Writing Sprints (with videos)
This could technically be part of the writing tip series, because writing sprints have been really helpful in my own writing process, but I’ll leave it to stand on its own for now. I’ve been working on adding my videos to YouTube and here on my website this week, so I figured I’d share what I’ve finished so far, and discuss a bit about what a sprint is, and why I find them helpful sometimes.
I’ve been doing writing sprints during the past year, any time I’m feeling stuck or when I don’t have a lot of time but need to get a lot of writing done. I’m the type of person that associates sounds and music with my life, and my writing projects are no different. I have specific playlists or albums I listen to while I’m writing certain books or scenes, and I got into making these writing sprint videos for myself with curated vibes/ambiance. That way I can create the mood I need—using the music or soundscapes to do so—much more quickly than if I were to try to just sit down and get to work. It’s a brain hack that’s worked for me, and I realized I could just share some of the soundscape videos I’ve created. Might as well share them in case they help others, too!
What is a writing sprint?
A writing sprint is where we sit down for (short) predetermined amounts of time, with the sole focus being on writing for that duration. Then, we take a break and do it all over again as many times as possible, or until we’ve accomplished what we set out to accomplish. Sometimes that’s finishing a scene, or reaching a certain word count. Often it can simply be to break through writer’s block.
Benefits of Writing Sprints
Short, focused bursts help us achieve more in less time. I find myself far more productive in these sessions, and I’m not alone in that. Many writers use sprints, and if you want to do it with others, there are several writers on AuthorTube who go live and do them. You can join along and write with them, or you can simply observe to see what it is, how it’s done, and how much these writers are able to accomplish in a short amount of time. It can be a fun way to connect, or just a fun way of seeing what other writers do in their process.
For me, it’s essential to either pick the perfect soundscape or curate one myself. Music, nature sounds, water, fire, muffled crowd noise, etc. can create the perfect atmosphere, and atmosphere often has a greater impact on my own writing process than anything else. When I hear that sound or music, my brain moves quickly into creative mode, and I’m able to access flow far more easily. For this same reason, I find writing sprints to be really time effective. Instead of the extended time getting into the right headspace, I’m able to dive in pretty quickly, and the atmosphere I’ve created keeps my mind laser-focused on writing, to the point where the world often falls away during sprints.
I don’t struggle with procrastination as much as many others seem to, but I know it’s a difficulty most writers face. The structured format of sprints keeps us accountable and minimizes distractions, which is one of the key ways I think it helps when I’m struggling with distraction, motivation, or focus.
How do I do my writing sprints?
First, I settle into my writing space. This means grabbing everything I want close, before I begin… drinks, blanket, candle, whatever I need that day to feel totally comfy and settled.
Hit play and immerse myself in whatever ambiance fits my mood, or the mood of the scene I’m working on.
Write for however long I’ve predetermined, without distractions, letting the sounds and music fuel my creativity and flow. I usually do 10, 15, or 30 minute sessions.
Take a 5-minute break to rest, grab a drink, go to the bathroom, etc. I take 10 minutes if I’m doing 30 minute sprints.
Repeat the sprints as many times as I want, or until I’ve reached my goal.
Whether I’m working on a novel, blog post, or any other kind of writing project, writing sprints are a great way to make progress in a short amount of time, which helps me feel more accomplished and confident. I don’t even remember who suggested this to me, or where I learned about them first, but they can really be a game changer.
I’ve included a few of my writing sprint videos here at the end of this post, but head on over to YouTube or THIS PAGE if you want to see more, or if you want to find the one that fits your current mood/project. I’ll be releasing at least one a week on my YouTube channel until I’ve gotten all of them up and posted (adding them here on my website as they go up on YouTube). Maybe I’ll even take requests at that point.
Happy writing!
