Writer’s block can feel like a creative desert, where no ideas seem to flow and every word feels forced, and you stare into the abyss of the GREAT WHITE PAGE. But sometimes the key to overcoming something - as Going on a Bear Hunt has taught us - is to simply go through it. In this case, write through the blankness. Easier said than done, right? Well, in this exercise, you’ll learn how to use free-writing to unlock ideas hidden beneath the surface.
Exercise Overview: This exercise uses timed free-writing, where you write without stopping, censoring, or worrying about grammar, logic, or quality. The goal is to keep the pen moving (or fingers typing) no matter what, even if it feels like nonsense. Often, this process can lead to unexpected insights or ideas that you can use in your main writing project.
Steps:
Set a Timer for 10 Minutes - Find a quiet space and set a timer for 10 minutes.
Choose a Prompt - If you’re stuck, a prompt can help get things started. Here are a few to choose from:
Write about the last conversation you overheard.
Describe an unusual object in your room and give it a backstory.
Imagine you’re walking through a city that no longer exists. What does it look like?
Start with the sentence: “I’ve never told anyone this before, but…”
Describe a really strange character who has caught your eye from across the street
A new type of fruit that no one has ever seen before: what does it taste like? Where did it come from?
Alternatively, you can write about how you're feeling in the moment or why you’re experiencing writer’s block.
Write Without Stopping - Once you’ve selected a prompt, start writing! The goal is to keep writing for the entire 10 minutes without pausing. Don’t worry if what you are writing seems disconnected, strange, or boring. Just keep going.
Resist Self-Censorship - If you find yourself wanting to erase a sentence or start over, resist the urge. Even if you write “I don’t know what to write” over and over, it’s part of the process. The important thing is that you are engaging with the page.
Review and Reflect - After the timer goes off, take a few minutes to look over what you’ve written. While most of it might not make it into your next project, you may find interesting snippets, phrases, or ideas that spark further inspiration.
Optional Next Step: Pick a sentence or phrase from your free-writing and expand on it for another 10 minutes. This could lead to a short story, a character sketch, or even just another exercise in breaking the block.
Final Thoughts: Free-writing is one of the most effective ways to silence your inner critic and reignite your creativity. Don’t worry about perfection—just focus on getting words on the page. Every block can be broken with the right approach!
Just don't OVERTHINK!
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