The exercise pauses on filler words and long sentences. You decide what to keep, then move forward. It teaches clarity and rhythm without slipping into over editing.
Creative writing exercise
Tighten Up
Remove unnecessary words and improve sentence flow.
Use Tighten Up in Spark to sharpen your writing focus, reduce hesitation, and build a steadier daily writing habit.
What this exercise is built for
Tighten Up
How it works
- Write naturally
- The exercise checks for filler words: and, like, just, really, very, actually
- It also flags sentences with 2+ commas or sentences over 25 words
- When a violation is detected, you'll be prompted to reconsider
- Choose to keep or remove the flagged word/comma, or break up long sentences
Explore more exercises
All exercises
Browse the full Spark library of writing exercises, from quick warmups to structured creative writing drills.
Alphabet Challenge
Start each sentence with the last letter of the previous.
Alphabet Ladder
Start each sentence with the next letter in the alphabet.
Basic Practice
Simple writing practice without constraints or challenges.
Blind Mode
Write without seeing your text. Trust your instincts.
Hemingway Mode
Write without the ability to delete. Embrace your first thoughts.
Loved Ones
Write about one person or pet with occasional nudges to go deeper.
Morning Pages
Stream-of-consciousness writing with helpful nudges to maintain flow.
Passage Rewrites
Rewrite passages with clearer language while keeping the meaning.
Backstory Timeline
Create a timeline of your character's life and highlight shaping events.
Character Interview
Develop characters through a series of interview questions.
Character Monologues
Write monologues from different character perspectives.
Character Portrait
Build a detailed physical portrait using rolling appearance trait prompts.
First Line Continuation
Start from a given opening line to remove blank-page friction.
Flash Fiction
Write complete stories in a very short format.
Genre Roulette
Write in randomly assigned genres to expand your range.
Headline Reaction
React to a notable headline through one character point of view.
I Remember
Start each sentence with 'I remember' to unlock memories.
Interval Training
Write in focused intervals with timed breaks.
No "E" Challenge
Write without using the letter E. A constraint-based exercise.
POV Swap
Write the same scene from three different character perspectives.
Prompt Frenzy
Incorporate writing prompts as they appear during your session.
Quest Mode
Defeat monsters by meeting writing goals.
Silly Persuasion
Write a presidential speech defending an absurd policy.
Social Media Story
Narrate a story through social media posts with character limits.
Story Dice
Roll dice and weave elements into your story.
Timed Sprint
Race against the clock to write as many words as possible.
Vanishing Trio
Get three random items and write a story where two disappear.
Word Arcade
Hit easy, medium, and hard target words to score points and chain combos.
Word Avalanche
Reach increasing word count targets as they get progressively harder.
World History Timeline
Map key historical events that shaped a fictional story world.
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Storyteller Toolbox
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- Spark: 30+ interactive writing exercises
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