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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Interesting, Russell and Sarah, since I spontaneously dictated an essay draft within the last seven days, then uploaded it to a transcription app and had the written version in a flash. I didn't even know dictating books was a real thing until I read this. Thank you both!

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Love that this was confirmation for you, Jennie! I think you would enjoy the bootcamp if you decide to register, you'll meet lots of authors just discovering the skill of dictating their fiction.

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GMLoggins's avatar

Appreciate you both headlining this opportunity! I've worked with dictation on and off, have no difficulty speaking the punctuation, but definite issues being able to simultaneously 'speak the book' and stay in the right headspace for creation. I've signed up and eagerly awaiting Tuesday. I won't be able to attend live most days because of work, but eager for the replays.

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Great to have you in the bootcamp! I think switching from talking to truly creating by voice is one of the biggest hurdles writers face. Even if you’re catching the replays, you’ll still get all the training, assignments, and insights to help you make that shift.

See you soon!

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Najela's avatar

I've been using dictation to write my blogs. I did some for my fiction as well. It feels awkward at first, but I've been getting the hang of it. It definitely came in handy when I injured my hand this past week. I type quickly, but apparently overdid it between work and trying to finish my draft. I was still able to keep up the momentum with dictation.

(Full Disclosure: I'm in the Fictation dictation course and it's fantastic. I was able to finish the bulk of my novel with dictation)

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Najela, thanks for the shout out and I LOVE hearing about your success with dictation!! Way to go. And thanks for encouraging others with sharing your experience.

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Reda Rountree (she/her)'s avatar

This came at the exact right time for me, Russell! I’ve been having such a difficult time concentrating because of Long Covid, and I just started using voice to text. It comes out convoluted but at least it’s getting on the page faster. Really beginning to think this is the only way to finish my book.

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

All of this, Reda! So many are moving to dictation as a way to continue their writing careers. And it will get better with practice. Hope to see you in the bootcamp!

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Steven Davis's avatar

I’ve been using dictation a lot more for everything I can.

I’ve been using it a lot for newsletter articles and it works great.

I’m looking forward to a one of these sessions for non-fiction perhaps?

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Love hearing this, Steven! I've gotten requests for non-fiction training, so maybe someday. Also, nonfiction authors do come into the bootcamp to get the basics of writing by dictation (especially the tech). Nonfiction authors are always welcome!

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Jennifer Jensen's avatar

I type fast, but I"ve thought about dictating just to get my butt out of the chair. I dictate notes and texts all the time, to the point that when I leave a voice mail, I end up punctuating it! But things flow out of my fingers in different ways that I can think them, so I"ve been afraid of doing it. When in October is it?

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Yes, being healthier is a huge part of dictation, Jennifer! Love that you are thinking that way. And yes, it takes training to get the words of fiction flowing from your mouth instead of your fingertips. That's a huge part of what we focus on with the bootcamp! Hope you can join in. It kicks off October 14 and is less than a 1 hour commitment per day.

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Christopher Downing's avatar

Awesome post, you two. I know Sarah's bootcamp will be outstanding!

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

Thanks, Christopher, that means so much!

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R. Janet Walraven, M. Ed.'s avatar

Hi, Russell--I appreciate your comments; dictation will help a lot of writers. However, I type/keyboard 125 wpm. My brain goes directly to my hands; it's a wonder sometime how it flows. My subconscious seems to take over. I am very happy with writing my books via keyboard. I'll forward your dictation info to others who need it. Best wishes! Janet

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer's avatar

I hear you on this, too, Janet! One thing to think about beyond speed is long-term sustainability. Dictation allows you to write without the wear and tear on your body. Most authors I know are coming to dictation for the health benefits rather than strictly speed.

Thanks for passing this on to others!

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