by Jacque' Stoddard

Created on: July 13, 2009

There are many reasons for writer's block and many ways to overcome it. One technique which has a high success rate is free-writing. Free-writing is writing a free flow of ideas whether connected or not, in order to open your mind.

Whether you are writing the last few pages of a novel or facing a blank screen when the dreaded writer's block strikes, free-writing can spur your creative juices. Free-writing is the practice of writing about something other than a current project for the sake of putting pen to paper or words on the computer screen. Free-writing is a surefire method of opening a closed mind.

A common question is where to get ideas for free-writing when you are trying to overcome writer's block. Some who use the method, may simply look out the window and begin writing about a young robin that they see by a maple tree. Another may need to look through the paper and begin writing a new ending or outcome for a news story. The idea is to chose any subject and explore it.

The main idea of free-writing is to let the ideas flow and allow the subject to take off on its own. If for some reason you focus on a paper clip and decide to write about the wire coming to life and dancing on the table, just go with it. Don't allow the editor within to interrupt the flow. Do not dissect what you are working on, just write. Go with the flaming ball lowering on the close of the day. Follow the glow to the other side of the globe as it signals the beginning of a glorious morning for people far away. Focus on the ant as it struggles with a large crumb across the yard and write about it.

Free-writing can consist of a few paragraphs or chapters. There is a two word sentence that sums up what writers do. Writers write. Those two words say volumes. When a writer's work stalls, allowing the mind to run wild is as rejuvenating as allowing students to run around at recess. Free-writing can both exercise and release the mind.

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, free-writing exercises can beat writer's block. As long as a writer is writing, even if it is for no other reason than to practice the craft, it must be considered a success. So turn away from the blank page. Take your brain on a roller coaster ride and start to write about the ups and downs, twists and turns, screams of fear and cries of delight and you will be surprised at how quickly you can overcome writer's block.

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