The ability to write quickly and well is essential for success in biomedical research. There is a constant need to produce protocols, grants, manuscripts, letters of recommendation, lay summaries, abstracts, and other documents, along with the high volume of professional emails requiring a response. Fortunately, writing is a skill that develops rapidly with regular practice.

Writing is Not Editing

Writing is the process of generating text, of getting words on the page (or screen). Editing is the process of polishing existing text. The two are distinct activities that require a different type of mental attention. Therefore, it is a mistake to edit as you write. You’ll become overwhelmed more easily, and waste time switching tasks.  When you sit down to write, just write, knowing that you can edit what you have written later. Your task when writing is simply to generate as much text as possible.

Getting Started

The best way to start a task is to just start. If jotting a few notes down to outline your thoughts works, do that. If you can only think of one thing to write, write that. If you need to start in the middle of the document, start there. If you are at a complete loss, start with a sentence stating what you are attempting to write, like “This is the first sentence of an abstract for the 2025 Conference on [Topic]”. Force yourself to sit and generate words for a minimum length of time. Twenty minutes is a popular choice, as it is long enough to accomplish something but short enough to not be overwhelming. If you find that you have more to write at the end of the set time, but not time to write it, quickly jot down notes for yourself so you’ll be able to jump right back in the next time you have availability. 

A Daily Writing Practice?

Having a regular time that you sit down to write, no matter what, is a very good habit to build. It allows you to make steady progress on a variety of projects, and minimizes feelings of overwhelm. Some people prefer to do shorter chunks of writing daily, for example, 20 minutes starting at 10:00 am each day. Others work better with longer chunks of time, like 45 minutes first thing Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Try both and see which strategy makes you the most productive. Remember the goal is to get words on the page, not to edit or polish them. You are simply trying to get documents started. If you fall out of practice, simply start again. The most productive writers write consistently over a long timeframe. The goal is to make writing a habit that you engage in regularly. 

Speaking your first draft

For some, speaking comes faster than writing. Speech to text programs can work fabulously for these people. They also can be a great tool in breaking yourself of the habit of constantly editing while writing, as editing via speech is exceedingly tedious. If you are curious, give it a try. Dictate a paragraph while walking around your office. Take voice notes as you think of things you want to include in a writing project throughout the day. Use the technology available to your advantage.

Books on Writing

If you are curious about how successful writers write, many writers have written books describing their writing process. My two favorites are On Writing by Stephen King, and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Both emphasize the importance of making writing a habit, and the need to focus on writing first and editing later.