Episode 284 - Training the Brain for Fiction Dictation with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer discusses TRAINING THE BRAIN FOR FICTION DICTATION, including the differences in approach for fiction versus nonfiction. Sarah describes the challenges authors face when transitioning to dictating fiction and offers practical advice for overcoming mental blocks. Sarah also highlights the flexibility of dictation, allowing authors to work in different environments and in shorter time blocks. And she discusses how dictation can improve other audio assets and can engage audiences in new ways.
 
Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is an author and writing instructor who takes authors struggling to master the tools and knowledge of their author journey and helps them become confident in writing their books. She has been featured on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman’s blog, Writer’s Digest magazine, and more. She’s published 19 books, 11 of which she wrote solely by dictation. Sarah is also host of The Confident Fiction Author podcast which empowers authors to live their best creative lifestyle. Her Fictation Digital Course takes authors through the exact process of mastering dictation to write fiction.

Episode Links

www.fictioncourses.com
https://www.facebook.com/fictioncourses
Explore Sarah's fiction dictation course via my affiliate link: https://theindyauthor--fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation/

Summary

This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about the art of dictation for authors. Sarah, an established author and writing instructor, emphasizes the distinct skills required for dictating fiction versus nonfiction. She shares insights for authors looking to delve into dictation or improve their current practices, highlighting practical tips and overcoming mental barriers associated with this method.
 
Sarah explains that many authors are used to dictating emails or text messages but find themselves struggling when transitioning to dictating fiction. The mental shift involves creating new neural pathways, which she describes as a different skill set from nonfiction dictation. Authors must train their minds to verbalize fictional characters and worlds, which can initially seem daunting. Sarah recounts her own journey of overcoming these barriers and the eventual success and confidence she gained from becoming adept in dictating fiction.
 
For those getting started, Sarah advises joining communities of authors who are mastering dictation, reading published fiction out loud to practice using dictation technology, and vocalizing punctuation to improve accuracy. Practicing speaking one's fiction out loud allows authors to become accustomed to hearing their own voices telling the story, which can help bridge the gap to full-fledged dictation. She reassures authors that while moving from typing to dictating might be gradual, it's possible to become as comfortable with dictating as they are with typing.
 
Matty raises a point about storytelling speed, noting that many authors pursue dictation to capture thoughts faster than typing allows. In response, Sarah shares how dictation can benefit authors beyond speed, such as accommodating health issues or offering flexibility to dictate in various environments like walking or doing household chores.
 
The discussion also delves into technological solutions for dictation. Matty expresses a desire for voice-activated recording when driving or walking, which would enhance hands-free dictation. While Sarah has yet to find a perfect app, she suggests setups where phones are mounted for safe hands-free operation and encourages experimentation with different tools and approaches.
 
For Sarah, the editing phase after dictation involves a crucial cleanup step where potential transcription errors are addressed, ensuring the draft is as clean as a typical typed one. This process allows authors to focus on storytelling without being hindered by transcription inaccuracies during subsequent editing.
 
Sarah also touches on preserving author voice in dictated works, sharing that her oral storytelling background contributed greatly to maintaining her distinct style. Authors looking to safeguard their voice might consider storytelling practices, such as engaging with live audiences or recording narrative videos, to integrate oral storytelling into their writing habits.
 
For those already experienced in dictation, Sarah suggests trying new methods or tools to enhance efficiency and enjoyment. Exploring various environments and embracing new technologies can refresh the dictation experience, making writing more dynamic and productive.
 
The episode concludes with Sarah providing resources for authors interested in dictation, including a quick start guide and a comprehensive training bootcamp via her website. These resources aim to help authors at any stage of their dictation journey discover a smoother, more efficient writing process.
 
In summary, Matty and Sarah's conversation sheds light on dictation as a valuable tool for authors. By addressing mental barriers, exploring technological options, and providing actionable advice, they offer insights into how authors can incorporate dictation into their creative processes, improving not just speed but overall storytelling flexibility and health.