Sometimes my writer’s brain races like a Lamborghini. Thoughts, phrases, and words fly, and my fingers struggle to keep up.
A hairpin curve leaps into view. Internal dialogue, must use italics! Hit the brakes. My right hand spasms, not wanting to leave the keyboard. But it must move to the mouse, slide up to the italics icon, and click before returning to type.
Wait a minute. What was my next sentence going to be? The sound of metal screeching against the guard rail tells me I’ve crashed.
Don’t you hate slow-downs in your writing flow caused by mechanical or technical issues? We won’t even talk about Windows updates rebooting my computer overnight without my permission. But the scenario above is easily avoided by using keyboard shortcuts.
Every time your hand leaves the keyboard to manipulate your mouse, you’re losing time. If you add these incremental losses, they add up quickly. I like to work in the most efficient manner possible, and keyboard shortcuts increase my productivity.
For example, instead of using the mouse to turn on italics, hold down the CTRL key and type in the letter “I.” Zoom! Instant italics. When you’re finished, repeat the combination and italics is off. You can do the same to select bold face type, with CTRL+B.Dozens of keyboard shortcuts exist, but these are a few of my favorites:
- CTRL+A = select all text
- CTRL+C = copy to clipboard
- CTRL+V = paste
- CTRL+Z = undo (my extra-special favorite)
What is your favorite? Comment below to help your fellow writers.Here is a helpful link to other keyboard shortcuts. Find your favorite and go full speed around that hairpin curve. It’s Exhilarating!
Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts
Yee haw!
Rhonda
