Writing is tough. Very few writers will argue with that statement. The craft demands deep thought as well as the time-consuming process of self-discovery – both of which can be exhausting and emotionally draining. As a result, many writers, intimidated by the blank piece of paper in front of them, often experience writer’s block and stop writing altogether until they are able to overcome their fear of writing badly (which many claim is what writer’s block is about.)
But since writing is a learned skill, it requires patience as well as the ability to accept that becoming a good writer takes time and practice. And the best way to practice the craft of writing is to freewrite.
What is Freewriting?
There are multiple approaches to the practice of freewriting. For some, freewriting involves picking a random topic and writing about it with no goal, direction, or end in sight. Others prefer to do away with topics or prompts altogether and jot down whatever comes to mind even if it’s complete gibberish, a la stream of consciousness. Some choose to look through their writing after they are done; others consider doing so counterintuitive. For some people, the content produced during freewriting sessions becomes a rich source of ideas; others prefer to destroy their freewriting work to achieve a sense of release.
There is no right or wrong way of practicing freewriting. At its core, freewriting is akin to getting into a car and driving aimlessly with no destination to reach. The process is the goal and process is everything.
It is important to remember that freewriting does not involve any editing or revision. Some writers prefer to highlight any glaring holes they spot for future reference and then go back to writing. Others choose to ignore spelling, grammar, and punctuation issues altogether so that nothing interrupts the creative process – which, after all, is the point of freewriting.
But freewriting is more than just a method to get ideas for one’s next novel or article. It is also a technique used in counseling and therapy to help people cope with trauma and as a means to channel their energy.
Here are some reasons why writers (and non-writers) should cultivate the habit of freewriting and practice it regularly:
1. It Builds Creativity
Since writers are inherently creative people, freewriting allows them to tap into that creativity in an entirely uncensored manner. The more they practice flexing those creative muscles, the stronger they become – because only regular practice can help writers get better at writing. Besides, they don’t have to show the results of their freewriting to anyone; they don’t even have to keep their writing if they don’t want to (although keeping it is advisable in case they find something they can use later.)
2. It Kindles Inspiration
Many writers use freewriting as a route to serendipitous inspiration. Notes and outlines allow them to stay on track but can be stifling at times; free association, on the other hand, gives free rein to creativity. Most freewriters start with a nebulous idea lacking details, thus opening themselves to self-discovery and inspiration.
3. It Helps Writers Learn to Trust Themselves
For many, the hardest part of the writing process is getting that first draft right. But the process of freewriting gradually works to lower writers’ mental blocks and inhibitions and helps them trust themselves enough to come up with good ideas and pursue them until they have something substantial. Ultimately, freewriting lets writers learn to trust themselves. This sense of trust makes itself known in other areas of their lives too. Practitioners of freewriting say it is incredibly freeing; however, it only comes with practice.
4. It Helps Writers Regulate Their Emotions and Gain Perspective
The daily workflow – emails, phone calls, conversations, social media, meetings, and other external stimuli – demands an emotional response and takes a heavy toll on the mind. As soon as people are asleep, the subconscious mind goes back to work, incubating ideas, observing, making connections, trying to make sense of the day’s events. Upon waking up, most people’s perspectives on things may change entirely, due to some of those observations and connections having made their way to the conscious mind. That’s why a morning session of freewriting helps clear the decks and prepares the writer to deal with yet another stimulating day.
Tips for Novice Freewriters
One of the greatest advantages of freewriting is that the writer is free from all restrictions that generally govern the process of writing. However, there are a few things they can do to make it more interesting and productive.
- The process of writing must be separated from the process of editing. This rule applies whether the writer wishes to write a poem, a short story, a play, or a novel. Every idea – no matter how vague, unviable, or tangential – must be allowed to flow unhindered. There will be time for editing later.
- Having a topic or idea beforehand is a helpful prewriting technique where writers reflect on their subject matter in a broad, general sense. It helps writers know in a broad sense where they are headed with their writing while keeping them from preplanning details. Moreover, any kind of writing must have narrative and thematic consistency to be effective. And starting with at least a glimmer of an idea helps achieve that consistency.
- Timed freewriting helps battle writer’s block. Writers experiencing writer’s block can commit to regularly penning a certain number of words or writing for a certain amount of time. Even if those words do not yield anything, they help writers get started and are infinitely more useful than staring blankly at a page or screen.
- Using freewriting in conjunction with traditional writing techniques such as outlining and making notes can make the writing process more successful. While freewriting alone can be highly satisfying and yield substantive ideas, it works best and produces writing of a higher quality when combined with more formal writing techniques.
Freewriting is a great addition to an author’s writing routine. Successful freewriters let the words flow freely, almost mindlessly, without trying to censor them in any way. It can be difficult at first as most people aren’t used to writing in this manner, but the benefits certainly make it worth a writer’s while.
