5 Unique Silent Timers For Writing Sprints

Writing sprints can be an effective way to get a lot done in a short burst of time. Simply put, it’s setting a timer and writing until the alarm goes off.

Some writers have found that writing sprints don’t work as well for them because when the time is up and that timer beeps or buzzes, it can derail their train of thought and pull them out of the zone.

Finding silent timers is a great option for writers looking to set a timeframe for their writing sessions without disruption.

Silent timers are less strict than enlisting Alexa to be your timekeeper as my writing group does, but they won't interrupt your writing. Instead of an audio cue telling you to stop, they're visual aids you can check in with as you work and won't command you to suddenly stop mid-sentence.

Sometimes, you won’t even notice they’ve finished because you’ve been so focused on your writing!

Silent Timer 1: The Hourglass

Starting off with a classic: the hourglass.

There's a timeless aesthetic to hourglasses. And nowadays, you're bound to find one that matches your style and space, whether it's the color of the sand or an ornate base. And who doesn't love the ones with magnetic filaments that form sculptures as they pile up?

Granted, they’re not always exactly one hour long, but they’re an excellent visual representation of how much time you have left. And if you're looking for a shorter sprint, you could steal one from a game like We're Doomed! that's designed to last about fifteen minutes.

Set your goals, flip the hourglass, and get to writing as the sand falls.

Silent Timer 2: Candles

You may have seen Study-With-Me videos that use candles as timers. They’ll light a candle and work until it burns itself out.

Votives or candlesticks will work better as timers than a jarred candle, as they’re smaller and extinguish themselves quicker.

When you’re using a candlestick as a timer, I recommend getting a candleholder for it or melting the end and pressing it upright into a suitable dish to collect the wax as it melts to avoid a mess. And be sure to keep a watchful eye as there is fire involved.

Silent Timer 3: Incense

Like candles, incense can be a small way to bring fragrances into your writing space—and they’re also great silent timers!

In my experience, a stick of incense will burn for about thirty minutes before going out, but the scent will linger for much longer, allowing you to remain in that writing headspace.

As with the candlesticks, I highly recommend acquiring a stand for your incense. There are different styles available depending on the type of incense you're using, so you won't have trouble finding one that aligns with your vibe. And be sure to get one that can collect the ashes to make discarding used incense easier.

You may also consider lighting it a fair distance away from where you're sitting if you're concerned about the smoke.

Silent Timer 4: Ice Cubes

This is another one I’ve seen used in Study-With-Me videos.

Ice cubes take a tiny more prep than the other silent timers in this post because you have to freeze them, but they’re also easy to customize! You could pick up a fun-shaped ice cube tray like flowers or skulls or find a novelty glass to melt them in.

Once they’re melted, you could refreeze them or give the water to your plants.

The duration of ice cubes as a timer will depend on factors like size and the temperature of your writing space.

Just don’t forget to use a coaster!

Silent Timer 5: Decorative Potion Bottles

I started making decorative potion bottles as my contribution to the Halloween decor at the escape room I work at (and they were such a hit that we've kept them out year-round).

Once I finally got around to making one for myself, I realized that they're perfect silent timers for writing sessions.

They're incredibly easy to make and personalize. The one on my desk is a dusty rose color with some hints of gold, which I felt gave off romance-writing vibes. I also have plans to make a collection inspired by each of my WIPs when I find the right bottles for them.

All I have to do is give it a quick shake, and I just leave it be, writing until the swirling calms and the sparkles fall to the bottom.

There's also something calming about watching these potion bottles that helps ground me when my thoughts are racing.

Many writers enjoy writing sprints, but some find the alert of a timer too abrupt to be productive.

These silent timers might be more arbitrary timekeepers, in that they don't necessarily have an exact timeframe you can set, but they're a fantastic option for writers who want to be disciplined in their writing habits without distraction or disruption.

Which of these silent timers would you most want to try? What ideas would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!