Writing is often thought of as a solitary act—just you, your thoughts, and a blank page. But what if the secret to writing better, faster, and more consistently wasn’t isolation, but connection? That’s where writing sprints come in. If you haven’t joined a writing sprint with fellow writers yet, you’re missing out on a dynamic way to ignite your creativity, boost productivity, and build a supportive community.

Here’s why participating in writing sprints with others can transform your writing process:

1. Accountability: Show Up and Write

One of the biggest challenges for writers is simply sitting down and doing the work. Writing sprints create a structure and schedule that keeps you accountable. When you know others are logging in to sprint with you, it’s much harder to procrastinate. Instead of waiting for inspiration, you show up, set a timer, and write—and often surprise yourself with how much you accomplish.

Pro Tip: Join or organize sprints at a consistent time each week to build the habit of showing up for your writing.

2. Community: A Shared Journey

Writing can feel isolating, especially when you’re deep in the trenches of a big project. Participating in sprints connects you with other writers who understand the highs and lows of the craft. Whether it’s sharing a post-sprint word count or swapping encouragement after a tough session, the camaraderie of a writing group can be a game-changer.

Bonus: These connections can grow beyond sprints into beta reading, networking, and lasting friendships.

3. Focus: Maximize Your Writing Time

There’s something about setting a timer and committing to a specific chunk of focused writing time that eliminates distractions. Writing sprints help you stay in the zone because you know the clock is ticking. You’re not worrying about crafting the perfect sentence—you’re just getting words on the page, which is exactly what a first draft needs.

Try This: Use a timer app or tool like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) to mirror the intensity of sprints on your own.

4. Momentum: Progress Adds Up

A single sprint might yield a few hundred words, but several sprints over the course of a day or week can add up to thousands. Sprints break your writing into manageable bursts, which feels less daunting than aiming for a huge word count all at once. This steady progress builds momentum, making it easier to keep going.

Example: Imagine writing 500 words per 20-minute sprint. After four sprints, you’ve hit 2,000 words—a solid day’s work!

5. Creativity: Sparks Fly When You’re in the Flow

Writing alongside others can energize your creativity. Even though you’re working on individual projects, there’s an unspoken sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Sometimes, just knowing that other writers are typing away at the same time can inspire you to push through blocks and stay in the flow.

Fun Twist: Pair sprints with prompts or challenges to add variety and keep your creativity fresh.

6. Celebration: Small Wins, Big Motivation

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a sprint and sharing your word count or progress with a group. Those moments of celebration, no matter how small, reinforce your commitment and remind you that every word counts. Plus, seeing others’ progress can motivate you to keep pushing forward.

Idea: End each sprint session with a quick recap where everyone shares their accomplishments or favorite line of the day.

7. Flexibility: Tailored to Your Needs

Writing sprints are incredibly adaptable. You can sprint online or in person, with a large group or a single writing buddy. Whether you’re working on a novel, blog post, screenplay, or outline, sprints provide a structure that fits any project.

Tip: Platforms like Discord, Zoom, or even a group text can make organizing sprints with others easy and accessible.

How to Get Started with Writing Sprints

If you’re ready to give writing sprints a try, here’s how to get started:

  1. Find a Group: Look for writing sprint groups on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit. Many writing communities host regular sprints.
  2. Set a Time and Place: Schedule sprints that work for your time zone and use tools like Google Calendar to stay organized.
  3. Establish Rules: Agree on the length of sprints (e.g., 15, 20, or 30 minutes) and decide how to handle breaks.
  4. Celebrate Progress: After each sprint, take a moment to share and celebrate what you’ve accomplished.

Final Thoughts

Writing sprints are more than just a productivity tool; they’re an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community, challenge yourself, and find joy in the process. Whether you’re tackling your first draft, revising, or brainstorming new ideas, joining forces with other writers can make the journey far more rewarding.

So why not give it a try? Grab your favorite writing snack, set a timer, and dive into your next sprint. You might be surprised by what you can accomplish—and how much fun you’ll have along the way.

If you’d like to write with me, check me out on BlueSky Holly Millward (@writerish-girl.bsky.social) — Bluesky and join my weekly Sprint & Quill Sunday sprints!