Typing is an essential skill for writers. In this digital age, both established and aspiring authors need to be tech-savvy to keep up with the competition. This skill can somehow make or break a writer’s career, because most publishers opt for manuscripts that are encoded through the computer than those that are being written traditionally. Thus, the competition does not only focuses on the amount of writers present in the industry but also on the abilities these writers possess.
There are numerous books that centers on typing. These books target not just writers, but also the general public, who want to enhance their typing abilities for both personal and career growth. Fundamental Keyboarding Skills: From The Typewriter to The Computer by Denise Chambers, Mastering Computer Typing, Revised Edition by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts, and How to Type Fast: Save Time, Boost Productivity, and Double Your Typing Speed by Brandon Nankivell are some great example of books that can help honing one’s typing ability.
Find a Comfortable Position
Every task becomes lighter if a person is on his or her comfortable position. Your main objective is to improve your ability in typing, so begin the process by looking for a position that will bring you comfort for the time being. Although there is a proper typing posture, which is sitting straight and maintain a 45-70 centimeter distance from the computer screen to your eyes, if you do not comfort in that post then you might get weary in an instant. Thus, you can sit cross-legged, on the floor, properly on a chair, and any other sitting position that you are most comfortable. Also, make sure that your arms are well rested so you will not feel uneasy throughout the process. As long as you can ensure yourself that you can last long in that position and your computer is placed fine, then you are good to go.
Familiarize the Keyboard Layout
The most common keyboard that is widely used in the United States today is the QWERTY keyboard which was originally designed and produced by Christopher Latham Sholes in the beginning of 1980. There are various keyboard schemes available online that are color coded with legends for faster familiarization. You can simply study the layout of your computer’s keyboard so that you can familiarize and type without taking more of your time locating each letter in the keyboard each time you encode something. The biggest advantage of this is that you can type without frequently looking at the keyboard to locate for the letters. Hence, enhancing both your skill as well as your pace.
Keep Your Fingers in Motion
Let your fingers to their thing by keeping them in motion. Trust your fingers to do the work by giving them the power to do the typing. Position your fingers closer to the keyboard so that you will not have a hard time adjusting your hold of the board, as well as pressing the specific keys. Afterward, begin typing and allow your fingers to be in single motion. Your fingers will be less stressed and worn out since all keys are on their scope. All you have to take note are the text that you are encoding, as well as the spelling, typography, and punctuation.
Stop Being Conscious of Your Pace
If you type fast, then you type fast. However, if you type the other way around, do not worry because everyone has their own pacing. Not everybody is the same. The only thing that matters is that you are allowing yourself to enhance an ability that is essential for your growth. If you are about to encode a large number of data, then ready yourself and allocate a good amount of time for it. You can avoid mistakes and errors in your document if you are take your time typing. Your main goal is to harness your skill, so do not rush because speed will be developed through enough time and practice.
Do Not Be So Hard on Yourself
Do not put pressure to yourself and do not compare your skill to others. It is the only thing you can do to avoid getting frustrated and tired. Typing require not just time and pacing but also effort and attention. If your feel that the number of mistakes that you have committed through the process is getting in your skin, then take some time off to relax and soothe your mind. You may also eat something to relieve your tiredness, watch a couple of movies to find motivation, or do an activity that you are fond of to be refreshed. Afterward, you can go continue the process of enhancing your skill.
Improving a skill is not something that can be done with a blink of an eye. It needs time, perseverance, effort, and willingness. Because of the growing competition in the industry, it is a must for both start-up and established writers to develop not just their writing skills but also their typing abilities.
The Damsel’s Files 