Earlier this month I attended an online fiction writing event that had an improv component and a twenty-minute timer. Audience members voted from a list of first sentences and last sentences for the writing prompt. Then writers were given 20 minutes to write a complete story, using the audience’s selection for the first and last sentences of the piece.

The writers came up with some amazing stories. Some were funny. Some were poignant. All were brilliant. It was amazing to hear what writers came up with in such a short time.

Since then, I’ve taken to writing in 20-minute “flow” sessions. I set a timer and just free flow with my work for the full 20 minutes. Then if I’m in the groove, and I have more time, I keep going. If not, that’s okay, I’ve already done my 20 minutes.

The idea is similar to when I’m training for a half marathon. I don’t start out running really fast. Well, in fact, I never go really fast, not even on race day. I’m more of a plodder than a race horse. But the idea is that when I train for a half marathon, I do it in bits and pieces, using different training schedules and techniques. One of my favorites is called fartlek training. It’s a funny word, I know. But it’s really good training if you want to improve your overall speed. Basically you alternate your speed (a fast segment, then slow back to tempo, then another fast, and so on) and you do those training sessions a few times a week, and your muscles learn how to run faster.

I’m looking at my 20 minute writing sessions as my Writer’s Fartlek training. But instead of looking to increase my speed, I’m looking to increase my overall quality and content.