Word sprints for Inspiration
What are Word Sprints?
Word sprints are quick bursts of timed writing, with the goal to write a LOT. Sometimes people provide a prompt/dare to help writers get going. A variation of this is called a Word War, where two or more writers compete to see who can write the most in a set time period.
Set a timer or look at a clock. Good word sprint time limits are usually between 5 - 15 minutes. You can start with a shorter one and then do a longer one later; or you can do two sprints of the same length (like 10 minutes) and try to beat your previous word count.
(Optional) Explain the prompt.
Ready, set, write! During the sprint, just write. Facilitators can call out half-way points or encouragement.
When time is up, count up your words. This can stay private, or you can share. Some groups like to give prizes for things like: most words written, writing more than you did last time, strangest/longest/funniest/saddest sentence. You can also not count words at all if it doesn’t inspire your group.
Example Prompts (for Word Sprints or Otherwise):
Have a character slip on a banana peel and land on something unpleasant.
Make a character tell another character that kissing a slug is good luck.
Give your character a figurative debt to pay that haunts them.
Write a scene where two characters argue over a piece of gum.
Introduce a doppelganger (an unexpected twin).
Your character discovers an inanimate object that laughs.
Create a human character based on your pet.
Make a character climb a tree.
Give one of your characters amnesia.
Have a character find an unlucky penny.
A character discovers a long-lost sibling.
Include a fortune cookie with a peculiar fortune.
Give your character a bad hair day that will haunt them forever.
Include a dog that steals underwear.
Your character discovers something unexpected between the couch cushions.
Write a scene where your character is angry, but hiding it.
Write a scene where your character is outraged about something they read.
Have your character get into an argument on a crowded bus.
Have your character secretly witness a dramatic scene from a hiding place.
Write a scene where your character must empty all of their pockets.
Include a disrespectful cat.
Your character runs into their middle school English teacher.
Write a scene where your character must cook a meal amidst a devastating heartbreak.
Have your antagonist drink too much coffee.
Your character eats something unusual for breakfast.
Your character pushes someone into a body of water.
Write a tense conversation between two characters in a grocery store.
Your character is hiding something at a family dinner.
An overly honest child tells your character something they would rather not hear.
Give your character an inconvenient allergy.
Your antagonist takes an important road trip.
Include a silence so quiet you can hear a pin drop.
One of your characters shatters a window.
Explain where your character got their name.
Your character must find their way out of a locked room.
Your character must eat something they hate in order to be polite.
Have a character refuse to do a favor for one of their siblings.
Have a character practice a conversation they are nervous about.
Set your next scene at a wedding.
Your character tries to cook a nice dinner and ruins everything.
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