So you've decided you want to write something. You sit down at your laptop or put your pen to paper, but you don't know where to start. You've read novels and short stories, maybe even some writing theory, but you're still uninspired.
It's time to try some free writing.
Free writing is when you put pen to paper for a set amount of time and you keep writing until that time is up.
But how will this help me if I don't know what to write in the first place, I hear you ask.
So let's start with some prompts. You could use an object in your room, you could go out to a coffee shop and write what's happening around you, or you could start from an abstract idea such as an emotion or a feeling. There are so many places to start!
Once you've picked your prompt, it's time to start writing. In my opinion, this works best when you write with a pen on paper as it allows you more time to think as you write, but typing will also work. If you run out of things to say, simply write 'nothing' again and again until you think of something. When you free write, don't worry if you aren't writing a perfect story: even writing bullet points could help when you go on to write something fuller in the future.
For example, you might have written everything you can think of about horses - the smell, the feel, colours, your own experiences. You would then keep this in your notebook for future reference.
Remember - no writing is 'bad' or 'useless'. Free writing is always something you can come back to when you're feeling stuck or uninspired.
Make sure to buy yourself a notebook or two to start filling up with ideas. I will be discussing how to optimise your notebook use in the next blog post.
Happy writing!
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