Write your eBook Fast with this Technique

Writing sprints are the fastest and easiest way to write the first draft of your eBook

When a runner needs to cover the most ground, fast, she sprints for speed and optimal results. And when a writer needs to create her project as fast as possible, she must also sprint to finish the task, quickly. Writing sprints (also called word sprints) create big chunks of writing in a short amount of time and move your book along at lightning speed. But that’s not the only incredible pro to this technique, it is also the easiest writing activity to perform and sheer writing exhilaration!

The definition of a writing sprint is freewriting with a timer. Freewriting is writing off the top of your head with no style, structure or editing, just writing freely with no worries at all. It is, without a doubt, the easiest and most enjoyable way of writing. A writing sprint is when you write at lightning speed and you're mentally pumped to write a section of your project in a set amount of time. The aim of this exercise is to write as much you can, as quickly as you can and take advantage of the flowing words pouring from your beautiful mind. And a writing sprint would not be complete without the motivation of a deadline (which is why you use a timer). 

Writing sprints are the 100m Usain Bolt of the writing craft with no worries, effort, thinking or fixing at all. When you are word sprinting, you get to know yourself as a writer and although your writing is all over the place, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your skills and move your project along, fast.

How to Word Sprint

One of the best things about a word sprint is there are no rules or strict instructions. Still, this guide is worth reading as it will help you to make the most of your word sprints and become a faster, better writer.

We also encourage you to jump straight in and get your draft or story down in any way that feels right to you, as a first draft is simply you telling yourself the story, with no fancy frills, style, grammar or editing.

1. Open your word document, a note pad or other writing device.

2. Decide on the time duration for your writing sprint and set a timer.

Many writers word sprint for 30 to 60 minutes to produce a large chunk of writing in one sitting, especially when they have a stream of ideas. But if you’re new to writing for an audience, you may like to start with a 5 to 10 minute word sprint to warm up your writing muscles, and then work your way up to longer writing sessions as time goes on. If you force yourself to write for long periods of time when you’re starting out, you won’t enjoy writing and may stop writing your book.

Try to stick to short and sweet writing sessions while you develop the concentration skills to write for 30 minutes or longer. And the best way to improve your focus is with practice. Focus on one thing at a time, such as a meditation or by timing how long you can read or write for, then slowly extend the time as your concentration skills improve.

3. Start your writing sprint.

Align your mind with your hands and keyboard and write like no one’s watching, as fast as possible. Write down everything on your mind, all your thoughts and ideas, whether they’re story related or not. Try to focus on your writing project or a specific section of your project. But if your mind strays, keep writing anyway and delete the irrelevant ideas and content later. Write whatever comes to mind, fluently and without thinking or stopping to make corrections.

One of the best things about a writing sprint is you don’t have to think too much while you're writing, just write whatever comes to mind. So, relax and allow your subconscious mind to take over and enjoy the creative ride.

4. Set a goal for your writing sprint.

Setting a writing goal (or a word count goal) for your writing sessions is the extra motivational push to write fast and be productive. You may like to set a clear goal such as write a certain number of words in your session, i.e. 200 words in 10 minutes, 500 words in 25 minutes or 20 words in 3 minutes. If you’re new to writing sprints, try to make the goal as easy as possible to achieve, Even if you just write 20 to 50 words in your sprint, you’ll still receive the dopamine boost for finishing your writing task and you'll be adding to the overall creation of your eBook or blog.  

As your writing experience grows, you can increase your writing time and word count goals, as your ability and desire to write will also naturally grow. Challenging yourself is a great way for writers to stay motivated and get the job done efficiently and effectively. All you need to do is align your thoughts with your fingers and allow your inner creative self to take over.

Get Through Your Draft as Quickly as Possible

A word sprint is the ultimate 'fast writing tool' to write a book or a large project in a short amount of time. The next time you need to write fast to achieve a section of your book or finish a blog, set a timer to help you fly like the wind while you write. Breaking your word sprints into a short time frame (5 to 10 minutes) also makes it easier to stay focused and write for the whole sprint, while you build a regular writing habit.

Writing sprints are ideal for people who struggle to find time to write or who are experiencing writer’s block. A quick 10 to 15 minute word sprint in the mornings and evenings will make great progress with your book and significantly improve your writing skills.

And writing sprints are extremely easy to do. All you do is write off the top of your head, with no style, sequence, editing or proof reading. So go for it and use writing sprints to work through the blocks and finish your project.

To learn more about how to write fast, fix writer’s block and become a talented and creative writer, visit our shop to purchase How to Overcome Writer's Block.