2,000 to 10,000: How to Write Faster, Write Better, and Write More of What You Love (edition 2012)

by Rachel Aaron

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Mentions
261	19	106,562	(4.11)	5

I finally bit the bullet and picked up this short book, which seems to have a reputation as a bit of a classic, especially among some indie authors I read/listen to writing advice from. I'm glad I did! I’m currently in the final struggle of finishing my current WIP, and this book really helped me to feel enthusiastic about writing in general. Hopefully, it'll be enough to get me over the hump, even if I take a break before even trying to edit it (frankly, I hate it right now, it's Christmas, and I need to breathe.) I’ve read her original blog post on this topic but there was still a lot of new, useful info here. I like how short it was, because it’s the kind of book I can see myself re reading multiple times for motivation and knowledge when I get stuck. I have a couple of Youtube videos I watch when I feel my writer energy flagging, same thing. I’ve put forth the thesis that writing IS work and sometimes it’s okay to enjoy having written more than actually writing. Rachel strongly disagrees with this, and I see her point. She’s also a publisher author and I’m not, so. I’m going to implement some of her ideas (especially when I’m outlining another book; this book cemented for me what a mistake it was to do a weak job outlining the last 30-40% of my book) and see how it goes. I DO think enthusiasm for what you're doing is so important, and it's easy to overlook your gut feelings when they're mixed with general laziness. I like that this book clarifies that her huge word counts are only possible with lots of writing time, something I just don't have in this season of my life. Still, I know I could be doing more, and working fast does motivate me and helps me to stay in the story. I completely agree with her that stuff written fast can actually be better (not for everyone, but for me, definitely) than things written slowly, with time to "fall out" of the story. Anyway, I definitely think this book is worth a shot if you need some common-sense advice. If you don't feel like spending the 4$ on it (I wish it was a little cheaper, but that's okay. I don't feel ripped off or anything), Rachel Aaron's blog posts will get you started for free. Kudos to her for keeping them up.

Full blog post here. (

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stefanielozinski | Aug 17, 2024 |

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stefanielozinski | Aug 17, 2024 |

I used her spreadsheet method of tracking my writing. Now I have hard data to help me see where I get stuck, where I write my best, etc.

Worth it for that alone. (

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Tom_Wright | Oct 11, 2023 |

Very educational

I enjoyed this. I learned a lot. There was some new information and also had other information reinforced. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a writer or thinking about and working on being a writer/ author.

I will be coming back and rereading and looking this over more in the future as well. (

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Kiaya40 | Jun 19, 2023 |

One of many writing books I read over three months. Useful. (

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Jon_Hansen | Nov 14, 2021 |

The first part is the same as the original blog post, and I found it to be the only helpful part. (

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nobunaga | Feb 1, 2021 |

Actually useful, no-bullshit and water advice! for the people who love lists, color-coding and making plans, but also who can change said plans and know that there is no rules to writing.
If you want short version - author has a blog post on her site, that has info about 2k to 10k writing, book just adds few useful techniques to that. (

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Alevis | May 17, 2020 |

A short, sharp dose of common-sense kick-in-the-pants advice. Having followed the author's blog for many years, I'd already read a lot of this stuff in the original format, but going over things anew always yields new insight, specific to current circumstances. I'm glad I own this one as I imagine I'll be turning back to it again and again for timely reminders. (

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cupiscent | Aug 3, 2019 |

To sum up the lessons in this book: preparation and a firm grasp of storytelling are essential if one wants to crank out words at the pace Rachel Aaron does. Simply sitting down at the computer and typing rapidly won't cut it.

Aaron breaks down her exact process with wit and enthusiasm. Unlike many writing guides – usually ones with a traditional publishing focus – she doesn't act like an irate lord telling the peasants what to do. In an industry with more than a few people who believe they know everything, this pleasant approach is always welcome.

However, much of what she details is common sense, or will already be familiar to authors who write most every day. While it's always good to have a refresher course, reading about how Star Wars is an example of three-act story structure isn't illuminating to me at this point; that's a well-worn example, used in who knows how many other places.

Still, I give this guide four stars for Aaron's clear, personable style and motivational spirit.

