by Samantha Stevens

Created on: January 03, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Freewriting is a skill many writers use today to hone their abilities. It's a useful tool, because it can be done anywhere. It's simple to understand, easy to participate in, and helps the writer in formulating ideas.

Freewriting can also be referred to as "stream of consciousness" writing. In freewriting, a person sits and writes continuously for a specified amount of time, usually ten minutes or so. The writer should not stop, even for a second, until time has run out. The writing can be about anything, on any subject. It doesn't even need to make sense. The writer should not concern themselves with grammar, spelling, sentence structure or punctuation. In this way, the writing is more free and honest.

Freewriting material is often unusable in fiction, but a great tool in overcoming writer's block. Teachers often use this technique in classrooms to help their students come up with ideas for essays or stories.

Since this style is so open-ended, there is no absolute "correct" way to do it. The amount of time writing can be five, ten, or even fifteen minutes, but any longer is bordering on too much. Keeping within fifteen minutes keeps the mind more focused.

Those who tend lean towards the "neat" side of writing may not have fun with freewriting, but it will be a very new experience to them. Repetition and error is allowed and even encouraged, since the mind can be weighed down with a focus on structure.

The writer can choose to freewrite on one subject or whatever is on jhis or her mind.

Some people freewrite what they see. For example:

"Im just looking. tv is on. my sister is plays with her toys. Toys. with her train. My mom just like to sit and watch her in the rocking chair. brown rocking chair. back and forth. gray carpet. Living room. theres a lot of things here in the living room."

Others can freewrite what they're thinking. For example:

"Its almost time for a break. im pretty tired of sitting here at the keyboard. im not a fast typer. I wonder what time it is. i need more time to pack for tomorrow. its going to be a long trip. going to need another suitcase. there wont be enough room for my things."

It's important that, when freewriting, the person doesn't stop to consider how silly the subject sounds. You may be surprised at the kind of things you write down and ideas you get when you don't think about it. It can be quite an experience and a lot of fun!

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