Writing Sprints and Deadlines



Ever noticed how much work you can magically get done when you’re down to the wire?

No one wants to admit to being a procrastinator but we’re all guilty.

Hi! I’m Katie, and I’m a procrastinator. I meant to get my work done, but….

Now, your turn. I’ll wait.

All joking aside,  my Pen name’s writing partner emailed me to remind me we have a story due to our publisher this week. THIS WEEK!!!

Immediately I went into panic mode. I must have forgotten to put it into my calendar. I’d forget my own head if there wasn’t a reminder on my calendar to screw it on every morning. Seriously, I’m a scatterbrain on the best of days.

So, that means we (My writing partner and I) will have to scramble and do sprints.

What are sprints you ask?

Just like a runner, powering through a short set of track, a writing sprint is the same concept. Great for writing first drafts and word dumping.  When you really need to push yourself to get the story written, this is a great way to do it. Set a goal. Set a timer, and try to meet or reach that goal in the allotted time. This works really well when you can get a partner or group to do it with you. You not only race against the clock, you secretly want to beat your partners best word count goal too.


Before you know it, a few writing sprints can turn into a novella or maybe even a novel. Then comes the daunting task of revising. No before you ask, there is no such thing as revising sprints. That should be handled more slowly and with a keen eye for detail. But hey, at least you’ll have something to work with after all those sprints. 

2 comments:

Kiki Howell - Author said...

Thanks! In the same boat right now, and I needed the pep talk :)

Katie Salidas said...

Long time no chat, Kiki! Hope all is well. Hugs!

About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.