Writers Helping Writers

© TWSSFU

Over the weekend, I decided to join an online group of writers to sprint-write on our own, but "together" over social media.

The Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University is designed to "help you develop your writing practice for personal interest and as a profession" and offers a program in Vancouver, as well as online. I am not alumni of The Writer's Studio (TWS), but this group hosts Twitter writing sprints, where those joining in write for 15 minutes, break for five minutes and repeat thrice. Mainly targeted to students and alumni, the exercise kindly welcomes all writers to participate.

The #TWSSprints, as they are known, provide a nice structure in which to write. As I'm sure other writers can attest, I've often found it difficult to write when there is too much time or flexibility involved. Deadlines are a good thing. Chunking up big pieces of work creates an environment where incremental progress can be observed.

All this to say, in my first ever Writing Sprint I managed to crank out 822 words in the 45 minutes of total writing time, the material of which will be refined, edited and eventually published on this space. What a great exercise to get a head start on some burgeoning story ideas that have been rattling around in the ol' noggin.

So big thanks, @TWSSFU, and to all the kind, supportive people I met on Twitter from this community of writers for "giving it away." Hope to see you again next month!

Want to make a submission to 12 Months of Gratitude but don't know where to start?
Be in touch. Let's hash out some ideas together, if need be. I'd also certainly recommend joining a #TWSSprints session, if you need the motivation and a little support. For the details on what can and can't be submitted, be sure to read the Submission Guidelines.