I  wanted  to  write.   To  clear  my  thoughts,  impart  some  wisdom,  and  to  leave  an  imprint  in  the  world’s  readers.  I  wanted  to  inspire,  to  have  my  words  relate  to  others,  and  to  speak  the  truth  through  my  minds  imagination.

I  wanted  to  say  something.

But  I  couldn’t.

I  couldn’t  find  the  words  of  my  story  though  I  knew  what  I  wanted  to  say.  What  could  I  do?

Staring  at  the  computer  screen  proved   ineffective,  and  my  attention  span  wavered  way  too  frequently  towards  finding  something  better  to  do.  The  achievement  chart  on  the  wall  beside  me  stared  me  down  in  a  silent  challenge.  I  wanted  to  fill  in  the  days  writing  goals,  but  92  words  seemed  pathetic  for   a  whole  days  work.  I  couldn’t  write  that  down.

I   was  frustrated  at  myself  for  slowing  down.   I  had  deadlines  to  meet,  and  at  the  rate  I  was  going  they  would  pass  me  by  with  little  to  show  for  it.

I  needed   the  ‘writer’s  block’  cure.  What  was  it?

Word  sprints.

I  called  to  the  power  of  twitter  for  writers  alike,   who  like  me,  needed  the  extra  incentive  to  get  on  with  it.  A  20  minute  sprint  with  a  writer  unknown  was  all  I  needed  to  increase  my  92  words  to  830.

How  did  it   work?  Why  did  it  work?

Friendly  competition  was  enough  to  spur  me  on.  It  kept  my  concentration  focused  long  enough  to  tap   away  at  the  keys  furiously,  to  move  my  story  along,  and  to  meet   a   new  acquaintance  in  the  process.  The  timer  chirped  signalling  the  end  of  the  session,  and  it  was  time  to  check  in  to  relay  the  number  of  words  we’d  achieved.  It  didn’t  matter  who’d  won,  it  was  the  companionship  between  writers  to   help  each  other  out  that  was  important.

Sprinting  was  becoming  my  favourite   activity.  It  quickened  my  heart  and  sharpened  my   mind,  and  turned  my  writing  into  something  more.

Are  you  ready  to  sprint?