Free Writing - What is it and why would you do it?
What is Free Writing?
Free writing is continually writing whatever comes into your mind. It is similar to brain storming or thought dumping but it is written in full sentences. There is very little regard for correct grammar, spelling or logic. It is powerful tool for thinking and creating.
Why would you Free Write?
Free writing gives you the time and space to increase the flow of ideas. Letting your thoughts run free and getting them down on paper reduces the chance of accidentally censoring a brilliant idea.
If you have just started journaling and are unsure what to write about free writing can be a great place to start. It helps you get into the habit of writing, allowing you to practice, find and improve your writing style.
Free writing can help if you are feeling stuck and you want to push ideas without restraint. You may generate outlandish ideas and thoughts, but within those a gold nugget may hide that provides an answer.
If you have been working on something for some time you may decide you want a new perspective on the issues or problems you are trying to solve. Free writing can help you find that new perspective and allow you to say what you want to say without it having to be eloquent or appropriate.
Free writing about a particular topic can help you see or make connections that would otherwise go unnoticed.
How to Free Write
Free writing is easy to do. You don’t need any special tools (although we do love a nice pen and a beautiful journal). Pen and paper will do, or a computer. I do find if I want to do some free writing sometimes typing is better, as I can type faster than I write long hand. It really depends on how fast my mind is going.
So once you work out if you are writing in your journal, on some scrap paper or on your computer, you simply have to write.
Start writing
Write down every idea you have floating around your head – simply follow your thoughts. If you open that blank page and nothing comes to you simply start writing “I’m waiting for ideas to come and they will”. Keep writing that same sentence until the ideas come. They will come.
Do not censor your writing
Allow yourself to write all your thoughts, no matter how crazy they may be. Do not judge what you are writing, or censor your ideas. Let the words flow freely, without stopping or questioning your thoughts.
Time your Free Writing Session
Give yourself a time limit for your free writing sessions. Short sharp burst of concentrated free writing will generate the most creativity. If you don’t like being timed you may prefer to give yourself a page limit – you must write for 2 – 5 pages. I personally would start with 2 and see how you go, if you practice enough you will soon work out how many pages suit your free writing sessions.
Free yourself from distractions
For the time period you have dedicated to free writing, turn off your phone and television, find a quiet place and simply write. If you are writing on your computer, turn off your internet connection or at least close down your email, so you don’t get those annoying notifications – they can be very distracting when you are trying to focus.
Keep your hand moving
Or hands if you are using a keyboard. Just keep writing even if you need to repeat the same thing over again. Don’t let your hands stop moving until your time is up or the number of pages are full.
Write in full sentences and paragraphs
Unlike a brain dump when you just dot down some bullet points, try writing in long form sentences. This helps you get into flow and allows to expand on the one idea.
One way to start writing in sentences is to write like you talk – we tend not to talk in bullet points. There are any number of topics you can talk about and happily offer opinions, start with a topic you enjoy and start writing your thoughts rather than saying them.
Keep a list of topics you wish to explore
Sometimes the blank page can be quite daunting, so it can be a good idea to keep a list of topics or ideas you’d like to explore through free writing. Inspiration can be anywhere – there may be themes in a book you’re reading, you may see a quote that rings true to you and you want to delve deeper into its meaning or you might be inspired by a conversation you have had.
I always have my journal with me and I have an ideas page where I can jot down any topics I may wish to write about. If you don’t carry your journal or notebook with you, simply start a note on your phone or computer. The next time you are staring at a blank page you can pull out your list and find something to write about.
Hold on to your musings
I like to do my free writing in my journal and pop the topic in my index, so if I want to go back and reflect on my writing it is easy to find. You may choose to free write on your computer or on any piece of paper you can find. Where ever you do your writing I suggest holding onto it to refer back to. You will be surprised how many ideas you will develop or solutions you will come up with through free writing – you will want to keep them.
When I tell people I love to journal, I often get asked what I write about. Well I can write about anything if I am free writing. If you haven’t tried it I suggest you give it go. Dedicate spend 20 minutes a week (if not daily) to free writing. Grab a note pad and pen and start writing.
Free writing will help you:
- Become a better writer
- Be a problem solver
- Release pent up emotions
- Think clearly and deeply
- Enhance your creativity
So why not start today!
