Are you struggling to find time to write? This happens to me a lot! Even though I’m a writing coach, life gets busy, and self-doubt often creeps in, too. That voice in your head whispers:
💭 You don’t know what you’re doing.
💭 You don’t have time
💭 Why bother starting?
That’s why I want to share one of my favourite strategies: the Lightning 10. It’s quick, simple, and surprisingly effective – even on the busiest days.
My Go-To Trick for Getting Words Down (Even on Busy Days)
The Lightning 10 is a low-pressure writing method that helps you get words down fast.
You write for just 10 minutes.
That’s it. No waiting for inspiration, no need for a long block of time. Just 10 focused minutes. And the results? Genuinely powerful.
Why the Lightning 10 Works
This approach lowers the bar. It takes the pressure off and helps you prove to yourself that even in a tiny window, you can:
- Solve problems in your story
- Get your creative energy flowing
- Make consistent, meaningful progress
I’ve used this method on and off for years. Every time I return to it, I remember how effective it is.
How to Use the Lightning 10
Recently, my 6-year-old son asked me to write a book about him and his pet hamster. I loved the idea, but the problem was, I was deep in developing a preschool animation series and didn’t see how I could fit it in.
Then I remembered the Lightning 10.
I put a notebook beside my bed. I set my alarm for 6:15am – 10 minutes earlier than usual. When it went off, I grabbed the notebook, then I set a timer on my Fitbit (super handy as it’s on my wrist), and got to work.
I was amazed by how much I got done. Plus, I started the day feeling energised and super proud.
Once you start writing, ideas flow. You might not want to stop. But even if you only write for ten minutes, you’ll build momentum. And if you do this every day – or even a few times a week – over time, those short bursts add up fast.
The Lightning 10 Rules
Follow these steps to get the most from your Lightning 10:
- Schedule it. Pick a time, put it in your diary, and commit. This is as important as a dentist’s appointment or a meeting with your boss. No excuses. Not even that niggly little pile of washing that’s just sitting there staring at you. This is your time to write.
- Eliminate distractions. Switch off the internet. Put your phone out of reach.
- Set a timer. I use my Fitbit, but any timer will do.
- Prepare your tools. Notebook, pen, laptop—whatever works best for you.
- Just write. No editing. No second-guessing. Just get the words down.
How One Writer Got Unstuck with This 10-Minute Trick
I shared the Lightning 10 with a client who had been avoiding her writing for months. Her inner critic kept shouting:
- You’re not a real writer.
- You’re out of your depth.
- You don’t have time.
- You’re too overwhelmed.
So, she procrastinated and felt stuck.
I was desperate to help her, so I suggested she try the Lightning 10. The following week, she came back buzzing. She had written multiple times, some sessions stretching beyond ten minutes. But even on short days, she felt accomplished.
She told me the best part was the freedom:
“No judging, no editing, no stopping, no overthinking. I just wrote.”
It got her writing again—and enjoying the process.
The Origin of the Lightning 10 Strategy
The Lightning 10 draws inspiration from lots of productivity ideas, but its roots go back to Dorothea Brande’s classic book Becoming a Writer, published in the 1930s. I read it years ago, and her idea of writing in short, scheduled bursts stayed with me.
Since then, I’ve seen versions of this approach everywhere – from habit-building systems to creative productivity books. The message is clear:
Small, consistent efforts lead to big results.
Try the Lightning 10 Today
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or short on time, try the Lightning 10. Just ten minutes.
Let me know in the comments or send me a message if you give it a go. I’d love to hear if it works for you.
🚀 Want Support With Your Writing?
If you’d like help staying on track, quieting your inner critic, delivering words, or getting your work ‘out there’, I’d love to work with you as your writing coach.
I specialise in the psychological side of writing—building a strong mindset, creating habits that work, and helping writers shape both their stories and careers.
You’ll get accountability, support, and someone in your corner to help you make real progress.
👉 Find out more at Pick Up Your Pen
👉 Or book a free discovery call to see if we’d be a good fit
Nice Words From a Client
“Here is the final version!! It flows a million times better than it did before. I can’t thank you enough. Writing coaches rule! 👏🏻”