May Mania ~ Stretch #14

In the similar vein of using a phrase as a writing prompt, you can also use any word like, baseball, wedding, beach. This creative writing exercise you should do with a paper and pen, so your thoughts can flow freely. If you're an exceptional typist, you can key it in, but there's something nearly magical for me about the motion of scribbling and letting my thoughts flow. Plus, I'm a fumbly typist. Even though I hold a degree in Journalism Advertising, I often need to correct many, many flubs. The shame! With a pen, I can just write and not worry about technicalities.

Choose a juicy word, set a timer for fifteen minutes and write freely. Don't think too much, just brainstorm, jot whatever comes to mind, go. You shouldn't edit. This is just about writing.

Free writing can help clear a stubborn logjam and release great ideas and new, cool directions for long fiction. Some people refer to it as stream of consciousness. Whenever I'm trying to figure out a plot point or turn in my story, because I'm a just-wing-it kind of writer and sometimes get stuck, a good brainstorm session or creative wrestling match always helps me find the direction I need. Give the crazy pen a shot.

~ Signing off and sending out cyber hugs.