I’ve got a quick story for you before we talking about how you can write better books with the FAST Method.

It’s one of those aphorisms you just smile and nod at while barely paying any attention—until you experience it yourself and then you realize just why it became an aphorism in the first place.

Children say the darnedest things.

And no, I’m not talking about the horrifically embarrassing moment on St. Patrick’s Day when my 5-year-old asked me if the handsome redheaded man in front of us in the checkout line was a leprechaun—what are they teaching them in kindergarten?!

As it turns out, they’re teaching them Spanish.

She goes to a school that focuses on languages but I hadn’t thought much was getting absorbed. In fact, at home we’ve been trying to teach her the same phrase again and again: “Pon tu plato en la barre, por favor.”

But does she understand that? No. (Likely, she’s just ignoring us.)

But then one day, out of nowhere, she sung out, “Pongo mi plato en la barra!!!” and I realized she was learning after all.

Sometimes, you’ve got to forget something before you can learn it.

Forgetting How to Write Better

I’ve recently remembered (ha! previously forgotten!) the FAST method for learning things. And before you think this email is some sort of productivity hack or something, I promise it’s relevant to your writing.

And it all starts with forgetting. Everything.

Every writer, at some point, stares into the abyss of “I don’t know what to write!” and the abyss inevitably stares back at them.

• There’s a dam of resistance blocking all the good words when all you want is to write better books
• All the words you do write feel like garbage
• Imposter syndrome slithers in like the sneaking monster it is
• The vastness of what we’ve set out to write starts feeling… well, too vast

And this is precisely when you need to start forgetting.

---

Pin for Later ⤵

---

For our Fiction Writers to Write Better Books

Imagine you’re building a brand new world, filled with characters, each with their own stories, dreams, fears, and unexpected childhood traumas. And then you hit The Wall.

Get FAST to Get Out:

1. Forget – Let go of your initial plans and allow the story to guide you, even for just a few minutes of writing. This opens up space for unexpected character growth and plot twists and is one of the best ways to untangle plot holes that have been stumping you.
2. Ask – Keep asking “What if?” to challenge the story and characters, exploring new directions that might not have been part of your original vision. What’s the worst thing that could happen to your character?
3. Say – Talk about your story, and any tricky parts, with a trusted writing buddy. Brainstorming can spark new ideas and help you see your story from different angles.
4. Teach – Refine your story by writing out the scenes, incorporating what you’ve learned through the process. This way, you’re teaching the essence of the story, its world, and its characters directly to your readers through your narrative and you’re learning it at the same time!

For our Nonfiction Writers to Write Better Books

You’re on a mission to share knowledge, to enlighten, to change minds, and maybe even the world. But suddenly, you’re stuck in the abyss.

Get FAST to Get Out:

1. Forget – Put aside what you think your book should be about. Instead, focus on the core message you’re passionate about. This allows you to write authentically and connect deeply with your audience and, of course, write better books.
2. Ask – Challenge your own ideas by asking critical questions. What unique perspective do I bring? How can I address my readers’ pain points differently? This can help you find fresh angles and valuable insights.
3. Say – Discuss your book concept and emerging ideas with a trusted colleague or mentor. Vocalizing your thoughts can clarify your message and reveal gaps or new opportunities—brainstorming always works.
4. Teach – I always say that when you write a book, you become better at what you do. This is why. By focusing on teaching your readers, you naturally refine your ideas and present them in a way that’s both informative and transformative. Life-changing!

In a landscape full of thousands of excellent books, standing out as an author isn’t just about writing a book; it’s about creating a journey that transforms not only you but also your readers.

To truly elevate your visibility and sell more books, consider weaving the Heroine’s Journey into the structure and using Book Mapping to make it easy and done-right the first time.

How can you get FAST with your writing?

I’d love to hear what you’re “forgetting” before you start writing today. Feel free to share it in a comment on the blog or in a reply to this email. I want to know which step you’re going to take to write better books FAST. 🙂