Writing Sprints: How to Use Them to Boost Word Count

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page waiting for inspiration—only to get stuck before you even start—writing sprints could be your secret weapon. These focused bursts of writing are a fast, fun way to conquer procrastination, grow your word count, and build a reliable writing habit.

Unlike waiting for the “perfect mood” to strike, writing sprints shift your mindset toward progress. Once you see the words piling up, you’ll realize you don’t need inspiration—you just need momentum.

a short, timed session—usually 5 to 30 minutes—where the only goal is to keep writing.

What Are Writing Sprints?

Writing sprints are focused, time-limited sessions designed to help writers put words on the page as quickly as possible. Rather than waiting for inspiration or painstakingly perfecting each sentence, you simply set a timer—often for anywhere between five and thirty minutes—and write nonstop until the time is up. The goal isn’t polished prose; it’s progress.

These sprints work by harnessing the power of momentum. When you know your session is short and you’re only accountable for getting words down, not making them perfect, it becomes easier to silence your inner critic and bypass the barriers that typically slow you down. Whether you’re drafting a novel, writing poetry, or tackling a blog post, the sprint structure encourages a playful, experimental mindset where productivity takes center stage.

Writing sprints can be done solo, but they’re also a popular activity among writing groups. Some writers gather online or in person, announce their goals, set their timers, and then share their results when time is up. This sense of camaraderie and accountability makes the process even more energizing.

At their core, writing sprints offer a simple but powerful shift: they transform writing from a solitary struggle into a game of numbers, friendly competition, and self-discovery. The only rule is to keep going—no backspacing, no agonizing over word choice, just forward motion. And by repeating sprints regularly, you’ll start to see your word count climb and your confidence grow, proving that momentum truly is the writer’s best friend.

No editing, no rereading, no second-guessing. The timer creates gentle pressure to keep your hand moving, and that urgency often unlocks more words than you thought possible.

For a step-by-step guide, check out The Write Practice’s article on writing sprints

How to Start Using Writing Sprints

1. Pick a Timer – Start small. Ten minutes is enough to warm up, while 25 minutes (similar to the Pomodoro method) works well for deeper focus.
2. Set an Intention – Choose a goal: drafting a scene, writing a blog post section, or exploring a prompt. A clear purpose makes it easier to keep moving.
3. Write Without Stopping – Don’t worry about grammar, typos, or even plot holes. Editing comes later.
4. Track Your Words – Record your word count after each sprint. Tracking helps you measure progress and creates accountability.

Want more structure? Try stacking sprints: three 15-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks between them. That’s less than an hour, but it can easily produce 1,000+ words.

Bonus Tips for Better Sprints

• Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications, silence your phone, and close social media tabs.
• Experiment With Lengths: Some writers thrive on 10-minute bursts, while others love 30-minute marathons.
• Find a Community: Many writers sprint together in online groups. Knowing others are typing away at the same time adds accountability and fun.
• Use Prompts Wisely: If you’re stuck, start with a simple “what if” question or character scenario to get words flowing.
• Celebrate Progress: Reward yourself after each sprint. Positive reinforcement builds stronger habits.

For additional inspiration, check out The Wordling’s sprint strategies

Building a Writing Sprint Habit

The magic of writing sprints lies in consistency. Doing one sprint is energizing, but doing them daily or several times a week creates a rhythm that builds over time. Before long, sprinting won’t just feel like a productivity trick—it’ll become part of your identity as a writer.

If you want to layer craft improvement onto your sprinting, pair it with learning new skills. For example, once you finish a draft sprint, polish your work using lessons from my post on Showing vs. Telling in Writing: When and How to Use Each.

Writing Sprints for Every Writer

• Novelists: Draft messy first drafts faster without worrying about every plot detail.
• Bloggers: Create multiple outlines or draft several posts in a single session.
• Students: Sprint through rough drafts of essays before refining.
• Journalers: Use timed sessions to free-write emotions, thoughts, or reflections.

No matter your writing goals, sprints can adapt to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Writing sprints aren’t just about word count—they’re about freedom. They allow you to put ideas on the page without judgment, build momentum, and create a repeatable system for productivity. Even if you only have 10 minutes to spare, those short bursts can add up to thousands of words each week.

So, grab a timer, pick your project, and start sprinting today. Your future self—and your finished pages—will thank you.

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