Do you have writer's block? Have you chosen a topic or an idea to develop but are unable to move forward? Try free writing! This is an exercise used by writers to collect their thoughts and ideas before starting a text, and produces a paragraph without punctuation and with freewheeling thoughts that is incredibly useful in the preliminary phase of writing.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write Freely
Step 1. Set a timer or use the clock you see on your computer screen
Write continuously for 5 to 10 minutes, so you can get carried away and write quickly. Just think about writing, not about the passing of time.
Step 2. Choose a topic
If you have decided to write free thoughts on a topic, put this topic as the title at the top of the page. If you just want to write freely, go ahead. You might be surprised to see what you write even in those days when you said to yourself "I can't think of anything to write".
Step 3. Start the timer
Step 4. Write down everything that crosses your mind
They can be thoughts related to the topic, if you have chosen one. If you are writing without a topic because you are looking for an idea or subject, grab any thought that crosses your mind and write it down right away.
Step 5. Keep writing until the time runs out
Don't stop before then.
- Pay no attention to grammar or typos.
- Don't worry if there are incomplete sentences or misspelled words. Keep writing.
- If you come to a standstill or have a blank keep typing the same word or phrase over and over until you think of something else. It can be helpful to look around and choose an object to describe.
- When the time runs out, take a look at what you've written and circle or underline any ideas you like or think might be useful for your project.
Step 6. Put together the ideas and phrases you have just chosen and decide where they lead you on your writing journey
Step 7. Start writing the draft
If you have enough material to write, then start writing a bad copy. If you don't have enough material, proceed to another free writing session, or try brainstorming or mind mapping (see Related wikiHow).
Advice
- Read various types of books, not just those on the subject you would like to cover.
- Listen to music to relax, any kind of music you like.
- Instead of using the watch, use a timer with an alarm, so you don't get distracted as you watch the time go by.
- To avoid the temptation to correct what you type right away, you could turn off your computer monitor or turn off spell checking and automatic correction.
- Try to write something - anything! - everyday.
- Use a simple program if possible, such as Wordpad for Windows or TextEdit for Mac. They are easier to use than Microsoft Word or Mac Pages. You don't have to get distracted by changing the font or using italics (unless you use shortcuts) - focus on the writing.
- An internet search for "free writing exercises" or "timed writing exercises" will give you many ideas.
- If you are really stuck write "I don't know what to write" many times. Eventually your mind will get bored and think about something new. However, don't worry: no one has ever been permanently stuck. In fact, the best things just came off a block!
- Even if you start with a specific idea or suggestion, don't feel obligated to stick to it. Feel free to vary and change your way and make free associations of ideas.
- If at first you find yourself in difficulty, use your senses: write down what you feel and feel. Maybe you are hot or cold, hungry or tired. Write what you feel, the rest will come by itself.
- Some writers believe that a notepad and pen are better for free writing, even if they use the computer in other writing situations. Use a pad only for free writing, so you will have all the exercises you did right away. Use a very smooth, new pen or mechanical pencil so you don't have to stop if you run out of ink or wear the tip of the pencil.
Warnings
- Free writing doesn't necessarily work for everyone, but it can help overcome stubborn writer's block.
- Don't try your newest autocorrect or spell checker program just while doing free typing, and also avoid checking now if the old program still works fine.
