Sprint to Write More!

---

A writing sprint is a short, focused burst of writing time, usually lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The idea is to set a timer, clear your mind, and just write. The goal is to produce a large quantity of words in a short amount of time, rather than worrying about perfection or editing.

Famous writers have long extolled the virtues of this kind of intense, focused writing. Ernest Hemingway, for example, famously wrote standing up at a tall desk, and would set a goal of writing 500 words a day. Ian Flemming aimed for 2,500. But Stephen King noted that it wasn't so much how long you spent writing, but rather the focus, saying, "The adage that the seat of the pants must be in the seat of the chair is one of the most ridiculous things ever spoken. It's not the seat of the pants that's important, it's the seat of the brain."

Writing sprints can be a great way to get into a productive writing mindset, and to overcome writer's block. They can help you to focus on the task at hand, and to overcome the distractions that can so often pull you away from your writing.

One way to make writing sprints more effective is to set a specific goal for each sprint. This could be a certain number of words, a certain number of pages, or even a specific scene or chapter that you want to complete. Having a clear goal in mind will help you to focus, and to stay on track.

Another way to make writing sprints more effective is to establish a routine. By setting aside a specific time each day for writing sprints, you'll be more likely to stick to them, and to make them a regular part of your writing routine.

Incorporating writing sprints into your routine can be a powerful way to stay motivated and productive as a writer. So, set your timer, clear your mind, and just write - not worried so much about the quality. As Anne Lamott said, "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere."