Writing 50.1 Minutes at a Time
How to accomplish more writing in less time.
There is this great misconception that novelists spend all day every day typing furiously at a keyboard. It’s not true. And anyone who tells you they do is lying. Writing is as much thinking and exploring as it is actual word count. Believe me when I say, a little writing every day goes a long way.
Writers Blok, a writing co-op I recently joined, introduced me to something called a “Sprint Session” which is 50 minutes of focused writing. For some it might seem insane to drive 30 minutes and only write for 50, but here’s how to make it hyper-productive.
- Set an attainable goal and be specific
Ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish in 50 minutes?” If you’re physically at Writers Blok, shuffle to the board and set your goal in chalk. Start with 300 words, a paragraph, or a single page of ideas. Go into your writing time with a purpose. This will keep you focused.
2. Understand that it is okay to write nothing
Some days are like that. You sit down to write and nothing comes. That’s normal and it happens to everyone. Yes, EVERYONE. The important thing is to maintain a routine. Show up tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Consistency in your writing practice is the key to real productivity.
