1. Writing Electron configurations the easy way
Yes there is a shorthand

2. Electron Configurations repeat
The shape of the periodic table is a representation of this repetition.
When we get to the end of the column the outermost energy level is full.
This is the basis for our shorthand.

3. The Shorthand Write the symbol of the noble gas before the element.
Then the rest of the electrons.
Aluminum - full configuration.
1s22s22p63s23p1
Ne is 1s22s22p6
so Al is [Ne] 3s23p1

4. More examples Ge = 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p2 Ge = [Ar] 4s23d104p2
Hf=1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s2 4d105p66s24f145d2
Hf=[Xe]6s24f145d2

5. The Shorthand Again Sn- 50 electrons The noble gas before it is Kr
Takes care of 36
Next 5s2
Then 4d10
Finally 5p2
[ Kr ]
5s2
4d10
5p2