What is a writing sprint?
A live writing sprint is when a group of people get together (on Zoom in our case) and write. Ours will last 75 minutes. We will have a brief check-in at the beginning, write quietly together for 20 minutes (mics off). Then we’ll check in for about 5 minutes again, see how everyone is doing, then write for 20 more minutes. Then one more check in and one more writing session and a wrap-up before we sign off.
Many people find it very productive to get work done amid the quiet writing energy of other people at a sprint. Sprinters support each other and celebrate our progress together.
You do not have to talk if you want to participate. It’s perfectly all right to keep your mic and even your camera off the whole time. Whatever makes you comfortable. It’s just nice to know you’re there :)
We will also do some asynchronous sprint days when we check in on the chat in the morning with goals and return throughout the day to share our progress.
How does Social Hour work?
At a scheduled time, hosts will begin posting conversation prompts on the No Time to Write Club Substack chat. Members can answer, reply, have side conversations, and generally participate in a free-flowing yet guided and moderated discussion. Chats will last about an hour, but we will continue to check in for 24 hours afterward so folks in time zones distant from ours can join in.
What is a sprint day?
This is our version of an asynchronous writing sprint. Participants can check in on the chat at the start of the day (anytime after 6am ET) and share plans and goals for that day’s writing. Sara and Tes will watch the chat through the day and cheer you on, and participants can cheer each other on. At the end of the day, we’ll all check back in (before 11pm ET) to report on progress and hurdles and to pat each other on the back.
If I can’t be at a sprint in person, is there another way I can participate?
You can join an asynchronous sprint day. Also, each live sprint will have an accompanying Substack chat where members who couldn’t make that sprint can check in and share their writing goals and accomplishments.
How do you choose the times for writing sprints?
We’ll schedule the first month ourselves, but we will periodically poll the community to try to find the most accessible times.
What time zone are you in?
We are both in Eastern Time, but we make an effort to offer times that are workable for people in the continental United States. We welcome folks in ALL time zones and offer asynchronous benefits that can be enjoyed any time. For example, although our Substack chats will occur at specific times, we encourage members to continue participating in the chat at their convenience.
What kind of writing do I need to do to join the club?
Any kind! Seriously. Fiction, poetry, academic writing, nonfiction, memoir, personal essays, journalism, your dissertation/thesis, anything.
My project is not fiction or academic. Can I still participate?
Yes!
I need accountability for doing other kinds of work. Am I still welcome?
This is a service designed for writers, but we aren’t going to police what you are actually doing during our writing sprints or chats. You are the boss of you. Use NTTWC as you see fit.