As a writer, it’s not always easy to stay on track with your goals. Writer’s block, busy schedules, and issues with self-discipline can make it hard to meet your daily or weekly word counts.
A relatively new writing trend known as a writing sprint is breathing new life into writers’ routines, and they might help you get off to a strong start. But what are writing sprints, and should you try them?
What Is a Writing Sprint?
A writing sprint is a short burst of focused writing time. Some people do writing sprints by themselves, while others do them in groups. The advantage of doing a sprint with a group is the added layer of accountability and competition, which can help motivate you to keep writing over the set time.
If you would like to do a writing sprint with a group, Instagram and Twitter are great places to look. You can join a writing sprint by following a hashtag, such as #wordsprints or #writingsprints. In fact, some users go “Live” on Instagram to connect with others during a writing sprint.
Benefits of Writing Sprints
Is a writing sprint guaranteed to help you write, or it is just a gimmick? Here we lay out some of its benefits so you can decide for yourself whether it’s a good fit for where you are right now in your writing:
1. Allows focused time to write
One of the greatest enemies of writers in this generation is the constant buzz of distractions. If you feel you can’t survive a half-day without glancing at your phone, setting it aside for 15 minutes is so much more doable.
2. Boosts efficiency
When you plan a 15-minute writing sprint, your mind knows it has to spew out as many words as it can. This translates into a more efficient use of that given time than if you allow your mind to wander.
3. Mixes up your routine
If you’ve fallen into a writing rut, a definitive change in the way you do things can work wonders. In physical exercise, your body can become so used to a routine that your muscles no longer grow. This is one reason why exercise programs like CrossFit like to surprise your body with new things everyday!
How does this work for a writing regime? First, changing your “flow” from a more relaxed, everyday mode to this intense “beast” mode can push your brain to produce more. Then, after you type out as many words as you can, you may experience a psychological high that will encourage you to keep going, even at a less intense pace.
4. Can be done even on a busy day
If you’re like most writers, a lot of your “writing” time is spent staring off into space or onto a blank page, which means that it will take a much longer time to get anything done! That’s not a very productive way to spend time, especially if you already have a packed schedule in the first place.
But if you write in sprints of 15 minutes, this short time period is easy to carve out, and you know that once the time is over, you can get back to whatever things need your attention. This frees you up from worrying about all your other responsibilities, and also trains your mind to give your all to this time slot.
5. Lets you measure results quantitatively
The good thing about a writing sprint is that you can actually quantify the results. You take your pre-sprint word count, and compare it with the post-sprint number. Assuming that you gave it your all, seeing the difference will be a good boost to keep you going!
How Long Are Writing Sprints?
Writing sprints can vary in length, but the most common duration is 15 minutes. In track and field sport, there are sprints and endurance races; the goal of running a sprint is to pour out all your energy to run as fast as you can, while in endurance races, you need to pace yourself because you’re in it for the long haul.
In a similar vein, the goal of a writing sprint is to write as much as you can over a short time period. It’s not the time to dawdle and mull over the words you choose as much as it is about writing as many words as possible.
How to Get the Most From Your Writing Sprint
The key to getting the most out of your writing sprint is to treat it as a special time dedicated only to maximizing your word count. Here are some tips to make sure you take full advantage of your sprint:
- Decide on the best environment that works for you. Do you write better in total silence, or does the light buzz of a coffee shop invigorate you?
- Note down your word count before the sprint.
- Use a kitchen timer or an alarm clock instead of your phone. In fact, keep your phone out of reach and on silent throughout your sprint so you won’t get distracted.
- Once you’ve set the timer, move it out of the way so you won’t get distracted checking how many minutes you have left.
- After the sprint, note your word count and compare it to the pre-sprint count.
Try a Writing Sprint
A writing sprint can make a great addition to your writing routine every once in awhile. It seems to be especially helpful in getting writers over a slump, so the next time you’re stuck, consider a sprint!
You’ll need to spend time revising your work later down the road, but celebrate the fact that though the exercise, you’re able to make headway into that nonfiction book or novel you’ve been wanting to finish for so long!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
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- How to Write a Book: 11 Simple Steps to Writing a Book That’s Ready to Be Published
- How To Write A Book In 21 Days
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
