Review of "5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter" by Chris Fox

(Please note: All book reviews are unsolicited and unpaid. The reviews represent the viewpoint of the reviewer alone and are offered as an aid to other writers.)

(Book Review by Kathy Akins)

5,000 Words Per Hour
Write Faster, Write Smarter
By Chris Fox

The author discovered the first part of 5k/hr system by accident in 2009 when he took a job as a customer service employee at a local credit union. He would write between phone calls–usually in 2-5 minute increments. He never allowed himself to go back and edit what he was writing and the word count quickly became 1,000/ day. He kept a word count log and watched it grow to 2,000/day. Now 5 years later (when this book was written) it could reach 5,000/day. The best part of this system is that you see immediate progress.

Chris breaks his system down into several parts that start small and build on each other. Here it is in a nutshell:
• Writing Sprints – This is a predefined length of time where you will do nothing but write. There is a clearly defined begin time and end time. Set a timer and writer until the timer goes off. Begin with 5 minutes and build up to 30 minute sprints each time.
• Do Not Edit.
• GOAL – to get you into a flow state where your brain naturally focuses on an activity you’re good at to the exclusion of all else.
• This teaches you  three things – You learn to complete projects / You begin to see things at a larger level….such as common problems that reoccur over and over, character tics, etc. / You learn story structure
•  Figure your WPH by multiplying the word count for 5 minutes x 12 = WPH
• Tortoise Enclosure – A sacred space where your mind is primed to enter the creative flow. A time and place where your mind will associate with writing.
• The key for a successful author is consistency. You need to establish a writing habit and practice it the rest of your life.
• A space where you do not do other activities is recommended.
• Set boundaries – both physical and time. Write as early in the day as you can. To quote Mark Twain, "Eat the frog or he’ll croak at you all day." Write before the pressures of the day begin to mount.
• Track Everything – Anything that can be tracked can be improved on.
• Set up a spreadsheet – Date / Words / Sprint Type / Start / End / WPH
• You may want to add Edit and Written
• Clear the Decks – Make a list of things that typically distract you from writing – add a column labeled solution
• Organize Your Scene – Save yourself from staring at a blank screen by creating a general plot.
• Protagonist? Antagonist? Major conflict between them?  What is the Epic Ending?
• Set up a timeline – use the 3 Act example – Inciting (Interruption in Protagonist’s life) 1st Doorway (World will never be the same) 2nd Doorway (Final confrontation with the Antagonist begins). Now ask Why?
• When do characters appear? Time and place of each scene? Major action? Goal? Emotion? Purpose?
• Planning is your best friend if productivity is your goal
• Increase Your Speed – Better typing or Voice dictation
• Fast isn’t always bad – Master writing quickly, and then master the rest of your craft.

Write your entire novel first – then edit. The process should be:
• Content – Chapter by chapter ( add new characters or change something fundamental about a character during this edit)
• Proof – Grammar and Spelling

Biggest killer of a writer's creativity is burnout. Combat burnout by using:
• Reward System
• Set realistic goals and keep it fun.
• Write socially – online forums or writing groups

Mindset is everything.
• Become Positive – You are the sum of your closest friends.
• Start networking with the kind of people who have the kind of success you want. They will support you and nurture you.
• Raise your standards – Of friends / Mindset / # of words
• Make sure your standards are higher today than they were yesterday.
• Visualize what you want as if it has already happened.
• Write down where you want to see yourself in 5 years.

I recommend this book. ***** stars.