How to run a writing sprint
- Choose a length: 10, 15 or 25 minutes, or your own, up to three hours.
- Press Start sprint and write. The timer counts down and the word count rises as you type.
- When time is up, you can see how many words you wrote and how long the sprint ran.
Tip: You can pause and resume the timer if you're interrupted or need to take a break. Also, if the timer is distracting or makes you tense, you can hide it.
Tips for a good sprint
- Decide what you will write before you press Start, even if it's as simple as, "the next scene."
- Do not go back to fix things. Leave a note to yourself, such as [name?], and keep moving. Those details and edits can come later.
- Use the same length for a week and watch your word count. Keep track of your word count if you want to see your progress.
- Treat the draft as a first draft. The second draft is where you cut and reshape.
Your draft is yours
Nothing you write in this sprint leaves your computer. The draft is saved in your browser so it is waiting when you come back. There is no account and no limit on how many sprints you run.
Questions
What is a writing sprint?
A writing sprint is a short, timed stretch of writing without stopping to edit. You set a timer, write until it ends, and count how many words you got down. Oh wait… we already counted for you.
How long should a sprint be?
Some common lengths are 10, 15, and 25 minutes, so those are one click away. You can set any length from 1 to 180 minutes. Start short if the blank page is the problem, and lengthen the sprint once starting is easy.
Do words I already wrote count?
No. A sprint counts the words you add after you press Start. If you paste in an earlier draft first, only the new words count. If you cut text during the sprint, the total never drops below zero.
Can I pause the sprint?
Yes. The pause button stops the clock until your ready to resume. The stop button ends the sprint early,without a final result.
Is my writing private?
Yes. Your draft is saved in your browser only, so it is still there when you come back, and it is never sent to our servers. Delete the text or clear your browser's site data to remove it.
What can I do with my draft afterwards?
When a sprint ends you can open the draft in Draft Analysis, which shows more information about your writing.