Ready. Set. Go! Ways to prepare for Writing Sprints

Photo by Fifth Element- Phannary Penn

A few weeks ago my fabulous CP Daryl D put together a writing sprint and asked if I'd be interested to sprint with her.

Of course I would!

I've been hearing about writing sprints on Twitter and always wanted to try it with my CPs so when she offered, I jumped at the chance.

And I LOVED it!!!
Thank you, Daryl!

For those of you who aren't familiar with writing sprints, they're basically designated times marked out of your busy schedule where all you do is write, write, write. No Facebook. No Twitter. No email. No distractions. 100% sprinting words out.

So now when my CPs and I can't get together for writing sprints, I always pretend. I set my timer and close all windows and pretend they're on the other side of the world pounding those keys in as I am.

I don't know what it is, but it seriously works. The temptation to take a peeky at your email is gone. Who cares what's going on FB or any other social media. Of course, deadlines help too!

I also found setting an online timer is helpful, allowing me to check in every now and then to see how I'm doing.

However, resist the urge to check often. That is the only window I have up. That and my white noise. The only temptation, so to speak. If it becomes distracting, set an actual timer and keep it out of sight. An online digital timer may not be for you.

Things to prepare for writing sprints can include setting up snacks and drink ahead of time (just in case you are tempted to dig through the pantry). Turning cell phones off and of course going offline is a must.

Don't forget to take a potty break before you start. If possible try to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner before you begin. Otherwise if you have to warm up your meal while sprinting, it'll take minutes away from your writing time. *Peeks up from the laptop and cringes* Guilty. Guilty.

And try to do any research beforehand. If you get stuck add a symbol and a ___________. This will remind you later to fill in the blank.

{Okay, snacks like these might be  a little too distracting, but you get the idea}

If you feel less tempted by writing longhand (or more creative), go for it! It might even be less distracting.

Also, exercise gets the mind in the groove. Refresh your mind by doing an actual sprint before a writing sprint. Or maybe some jumping jumps, cardio etc.

Another fabulous writing buddy of mine (Casea Major), opened a 'sprint group' on FB. If you would rather sprint with a group of people, or check in with a group of serious writing buddies, that's another great way of getting some word count in. Support is THEE best motivation.


There are so many timers to choose from such as this ONE and this ONE.

My favorite is EGGTIMER

Don't forget. Do NOT set timer for more than two hours at a time. The body and mind needs a rest after two hours of stimulation. Avoid putting your brain to mush by sprinting for no longer than two hours at a time.

After two hours get up, move around, get yourself a refill, take a potty break, whatever. Once you're done and would like to continue, set timer for two more hours or less (if preferred) and repeat.

Excuse me now, I have a date with my timer. See you in two hours!

How do YOU prepare for writing sprints? Have you been on one? 
How do you like them?

RAOK Message of Gratitude

Okay, so it's RAOK (Random Acts of Kindness)week for writers at The Bookshelf Muse and we are ALL participating in sharing lovely and thoughtful acts of kindness to others, right? 

If you haven't already sent a shout out or a kindness gesture to another writer or reader, it's not too late. It's NEVER too late.

In honor of sharing kind gestures to others I'd like to share with you something I discovered. I was going through my memory boxes and have found some really cool things that I will be sharing in a future blog post (stay tuned). 

I've got some pics to share of my very first book I've written at age seven and lots of some other fun discoveries. 

Anyway, I discovered how to record a voice message on my phone to share with friends. However, I quickly found the file used is not compatible with PCs so I did some digging and I found something really cool.

How many of you have CPs from different states or even countries? Chances are you do. What if I were to tell you, you can easily send each of them a nice personable message letting them know just how much you appreciate them? 

I'm betting most of you who have had contact with your CPs for years have never ever even heard their voice. Aren't you curious what they sound like? Not only that, wouldn't you want to tell them how much you absolutely love them and appreciate them via voice message?

Well, here's your chance.

I also think this is an excellent communication tool. You know those times when it's much easier to voice something than to type it out? Maybe a short five minute brainstorming session. 

Or just letting your CP know how your day went is an awesome way to communicate. I think it's just fun to actually hear the voice of the person you've communicated to all these months—years—decades.

Some of you may already know how to do this but for those who don't, here are four easy steps on How to Record and Send a Voice Message by Email.

So go on. Let's spread some kindness out there. Send your CP or special someone a message of gratitude. I guarantee you it will put a smile on their face (as long as you say something nice LOL).

I realize I am giving away all my secrets here but I only do it cuz I care for you all so very much! Happy RAOK week!!

