Freewriting

Freewriting is an important tool every writer should use. There are many benefits to this simple exercise, which involves simply sitting down and letting the words flow onto paper or your computer screen. You can use it in a number of different ways.

--Start your day with a freewrite. This will knock the rust off that part of your brain that gets the ideas flowing. If you are the type of writer who agonizes over the first few minutes of writing because the words struggle to emerge, a freewrite could take you past that step. Whether you're writing the first draft of a novel, a short story, poetry, or whatever, this could help you get out of the daily gate smoother.

--Kick start a project with a freewrite. If you're ready to move onto your next project, but you're not sure what it is, sit down and freewrite. Set an amount of time to write, and let the words flow. Don't think about what you're writing, and don't actively search for ideas. Once you've finished your allotted writing time, read over what you wrote. Most often, some sort of idea will be staring right back at you. Many times you'll get more than one, and you'll have plenty of ideas for future projects, as well.

--Use freewriting to flesh out your ideas. You may have a killer idea you know that'll make a great story, but you don't yet have all the details. Think about that idea, sit down, and freewrite. As always, don't let your conscious mind get in the way. Just let your pen or keyboard fingers do the talking. When you're done, read over what you wrote. You might not get everything you want out of a single session, but you should be well on your way.

--Writer's Block be gone! Freewriting is an excellent way to push past difficult parts of your work in progress. You may know what you want to do in your story, but the exact process might be a bit fuzzy. Does your protagonist fight or give in to flight? Freewrite out the possibilities and see what you like best. Or, if you haven't started something yet, and that dreaded blank page is staring at you, freewrite. Don't worry about coming up with ideas, just let your subconscious work through the fear that you'll never write again. A good freewriting session could be all you need!

These are some ideas of how to use freewriting to your benefit. I'm sure you have other ways in which freewriting has helped you. If so, feel free to leave these ideas as a comment. Until next time, keep reading and/or writing!

Fear (or Writer's Block)

One thing writer's always must fight against is fear. It strikes different writers in different ways. Some writers might fear the blank page. They're afraid that as they stare at it, a little paper monster will pop right out and bite them on the nose. No, no, I kid (though that'd make a pretty cool story). They're afraid that if they start writing on that blank page, the words won't be profound, won't be interesting, won't be salable. As soon as they start marking up the page (or typing words on the screen), the masterpiece that could have gone there will now no longer be able to ever fill that spot. Some people never become writers because of that fear.

Some writers might fear ridicule. When someone else reads their heart-felt laughter will greet the author, squashing the very soul of the author. For that reason, words might not make it out, or if they do, the work itself might never leave the would-be author's possession.

Some writers, on the other hand, might fear success. If this work comes out great, another will be expected that should be better than the first. People will want a piece of the author. Fame will surely follow. Is it all worth it?

Fear is a part of everyone, and writers have their own special cases. If the words build up into you, and you won't be happy unless you can release them, you must ignore the fear. Turn off your inner critic and write. No one has to see these words until you're ready for them to. When facing a blank page, you're still a long way off from needing your inner critic. Your muse is the one you should be listening to. Is it difficult to fight through your fears? Absolutely. Is it impossible? Not on your life!

What fears have you had that made your writing feel miserable at times? How did you work through it? Or are you still fighting those demons? If you'd like to share, please leave a comment! Until next time, keep reading and/or writing.