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roguehomebody | Nov 13, 2018 |

Excellent and easy read with practical, step-by-step advice. (

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whatsmacksaid | Sep 21, 2018 |

I enoyed this, it was actually quite refreshing . Decent information, well structured, easy to understand, complete with a few laughs. I was able to recognise some of my writing faults and am going to try some of the processes laid it in this book to address them, particularly the sitting down to write and browsing the internet, or looking for a documentary to play in the background, or 'i'll just to a bit of research' issue I have. (

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KatiaMDavis | Dec 19, 2017 |

Good stuff

This novel had great points and ideas. The writer really knows her stuff. What I think it all comes down to is planning. If you've spent the time to plan, then the writing comes easy. But that being said, take the ideas this novel presents and make them your own.

Why the four stars? Many of the ideas presented in this novel were subjective, and that's fine. I do wish how-to novels we're more objective. I don't like a lot of you-can-do-this cheering when I read. Just give me the bones of the how to without the pretty words. (

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LisaRector | Sep 28, 2017 |

2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love by Rachel Aaron is eminently readable advice on how to increase your writing rate from 2,000 to 10,000 per day. Since I'm a beginning author who can barely write 2,000 words per day, I was very eager to read this. The three pieces of advice are 1) plan what you will write each day; 2) Track the number of words and the time you write each day; and 3) Make sure you enjoy what you're writing.

Following all three points of advice, I'm averaging over 4000 words per day, given six hours of writing per day. Rachell Aarons, a successful writer, tells of her own struggles to write and meet deadlines and how she discovered these steps on her own.

The second half of the book Rachel describes her editing techniques. I'm just starting to use one of her techniques: creating a scene chart. It's already helping me on my existing novel. I am a little disconcerted by her writing process at times. Typically, I'll see an entire story arch in my mind and write a series of scenes filling out the plot. But Ms. Aarons plans scenes BEFORE writing. I suppose we have some room for individual variation. (

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jjvors | Apr 4, 2016 |

I was really impressed with this one. It had a lot of simple tips which I think will make a difference. Not only did it have tips for improving your word count, but it also had ways to improve your plotting, and editing as well. All these things make you a more efficient writer. I'm hoping to try a couple out once I get back to work on my project. (

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Distant_Star | Nov 29, 2015 |

This book was rather disappointing. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, it's just that it wasn't great, and I happened to expect much more from the other reviews and comments on it.
The book is divided in two parts, the first of which actually tells you how she upped her word count, the second of which is more of a detail of her writing process than actual upping word count (sure, it's related, but meh).
While reading the process of writing was interesting, it was also rather boring. Neither part brought much new to the table that someone who's been reading "How to write" books or blogs for a while now wouldn't know.

Also, several misspellings and wrong words throughout the book. Could have used more careful editing, you know, being a book about writing and all.

I have to say, I enjoyed the to-the-point approach of [b:Writing Habit Mastery - How to Write 2,000 Words a Day and Forever Cure Writer’s Block|18478318|Writing Habit Mastery - How to Write 2,000 Words a Day and Forever Cure Writer’s Block|S.J. Scott|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385184701s/18478318.jpg|26150466] more as it had no life story to push it through. But I liked that [b:2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love|16080676|2k to 10k Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love|Rachel Aaron|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349974760s/16080676.jpg|21879311] had a few examples of the author's work, and some back story doesn't hurt, sometimes. (

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AshuritaLove | Feb 11, 2015 |

I bought this on the recommendation of several author friends, and am glad I did. I can see where it will be helpful, not only to me, but to my husband, who is also an author. In a way, he is already doing some of this, since getting the program, Scrivener. Outlining the novel, keeping character statistics and such.

I would recommend this book along with Stephen King's book, On Writing. (

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Sirsangel | Jan 17, 2015 |

Picked up a good tip about increasing your word count. Didn't really do all three actions like the author did. I really want to start a word count sheet like she did and fully record my writing. But since I am in the middle of editing my WIP, it's not the same thing as creating new scenes. But will try the tip with my next novel. (

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annertan | Jul 31, 2014 |

A quick and easy read. Common sense advice mixed with specific how-to's the author used to increase her productivity. Takes the writer from pre-writing to editing. Worth reading. (

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carolburnside | May 15, 2014 |

I swear she is in my head...

Great insight and hits all the right buttons to make this writer/geek/efficiency addict happy.

Highly recommend. (

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kaitnolan | Mar 28, 2013 |

This is an amazing book. I don't even know what else to say. It is so practical yet so profound. It has literally changed the way I write. The title actually says it all and Rachel Aaron delivers. It really is about writing faster AND better. This is one I have no hesitation recommending. It is possibly the best book I've every read (at least recently) on writing craft. Period. (

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Tracykrauss | Jan 5, 2013 |

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