it.

Does it work? I dunno. Only you can be the judge.

But as the writer, you’ve got to take your best guess. Focus on the reader’s journey. Design the ride you think will get your idea across most effectively.