Write first, edit later
A word sprint is a short, timed burst of writing where the only goal is getting words down (no editing, no rereading, no checking your phone). Novelists use sprints to break through blocks and keep momentum; National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) participants have long used them together in “word wars”. The approach is close to the Pomodoro technique: a fixed block of focused time followed by a break.
How to use the timer
- Pick a duration: 15 minutes is a good start; 25 matches a classic Pomodoro.
- Set a word goal. A comfortable typing pace for drafting is often 20–40 words per minute, so 15 minutes might give 300–600 words.
- Press Start and write in the box until the clock runs out.
The progress bar fills towards your goal, and your words per minute update live. Only words written during the sprint count, so you can continue an existing draft. Your draft is saved in this browser as you type, and every finished sprint is added to a history (total words, minutes and pace) stored only on your device.
When you’re done, Open in editor moves the draft into the Writing Editor, where you can edit it with readability and grammar checks.
Questions
What is a writing sprint?
A short, timed session of writing without stopping to edit, usually 10–30 minutes, often with a word goal.
Is my sprint text saved?
Yes, in your browser only. It is never uploaded.
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