Tackling Writer's Block: Freewriting
- MiM Journal
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Tackling Writer's Block Part 5: Free-Writing
By: Michelle Himmelsbach
Hello again!
In case you missed the previous posts, click below and explore topics of Tackling Writer's Block from Amelia Cusanno and me, Michelle!
Last year, I took a WRIT 311: Advanced Composition course with Dr. Timothy Mayers, here at Millersville University. Fridays were particularly catered towards expressing our creative sides in something called Friday Freewriting. Here, our professor gave us prompts to follow, ranging from listening to a certain song to creating a short story with seven words given, to which we were allotted about 10-15 minutes of writing time. We were told to just let our thoughts flow, not needing to worry about the length of the piece or the grammatical aspects involved with writing. One thing I noticed from the beginning to the end of these freewriting's, was I began to write more. Now, were they perfect and pristine? No! And that is the beauty of it. I was able to lean towards my own writing style, while keeping the pressure of time or grammar away.
What's the Purpose of Free Writing?
Developed in 1973 by Peter Elbow, freewriting is one of the most powerful and valuable writing tools when it comes to overcoming writer's block. This technique is used as a way to write continuously for a set period of time, without worrying about grammar or spelling. The goal, then, is to ignore the inner critic that so many of us has, capturing the thoughts that flow from our minds! Our focus becomes better equipped towards movement and/or expression, rather than the stresses of creating a perfect piece from the get-go.
How Can I Use This Technique?
It's simple! Begin with a timer, and for about 5-10 or 10-15 minutes, write continuously! The important part is not stopping to edit, correct, or even think too hard. You're merely just keeping your hand moving or fingers typing. The good thing is you can write about absolutely anything! Your dog, a favorite vacation, an invention, anything truly goes. If you do find yourself being a harsh critic, or judging what you're writing, it's best to acknowledge that thought and move on. yes, there can be times where you may find yourself stuck. Just know, it's okay! It's even useful to use simple prompts like, "What I want to say about this topic is..." or "The main point I'm trying to make is..."
Like the many prompts that are out there, they work for different kinds of writing! Let's say you want to write an academic paper. You could find it beneficial to begin with "What I think about this topic is..." Then, it could be connected towards the evidence and what it shows. Another example that is very frequent belongs in the realm of creative writing. "Once upon a time", is another great prompt we see in various fairy tales.
Don't be afraid of trying new techniques or styles! You may find a new tool that helps you become the writer you envision yourself to be. It's important to keep an open mind, especially if it allows you growth! Writing does not need to be as complicated as it has been made to be, you're allowed your own thoughts and creativity.
Comments