Don't forget to stop by The Book Shelf Muse for a chance to spread RAOK and an opportunity to win some goodies. 

Here's some trivia for you. If you can have anybody's voice, who would it be and why?

Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ!

A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. 

Each day people interact with us, help, and make our day a bit brighter and full. This is especially true in the Writing Community.  

Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.

So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.

Kindness ROCKS! 

To commemorate the release of their book The EmotionThesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. 

And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too!


I want to give a ginormous THANK YOU to Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi—the creators of the most fabulous BOOKSHELF MUSE. For spending so much of your time creating thee most awesome thesaurus ever. We appreciate your hard work and believe me when I say it is continually put to good use. You guys rock!

There are so many people who I would like to blitz as a thank you. 

I would like to send out a BIG shout-out to all my fabulous CPs (you know who you are). THANK YOU for sharing all your awesome feedback! 

I don't know where I'd be without you guys. My mss shine because of you. Finding the right critique partners is truly a blessing and I am eternally thankful for YOU. Thank you for being part of my writing journey. I will never, ever forget those who were there for me. I ADORE you with all my heart! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

To my loyal readers.  I HEART YOU! And as I've said before, oh, how I appreciate you. Thank you so much for connecting!

To Lucienne Diver, who is an amazing author, agent, and person—a huge THANK YOU for sharing your invaluable insight. I really can't thank you enough. Thank you also for taking the time to connect with those in the publishing community. You truly are a gem! I am forever grateful I have gotten to know you. You're just plain AWESOME. P.S. Your appreciation package is on its way!


To James Scott Bell who is the most awesome writing coach. Ever. When I first started writing five years ago, I started with two writing books, On Writing by Stephen King and your Plot & Structure. I devoured every word faster than I could think. Then of course, I bought the rest of your writing books and they literally changed my life. I've learned so much from you, not just in your books but through your correspondence. Thank you for your extraordinary guidance and for helping me take my writing to the next level. Much gratitude and appreciation! Your blitz appreciation is on its way.


And to Cindy Bell for supporting JSB in his writing and for sharing all his awesome appearances with us. And just for plain being awesome. You two really make a great team! 


Thank you to Alyson Noël and Jessica Brody—the Bill Contardi sistas. For your encouragement and for your friendship, for your genuine support and for always having something fabulous to say. Your words have meant more than you know. I appreciate you! Endless thank yous for your inspiration and for reaching out and being you. XO I feel very privileged to have gotten to know you both. Gratitude packages are on the way!


Cherry Adair - What can I say? Love your witty personality and the way you reach out to others. Thank you for your kind words and for your words of wisdom. I will never forget your laughter and your encouragement. Your support is beyond special as so are you. So thankful for you! Gratzi!Appreciation is on its way!


Big thanks to Bonnie Calhoun, computer extraordinaire. I think you know more than Google itself. Ha! Seriously. Thank you for all your help and for never abandoning my questions. Appreciate you so much! (Check your email--you'll see why).

  
Kat Duncan, one of the best instructors out there. Thank you sooo very much for always making time for me. For sharing your insight and for steering me in the right direction. I appreciate you very much. Don't forget to check your email. :)


Casey McCormick, I cannot thank you enough for Literary Rambles! Thank you for starting Agent Spotlight and for all the invaluable info. And thank you so much for your latest feedback and praise.  Much appreciated!  To Natalie Aguirre, thank you for partnering up with Casey and contributing your awesomeness to the blog. You both rock!

I really appreciate all of you and I know I sound like a broken record (excuse the cliché) but it's true. I can't help it if I repeat it. I am beyond fortunate to have gotten to know ALL of you! YOU GUYS ROCK! My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. 

Love to you ALL. Big hugs XXXX

Do you know someone special that you'd like to randomly acknowledge? Don't be shy—come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness makes the world go round. :)


Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift waiting for you as well, so hop on over to The Bookshelf Muse to pick it up.


Have you ever participated in or been the recipient of a Random Act Of Kindness?  


Let me know in the comments!

If you have a minute, please stop in and tell these fellow author and friends how awesome they are! 

As a closing I'd like to invite you to their sites and their blogs (also be sure to click on their names above for Twitter links). And don't forget to pay it forward and share RAOK. You'll never know whose heart you'll touch.  

Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi   Blog

Lucienne Diver   Blog   Website

James Scott Bell  Blog   Website

Cindy Bell   Facebook

 Alyson Noël         Blog   Website

Jessica Brody       Blog   Website

Cherry Adair       Blog   Website

Bonnie Calhoun    Blog   Website

Kat Duncan            Blog   Website

Casey McCormick  & Natalie Aguirre Blog