Remember, getting "something" for everything is the goal. Try to get as close as you can, but if you don't get close, that's okay.

I'm a pretty fast writer, have done well on some big tests, and I don't get it all either, but I do try to get my hands down in a new fast rhythm. You need to break the old hand speed.

Out with the old; in with the New!

AND . . .keep getting the right siders. They'll pay off!

So how's the Club working out for you??

Whenever I'm not working, my fingers will definitely be crossed for you, Priscilla!!

You can do it!!

You sound like a perfect candidate for the Club, Priscilla. I really believe it will happen more sooner than later. Just be diligent and give the Magnumsteno Club the time it deserves to get you over your hump, which really is the last official hump to get you to the state test.

If you're already using briefs, I think you'll find that just writing those killer speeds will push you to the speed you need.

Just remember to try to get something down for every word. You will not be able to do it at first -- even if it is total slop, but then you'll see the magic when you get back to school and realize that 200 seems very gettable, and then that soon turns into a "I got it!!"

If you're writing good, clean notes at 180, I just want to let you know you will not shatter those notes. You can write all the junk you want at Mark's killer dictation speed, and you'll be able to turn around and cleanly write at the speed you used to write clean.

Sometimes there's a tug when you are learning to write too many new outlines at once, but when that happens, I suggest you back it down a little and take a smaller bite.

When we write short, though, we have more time to hesitate. While you shouldn't practice that way, it works okay when you get your speed above your goal speed and are trying to pass the all-important tests.

Keep me posted!! I'm rooting for you!!!

(No glasses, so I can barely see what I'm typing, so hopefully you can read it. Sorry about that!)