I first became aware of the idea of a writing sprint when I saw Jane Espenson begin to suggest them on Twitter. Since then, I’ve learned that they’re a common practice.  One I like a lot.

So we did one in our office today, and it was useful.  We scheduled a block of time, sat down, and wrote.  We weren’t all writing the same things, or for the same audiences, but we were trying to get stuff written.  And it was mostly successful.  There must be something in the forced accountability that comes from saying to others “We’re going to write.  Right now.”¹

If you’ve never considered scheduling a writing sprint with a trusted colleague, or, as Jane does, a complete group of strangers, I’d suggest you give it a try.

They work.²

1. As important as writing is, it’s still a challenge for me to work writing time into my day, which can fill up fast with e-mail, phone calls, meetings, and other IMPORTANT STUFF.  But writing is important, too. Got to fit it in. [↩]
2. I’ve still plenty of writing to do, but we made progress today.  Always a good thing. [↩]