Exercises to get you writing: Freewriting

If you are not self employed, or a key worker, chances are you have some time on your hands for writing. But what if you don't know what to write about?

Freewriting is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. It's really simple to do: take a piece of paper and pen or pencil / or sit at the keyboard with a blank page in front of you. Then you start to write, writing anything that comes into your mind, and you write non stop for a set period of time - 2 minutes (longer if it gets you going). Write in full sentences, and keep writing - don't stop to criticize, review or edit, just write. 

You may well start out with something like: 'Here I am sitting staring at a blank page with no idea what to write...' At the end of the writing time, you can look over what you've written, and see if there is a gem of a story in there that you can work on. If there isn't, try the exercises again. 

I find it works best for me if I have music playing. I particularly like Il Divo at present, and there is research to indicate that Baroque music stimulates creativity. 

Even if all you have is a page of nonsense, you have written a page, which in itself breaks down barriers. It can also be a good way to clear your mind, helping you to settle into writing. If you're stuck with your current Work in progress, then write about that, and use freewriting to break out of the rut, explore new ideas. 

It's a great technique, and one I regularly come back to. I will be writing about others in upcoming blogs. 

Happy writing!