DIY MFA Weekend Writing Sprint — May 2014

by Gabriela Pereira
published in Writing

Have you been talking about finishing that draft but never seem to find the time to do it? Is there a story you’ve been dying to write but somehow life always gets in the way? Don’t worry, we’ve been there and we totally get how you feel. This is why DIY MFA is hosting another Writing Sprint this weekend!

May 24 – May 25, 2014

This free event is like a virtual writing retreat and it’s the perfect opportunity to get those words on the page and finish that draft once and for all.

This is how the writing sprint works:

First, head on over to the sign-up page and register with your email. It’s free and don’t worry, we hate SPAM as much as you do so your email will be safe with us. Registering is the most important step because that way you can receive the email updates about the sprint with the link to our Super-Secret Headquarters page. You’ll also get access to all the writing sprint videos and other free goodies. (*Psst* If you’ve participated in a DIY MFA writing sprint in the past, you should be all set and you can skip this step.)

Next, block out some time this coming weekend when you can do some serious writing. You can participate for as long or as little as you like, though we recommend setting aside at least 1-2 hours each day of the retreat for solid writing. During those hours, shut of your phone/internet and find a comfy spot so you can write uninterrupted.

Take breaks throughout the day and visit our Super-Secret Headquarters page for motivating videos and updates. Also, you can check in via Twitter by using the #DIYMFA hash tag. Join the conversation by posting your progress and encouraging other writer-sprinters with their goals.

Are you in?

The DIY MFA team and I hope you’ll join us for this free event. We’ve got over 200 writers from around the globe already signed up, but as always the more the merrier! In terms of writing style, genre and goals, these writer-sprinters run the gamut but we all have one thing in common: we’re all serious about our writing. This weekend it’s time to band together via this virtual retreat, and write write write! After all, there’s nothing like some good, solid social accountability to get us motivated.

We all have that story we’ve been dreaming about, but sometimes we over-think things and waste too much time “testing the waters.” Instead, I’d like to challenge you to jump in with both feet and just write. Take a chance on yourself and block out some time for this writing sprint. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!

Remember: it doesn’t have to be a ton of time–an hour or two each day is a good place to start–but it’s important that you carve out that time and defend it with your life. Giving up a few hours of your weekend is nothing compared to how great it will feel when you finish that story. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to write that story, because believe me, there will never be a “perfect time.” Take that leap of faith and start writing now.

“You’ve got to jump off cliffs,
and build your wings on the way down.”
–Ray Bradbury

Trust that once you start writing, the story will come and the words will flow. Remember: no one’s going to write that story for you. It’s up to you to make it happen and this Weekend Writing Sprint is the best place to start. Are you ready? Get set… Go!

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