The Basics of Freewriting: What Is It, and How Can It Help Your Writing?

You may have heard the term "freewriting" thrown around and wondered what it meant.

Freewriting has been used as a writing tool since at least the 1930s, when writer Dorothea Brande advocated for it. Its execution is simple: set a timer for however many minutes—5, 10, 20, up to you—and write without lifting your hand from the page for the duration.

Don't worry about spelling, grammar, editing, or even coherence: just write.

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Freewriting is often used as a writing warm-up, meant to get you out of your head and onto the page. It can also be used as a brainstorming tool.

It sounds easy, but I've always found difficulty with freewriting, and I know others have, too. As soon as I start writing, my brain locks up and all I think is, "I have nothing to write."

It takes regular practice to overcome the awkwardness.

If you're interested in freewriting, try to set a routine, whether daily, weekly, or bi-monthly.

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Here's a challenge for you readers: every day for a week, set a timer for five minutes and write. You might find it difficult at first, but it will get easier with time. And who knows, maybe the next week you'll decide to move the timer up another five minutes!

You may not write anything usable. But the exercise will likely help you gain confidence and overcome any blocks you may have in your writing.