What is a free write?
Before I read the article on free writing, I had my own thought of what I thought a free write was. I was not totally off, I had an idea of what it was, only I edited my free writes all the time to make them sound better. Then when I read this article I realized that I was not following the free writing rules. Which are way better than what I thought the rules originally were.
A free write is automatic writing. I like another word that the writer chose, it is also known as babbling. It is also an effective way to become a better writer, in many ways. One of them is that there are no rules, besides never stop writing, and you do not get any feedback, also you do not have to feel like you are going to be judged on how well you wrote your thoughts or expressions. It is just simply what is on your mind, your point of view or your opinion.
How is it meant to facilitate a better writer?
I think that free writing is meant to make a better writer by having no editing, no crossing out, or no wondering how to spell something etc. I also think that free writing makes for a better writer by using it to find out what subjects you want to write about, it allows your mind to become free and not think of what would sound good, it just allows you write whatever is really on your mind without hesitation. I think it really helps a person get to the root of what they want to write about.
What did you find surprising or illuminating about the reading?
I think what surprised me most about this reading is that, I do it all the time, just with my own rules, if that makes any sense? I am always writing my thoughts down on paper, because I am usually always so busy with life; that if I don't write my thoughts down I will forget, but I always edit what I wrote, where as when I read this article I found out that there is no editing, crossing out or wondering how to spell something. I also liked the idea of a free writing diary. I think that it is a great way to relive stress or any thoughts that you might have on your mind before you go to bed at night. Its almost like getting something off our chest without having to tell someone and have the fear of the feedback. you are not judged on what you really think for feel about something.
Emily
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteYour post has me thinking about the way the internal critic can paralyze writers. So much focus is placed on how the paper will be perceived and writers anticipate negative criticism to the point that they can sometimes sabotage themselves. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy; we see ourselves as poor writers and then we become what we fear.
The freewrite opens the writer to the possibility of becoming a great writer. It takes the crippling fear and anxiety out of the equation to leave the writer free to explore ideas.
I became a better writer after practice and after seeing myself as someone with ideas worthy of sharing through writing.
Thanks for your insights!
Take care,
Lauren
Hi Emily -
ReplyDeleteI liked the point you made about keeping a free-writing journal. It is a great way to release feelings or emotions you would rather not share with anyone else.
The best part about free-writing is knowing you can write whatever you want and you are not going to be graded. It allows the writer to relax and let the words flow. I can see how this would make a person a better writer by allowing a flow of creativity.
Thank you,
Sarah Baker
I would have to agree with many things that you said. I myself always wory about how I am spelling everything and if i'm making any sense at all with everything that I wrote. After reading the proper way of free writing, I still find it difficult for me NOT to look back and either correct or scratch out anything that I may have changed my mind with. I think it's just a habit that I have because I always want to make sure that everything is perfect before I turn it in. So free writing will be a little difficult for me.
ReplyDeleteHello Emily,
ReplyDeleteA busy life can definitely be a stressful one. I have never thought of how freewriting or writing down your thoughts can relieve stress. I am alway looking for a way to relieve it; I think I will try it.
I also think that freewriting will help improve writing for all of us. I am looking forward to more dialogue with you and everyone else.
Mandy Ericson