How to Use Writing Sprints to Improve Your Writing
Nov 06, 2025
Have you ever sat down to write, only to find yourself staring at a blank page for far too long? Or maybe you’ve struggled with writer's block and wondered how you’ll ever finish your first draft. That’s where the writing sprint comes in!
In this post, we’ll explore how to use this simple but powerful tool to help you focus, boost your word count, and make steady progress toward your writing goals.
What are writing sprints?
A writing sprint is a short, focused burst of writing. Instead of worrying about polish or perfection, the goal is to write as much as possible in a specific amount of time. All you need to do is set a timer, block out distractions, and commit to getting words on the page.
Think of sprints as training for your writing muscles. Just like athletes practice short bursts of speed to build endurance, writers use sprints to build confidence, increase writing speed, and strengthen their writing habit.
Why sprints work
The brilliance of sprints lies in their simplicity. Facing the task of finishing an entire book can feel overwhelming. But promising yourself a short amount of writing time, such as a 10-minute sprint, feels doable. Once you begin, momentum often takes over, leading to longer writing sessions and more progress than you expected.
Sprints also bypass the critical voice of your inner editor. When you give yourself permission to write without stopping and ignore perfectionism, you’re free to experiment, draft messy prose, and focus on progress instead of polish. This is one of the most effective ways of overcoming writer’s block and battling procrastination.
How to do a sprint
Getting started with sprints is easy:
- Set a timer. Decide how long you want to write. Try 10-minute sprints, or experiment with 20- or 30-minute intervals.
- Choose your focus. Pick a scene, a chapter, or a writing prompt to work on.
- Start writing. The key is to write as many words as possible in that time, without stopping to edit or overthink.
- Track your progress. At the end, jot down your word count or how you felt during the session.
You can aim for a specific word count (like 1000 words) or just focus on getting the words down. The important part is to keep writing, even if the sentences are messy!
Different types of sprints
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting words on the page. Sprints may be short or long, competitive or personal, solo or group-based. Some writers prefer 5-minute bursts to break through hesitation, while others thrive in longer, timed writing sessions inspired by the Pomodoro technique.
For added accountability, you might join group sprints or sprint together with writing buddies. Competing to see who can write the most words can be motivating, while collaborating with a writing group or larger writing community provides encouragement and camaraderie.
How sprints help writers improve
Sprints aren’t just about cranking out many words; they’re about becoming a better writer. Here’s how:
- Consistency. Sprinting builds a regular writing routine and reinforces your writing practice.
- Productivity. By focusing on output, you learn to silence distractions and become a more productive writer.
- Momentum. When the point is to write instead of write perfectly, you learn to finish drafts faster.
- Confidence. The more you sprint, the more you realize you can write as much as possible, even on days you don’t feel like it.
Over time, sprints train you to put words down quickly, making the writing process less intimidating and helping you achieve your writing goals.
Tips to make writing sprints work for you
- Try setting a timer for short bursts at first, then build up.
- Experiment with 5-minute warm-ups before moving into longer sprints.
- Sprint alongside others for accountability.
- Give yourself permission to write badly. Editing comes later!
- Do word sprints when facing the blank page or battling procrastination.
Remember: the goal is to write, not to be perfect! You can always polish later. For now, just focus on getting the words out.
Ready to use sprints to improve your writing?
If you want to write more, finish your first draft, or simply establish a strong daily writing rhythm, sprints are an incredibly powerful tool. Whether you’re doing your first sprint, sprinting during a writing challenge, or sprinting with a group of writers, the method is the same: use writing sprints to break through barriers and improve your writing.
Grab your timer, clear your writing space, and commit to a specific amount of time. Whether you write 500 or 1000 words, whether you sprint alone or with others, the practice will help you write more words, build a stronger writing habit, and make steady progress toward your dreams.
