Writing is free but what is freewriting?

     The last day I talked a little bit about freewriting and today I would like to expand on that.

What is freewriting? Freewriting is a fantastic writing exercise that can help increase your writing stamina. I guess freewriting can be approached in different ways, and many people like to do it their own way, so I will explain how I do it and what works best for me.

I have been using freewriting for many years. I was introduced to it in various writing courses that I studied.

As I mentioned in a previous post I try to write every day, even if that is just writing things in my diary. I am happy as long as I am getting something down on paper, even if it is writing about what I did that day or my plans and ambitions for the following day. 

Anyway, let's talk about freewriting and what it is. For me, I get the stopwatch on my phone and begin writing, with no plan, after deciding how long I wish to do it for, but 20 minutes usually works for me, but I have previously done it for 45 minutes and even an hour, but 20/25 minutes works for me and gets better results. 

I just sit down and write. I don't think. I just write and let it all flow and when the stopwatch sounds, I stop. It is that simple. I haven't actually gone back and fleshed out anything, but it serves as a great writing exercise as it allows you to have fun and experiment and get some things down on paper that you wouldn't otherwise usually attempt. It is a good way to leave your writing comfort zone and to try some new ideas and even if you aren't happy with it, you're still getting words onto the page and it is better to have those words on the page than to remain stuck in your head.

Sometimes another good way of practicing freewriting is by looking at a photograph in a book or on the internet. Choose a theme and look at a photo and having looked at it, sit down and free-write. Let it flow. 

Another good thing I was once told is when you go for a walk, focus your attention on somebody. Anybody. When you get back home, remember the person you've focused your attention on and just write about them. Imagine a backstory. Imagine their present. Write them a future. Of course, this is all for practice purposes and we cannot be publishing such material without someone's consent so this is something to be careful about. 

Another good thing is to listen to conversations and take notes. Of course, be discreet but tune your ear in. Be a sponge. 

As I always say, this advice can be taken or it can be ignored and if it is taken it can be applied in the way that works best for you.

Good luck with your next chapters.