Sprint length
Why sprints work
Drafting and editing are different jobs, and doing them simultaneously is how a writing session evaporates into rereading paragraph three. A countdown gives the drafting job a container: for twenty-five minutes the only available action is forward. Most writers find their measured words-per-sprint is both lower than they hoped and far more consistent than they expected — and consistency is the number that finishes manuscripts.
Pair this with the word count calculator: once you know your real words-per-sprint, your deadline math stops being a guess.
Using the planner well
- 1Log every sprint, even the bad ones. A 90-word sprint is data; a skipped log is a hole in your streak and your pace estimate.
- 2Protect the streak, not the daily total. One 15-minute sprint keeps a streak alive on a brutal day. The streak rule is one session, not a quota.
- 3Post the month, not the day. The exported calendar shows the shape of a writing habit — that artifact earns more accountability than any single word count.
- 4Back up monthly. Export the JSON when you export the calendar. Browser data is mortal; your streak history doesn't have to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a writing sprint?
A writing sprint is a short, timed block — usually 15 to 45 minutes — where you write continuously without editing, checking messages, or rereading what you just wrote. The constraint is the point: a visible countdown quiets the inner editor, and the words-per-sprint number gives you honest data about your real pace. Sprints are the engine behind NaNoWriMo word wars and most write-with-me streams.
How long should a writing sprint be?
Start at 25 minutes — long enough to reach flow, short enough that the deadline pressure stays real. Drafters who type quickly often prefer 15-or-20-minute sprints with short breaks; deep-revision sessions hold up better at 45. The honest answer is whichever length you will actually repeat tomorrow, which is what the streak tracker is for.
Where is my sprint data stored?
In your browser’s localStorage, on this device only. Nothing is sent to a server, there is no account, and Scrivy cannot see your log. The trade-off: your data does not follow you across devices or browsers — use the Export button to download a JSON backup and Import to restore it elsewhere.
Will I lose my streak if I clear my browser data?
Yes — clearing site data deletes the log, because the log lives only in your browser. Export a JSON backup first (one click, instant) and import it afterwards and your streak history survives. The month-calendar PNG is also a permanent record you can keep.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The countdown is anchored to a fixed end time rather than ticking down in the page, so backgrounding the tab, switching to your manuscript, or letting your laptop throttle the page does not desync it. The remaining time also shows in the tab title so you can see it from your writing app.
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