If you’re a procrastinator, than chances are good that you’ve heard of the Pomodoro Technique—most likely while you were searching the web instead of writing.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method where you use a timer to keep yourself on track with a task.

In the early days of forming a writing habit and setting yourself writing goals, utilizing the Pomodoro Technique will certainly makes things easier.

The general idea is to break your work down into intervals using a timer. This is how it can be applied to your writing sessions…

#1) Sit down with a timer

I usually use the timer app on my phone, but you can use a kitchen timer or a stop watch. Set your timer for 5, 10, 15 minutes or even 60 if you can.

#2) Work on your writing

This is just for your writing, and only your writing. Write for however many minutes your timer is set for.

#3) Bask in the glory of your increased word count

Using the Pomodoro Technique is as simple as setting a timer and writing. Once that timer goes off, take a break and a stretch, and then start another timed session.

Tips to keep in mind:

• Go the extra mile by turning off the Internet.
• Write using a pen and some paper.
• If you’re using a writing program such as scrivener, which allows you to set your screen to ‘full screen’, utilize that. It’s amazing how not being able to see anything but what you’re writing keeps you on track.
• If you have to leave your work, pause the timer until you come back.
• Need to look something up? Highlight it, make a note and then go back to it later. Straying from the writing page will only lead to distraction.

Now that you know this easy trick, give it a try, and see how something as simple as working to a timer can increase your word count.

– K.M. Allan