diff --git a/scripts/generate-alt-random-writes.py b/scripts/generate-alt-random-writes.py
index 0923501b..54a34c01 100755
--- a/scripts/generate-alt-random-writes.py
+++ b/scripts/generate-alt-random-writes.py
@@ -208,9 +208,9 @@ def main():
                     else:
                         pix_left = six_width
                         while pix_left > 0:
-                            pix_count = random.randrange(pix_left + 1)
-                            out.write(f'!{pix_count}{random.choice(sixels)}')
-                            pix_left -= pix_count
+                            repeat_count = random.randrange(1, pix_left + 1)
+                            out.write(f'!{repeat_count}{random.choice(sixels)}')
+                            pix_left -= repeat_count
 
                     # Next line
                     if band + 1 < band_count: