How To: Use Writing Sprints to “Hack” Your Writing

The internet is all about the life hacks these days. I’ll admit it, I love a hack that promises to make my life easier, save me time, and get me the result I want. But can you hack your writing? Is there a shortcut to getting the words down on the page? The short answer is not really. And yet…

As a writer, I am often juggling multiple projects. I’ve got five Amber Jenkins mysteries in various states of un-done-ness. And I try to keep up with this blog. And I still like to dabble in flash fiction. There’s a lot I want to accomplish when it comes to writing. But there are times when I sit down in front of my computer, and that blank page just stares back at me, that little cursor blinking judgmentally. The “hack” I want to share with you today has transformed my writing process: writing sprints.

Now, I’ve talked about writing sprints before. I first got onto them as part of NaNoWrimo, and to be honest, I feel like sprinting is the only way to write 50,000 words in one month. But it’s also helpful in the normal everyday writing process. Let’s talk about the technique a little more in-depth.

What Are Writing Sprints?

Writing sprints are focused, timed writing sessions where the goal is to write as much as possible without interruption. Set a timer for a short burst of time and write. Don’t stop to edit, second-guess yourself, research, or try to find that perfect synonym. Just write. This method will help you bypass your inner critic and tap into a more spontaneous, creative state.

It’s messy. It’s fast. And it works.

Why Do Writing Sprints Work for Me?

1. Increased Productivity: Setting a timer for a short period, such as 10 or 20 minutes, creates a sense of urgency that propels me. There’s no time for distractions or endless tinkering with a single sentence. This concentrated effort often results in significant forward progress on my projects.
2. Overcoming “Writer’s Block”: The pressure of a blank page can be paralyzing. But what if you remove the feeling that you need to create something flawless? Writing sprints are about quantity, not quality. The focus is on momentum, and that helps me break through any creative block or lack of motivation I might be feeling.
3. Enhanced Creativity: By suspending judgment during sprints, I feel free to take risks and explore new angles. This openness often leads to unexpected plot developments and richer characterizations in my stories. It’s like a flow state where I can get completely immersed in the scene.
4. Improved Focus: Knowing that I have limited time to write encourages me to eliminate distractions and concentrate. If I’ve only got 10 minutes to write, I’m going to make the most of it.

How Can You Incorporate Writing Sprints Into Your Routine?

If you’re interested in trying writing sprints, here are some tips to get started:

• Set Clear Goals: Before beginning a sprint, know what your objective is, whether it’s a certain word count or a specific scene.
• Pick a Time Limit: Choose an interval that suits your schedule and attention span. I like to start off with a quick 5-minute sprint as a warm-up, and then I tend to do 10 or 15-minute sprints. That’s just personal preference. Maybe for you, 20 minutes or half an hour feels more productive.
• Eliminate Distractions: Turn off your notifications, close all your “research” tabs, and tell your family that you’re not available for the time being.
• Embrace the Mess: Remember, the purpose of a writing sprint is to generate something not to produce polished prose. Allow yourself to write freely without self-editing, and trust that you can edit your work later.

It may sound too simple, but that’s the point of a hack. Writing sprints strip away all the excuses and overthinking and let you just write. The next time you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated set a timer, take a breath, and dive in. You might surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish.