New Strategies for Successful Writing

The following is a technique that will radically change the way you write. That's a fact I can guarantee.

As you read this article, the concepts presented will become incredibly obvious. For example, writing has to start with the letters. It may sound simple but I can't emphasize this point enough: It's all about the letters! You've got 26 to choose from and that's exactly where you need to begin.

Step 1: Select and Gather

Start by printing out sheets of letters, leaving enough space between each letter so that it's easy to cut out the individual letters with scissors. This first step in the process is by far the most important. You need to decide which, and how many of each letter you will need to complete your writing project. Don't hold back here, gather more than you think you'll need. When I first started using this technique I would run out of letters constantly. Don't risk looking foolish trying to explain to someone why you can't use a certain word because you've run out of the letter E! Take an aggressive approach to the letter selection and gathering process. It's okay if you end up with a bag full of leftover letters upon completion of your writing project. Admittedly, it's not the most environmentally friendly process but it's better than ending up with an incomplete novella. Plant a few trees if it eases your conscience, but don't sacrifice a successful writing career over your petty idealism.

I would like to take a moment to address a controversial issue that has come up during a few of my writing seminars. Critics of this technique question why it's not possible to simply generate more letters when one "runs out." If you find yourself asking that question I would advise you to stop reading now. This program is intended only for writers with integrity. I mention the issue here as this is merely an introductory summary to the technique, but this topic is unacceptable if you plan on advancing any further in the program.

Step 2: Word Assembly

Once you've cut out your individual letters it's time to move on to the word assembly phase. Start assembling those letters into any words you think you'll need. Use clear tape to hold them together. You can find this tape at most office supply stores, any brand will do, but I prefer the highest-tack option that I can find. This is a time to be decisive, don't be afraid of the permanence represented by that tape!

Here's an important organizational tip for phase two: as you assemble the words lay them out on the floor in alhapabetical order. You don't want the creative flow of the next phase to be interrupted hunting for a word in a disorganized pile. Since implementing the alphabetical system I've never spent more than 12 seconds looking for the next word of my current sentence.

If you've completed Step 2 then I congratulate you. You are now through the most difficult stages of the writing process and ready to move on to the final step.

Step 3: Simple Rearrangement

This is where the fun begins. The process is really quite simple. All you have to do at this point is rearrange all of the words however you like. Put them in the proper order and BAM! You might just have the next Harry Potter novel and suddenly your biggest concern is deciding which airline to choose for your flight to Hawaii. Say hello to Miss Rowling for me as you lounge on the beach. I'd do it myself if I wasn't prevented from doing so by a court order. Just kidding, there are actually no court orders involving me. I enjoy joking with my readers as long as I steer clear of that fine line beyond which lies blatant deception.

You now have the information necessary to take your writing career in a whole new direction. Soon your efficiency using this technique will be as good as my own. Speaking of which, it looks like I will only have 6 unused letters upon completing this article. I'd tell you what they are but then they would be used and this wrap up would make no sense. Ah, what the heck? One of them is a "Y."

Mark Rakocy is an alternative technique specialist. The title is self-proclaimed yet he feels it is valid because he has never met anyone who denies its accuracy.