Ah, writing sprints — my favourite way to make progress on a WIP. Yes, they require me to get up at the crack of dawn, but I always get the best, very quiet, table at my favourite Vancouver café.
Despite my serious addiction to the everything bagel egg melt they serve and returning home a little jittery from too much caffeine, non-stop marathon writing sessions like this can log me as much as 5K words.
That’s some serious gold.
Why Writing Sprints Work
I have zero scientific proof, but I suspect these kind of focused writing sessions work for one simple reason — laser focus on crafting a story. A sprint keeps you in the writing zone in deep concentration. No distractions from kids, laundry, people who ignore the Do Not Enter sign on the office door.
They also work, again just supposing, because they require preparation. At least for me. I plan what goals I need to hit — what chapters need writing, what characters need focus, and so on . . . .
I’m all about slaying the to-do list!
Often, I have to remind myself that this type of work doesn’t equal gorgeous, perfect prose. It helps me get all the junk out of my head, and turn it into a great story once I’m in the editing phase.
Now it’s time for bagels, coffee, and another 5K.