We’ve all been there. The blank page stares back at you, taunting you with its emptiness. In my last post, I shared five strategies for overcoming writer’s block, and one tip stood out for its simplicity and power: freewriting.

If you’ve never tried freewriting—or if you’re not sure you’re doing it right—you’re in for a treat. This exercise isn’t just about filling pages with words. It’s about silencing your inner critic, letting your creativity take the reins, and unlocking ideas you didn’t even know were there.

In this post, we’ll take a deeper look at freewriting. You’ll learn what it is, how to get started, and how it can transform your writing routine.

What is Freewriting?

Freewriting is exactly what it sounds like: writing freely. No structure, no rules, no judgment. It’s about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and letting the words flow, even if they don’t make sense.

Why is it so effective? Because it bypasses perfectionism—the arch-nemesis of creativity. When you freewrite, you’re giving yourself permission to be messy, to explore, and to fail. And in that freedom, you often stumble upon your best ideas.

How to Freewrite Like a Pro

Freewriting isn’t complicated, but there are a few tips that can make it even more effective:

Set a Timer: Choose a specific amount of time (5, 10, or 15 minutes) and commit to writing non-stop until the timer goes off.

Eliminate Distractions: Put your phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs, and create a space where you can focus.

Just Write: Don’t pause to think, edit, or second-guess yourself. If you’re stuck, write “I don’t know what to write” until the words start flowing again.

Tools to Help You:

A notebook and pen for a tactile experience.
Writing apps like Word, or Google Docs.
Your phone’s notes app if you’re on the go. (I use this a lot for when I am outside and inspiration hits)

Freewriting Prompts to Spark Ideas
Not sure where to start? Prompts can be a great way to kick off a freewriting session. Here are a few to try:

Describe the view outside your window right now.
What would you do if time froze for one day?
Write about a character who finds a mysterious locked cube in their kitchen.
Imagine you heard colors, saw sound, and felt light. How would that work?

The key is to pick a prompt that excites you and let your imagination take over.

Incorporating Freewriting Into Your Routine

Freewriting works best when it’s a regular habit. Think of it as a warm-up exercise for your brain—like stretching before a workout.

How to Make It a Habit:

Schedule 10 minutes of freewriting at the start of your day.
Use it as a warm-up before tackling bigger writing projects.
Keep a notebook handy so you can freewrite whenever inspiration strikes.

Over time, you’ll find that freewriting becomes second nature, and you’ll start to look forward to it as a creative outlet.

How Freewriting Helped Me

Freewriting has saved me more than once from the clutches of writer’s block. One time, I was stuck on a key scene in my novel and couldn’t figure out how to connect the dots. The idea was there, but I felt frozen. So I set a timer, put on an epic playlist, and started freewriting about the scene, and ended up with a completely unexpected idea that brought everything together.

It’s not always about solving specific problems, either. Sometimes, freewriting just helps you rediscover the joy of writing—the reason you started in the first place.

Conclusion

Freewriting isn’t just a tool for overcoming writer’s block—it’s a gateway to creative discovery. It helps you explore ideas, find your voice, and unleash the creativity that’s been waiting to emerge.

So grab a pen, set a timer, and give it a try. Who knows what you’ll uncover?

Do you use freewriting in your routine? Have you ever tried it to break through writer’s block? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Write stuff down!

Mozzie