NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 23: Writing Sprints to Break Through Writer’s Block
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All writers at some point in their writing career will face a blockade – the dreaded writer’s block. And though, yes, I agree with Jim Butcher on this sentiment, “I don’t have writer’s block. I have a mortgage,” we don’t all have that motivator when it comes to writing our fiction.
Recently, I’ve been a bit burnt out on my creative writing. I’m a full-time content creator and journalist, so writing isn’t the issue – well, not in the typical way at least. But a desire to write something creative and unique has been fleeting.
When this happens, I have two things that may help with my writer’s block. The first is playing some writing games or doing some writing prompts. But that hasn’t helped this go around.
My other go-to is writing sprints. If you’re not sure what those are, it’s simple:
- Choose a piece to work on (or a writing prompt or exercise).
- Set a timer.
- Write as fast as you can (without editing) for the entire duration of the timer.
Sometimes, one sprint is enough to break the wall. Sometimes, I need more and wind up doing multiple sprints in a day or many in a week. These help with fiction, non-fiction, deeply intimate memoir writing, even poetry. If I’m stuck, I start a sprint. If I’m really stuck, I do several – and may ask a friend to join in or keep me accountable ongoing on them until I break through the wall.
Between sprints and exercises/games, I have yet to fail at breaking through writer’s block.
So, if you’re in that place where everything you start is rubbish or you can’t get past the first few paragraphs, try some writing sprints. You may just discover it helps you break through that wall the way it does me.
Looking for more writing inspiration? Check out these other offerings from the MockingOwls.
- Ways to Keep the Inspiration Going
- When I Don’t Know What to Write
- Who’s Your Writing Inspiration?
- Writing Exercises to Try When You Get Stuck
- When You Need a Break But Can’t Take One
- Free Resources for Writers
- Paranormal Writing Prompt
- Using Landscape for Inspiration
Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
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