StoryDREAMING — How To Freewrite for Fiction

writing craft

How do I use freewriting for fiction, to develop an idea into a story, to flesh out the plot, characters, and get clarity in why and how I want to write the story?

5 Tips & Tricks for Freewriting - use a timer, don’t stop, no editing, give yourself prompts, and change it up
StoryDREAMING - free-flowing, free-association “conversations” with the story, the characters, and yourself

Before we start ...
do you want to write fiction faster,
while practicing your craft
and your writing process
to consistently get better?

Check out this link to
the FREE "Write Fiction Faster ... and better"
guide and workbook,
which comes with a FREE companion course
with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

Why Freewriting Is Helpful for Creative Writing

You may have heard of freewriting before; it’s a great way to get your creativity flowing by simply writing whatever comes to mind. Freewriting is a great way to generate ideas, jumpstart your thought process, or even just clear your head. Freewriting can be a key step in your writing workflow. Freewriting can help you be a more productive writer. Freewriting is a good warm-up exercise as part of your deliberate practice to improve your writing craft and writing process.

But did you know that freewriting can be especially beneficial for fiction writers?

Freewriting has the potential to help you come up with unique stories and characters, as well as craft interesting plots and conflicts.

With freewriting, you can take a single idea and see where it takes you without worrying about correctness or grammar. This allows you to explore different paths without feeling restricted or confined. It also encourages experimentation and creativity which can often lead to unexpected results.

When it comes to creative writing specifically, freewriting can be useful in developing and fleshing out characters, crafting plot points, or even sparking conversations between characters. You can use freewriting to jot down snippets of conversation that might occur between two characters or possible story arcs that could take place. You can also use this technique to explore different angles of the same story from various viewpoints which helps build an expansive world for readers.

If you’re ever feeling writers block or just feel stuck on a scene or chapter, try freewriting as a way of getting unstuck.

This type of writing allows writers to break through mental blocks and access their innermost thoughts without judgment or limitation which is essential for creating compelling stories. By taking advantage of this simple yet effective technique, fiction writers can gain greater insights into their characters and plotlines which will ultimately result in more meaningful storytelling experiences for readers.

How To Freewrite – 5 Tips & Tricks

Freewriting is whatever you want it to be. Creating “rules” for freewriting is counter to the freedom of creative expression.

So, the following five points are NOT “rules”. Call them guidelines, techniques that seem to work, ideas to try out, just don't call them "rules." Let’s call them "tips & tricks" instead.

TIMER

Set a timer. Giving yourself an allotted amount of time to freewrite, encourages free thought as well as focus and intensity.

DON’T STOP

Write continuously. Freewriting seems to work best in one continuous stream-of-consciousness. Try not to pause or stop until the timer is up.

Here are a few tricks:

Repeat words — just keep writing the last word over and over again until a new word comes.
Ramble about the writing process — for example “I don’t know what to write”, “this feels stupid”, etc. - that all counts a writing.
Rewrite a prior sentence and ask a bunch of question until you naturally begin answering them — for example this bit of freewriting for a thriller short story: “the narrator is a killer - what do I mean by that - why are they a killer - do they know they’re a killer - does the reader know - yes the reader knows - but the narrator does not - the narrator is insane - the reader sees the narrator killing - but the narrator is blind to this - in denial”.

NO EDITING

Keep it loose. Don’t worry too much about grammar, syntax, conventions – let go and allow yourself to explore different paths without judgement or restriction

In their MasterClass course, the Duffer Brothers (of “Stranger Things” fame) show their freewriting method, which they call “blue-skying” where they ignore grammar, avoid punctuation, and instead use dashes between snippets of thoughts, as you can see in the example in the "Don't Stop" section above. You may want to consider using this method as well.

PROMPTS

Prompts can help get your creative juices flowing by giving you something specific to write about or even just providing inspiration for the kind of story you may want to tell.

There are three “flavors” of prompts.

The first are “creative writing prompts” — meaning the topic, the idea for the story, maybe even the prompt in a contest or call for submissions.

The second are “prompt phrases”. These are generic filler/trigger words that you sprinkle in as you write. This serves two purposes. They keep you writing (“Don’t Stop”). They also signal your creative brain to stay creative. Here are my favorite prompt phrases:

“Maybe …” – this lets you play with ideas, nothing is set in stone, like this: “maybe the killer has a split personality - maybe there are actually two killers so there’s a double-twist and the reader is fooled - maybe the reader is tricked into believing the narrator is a killer but it’s really another apparently minor character”.
“How about …” – this is similar to “maybe” and can be used interchangeably. The nuance is that it is phrased like a question, so it can lead to more of a dialogue with yourself about the ideas that come to mind.
“I don’t know, but …” – this prompt takes the edge off any inner editor/critic. It’s OK not to know, but if I did know, or maybe I do have some ideas after all.
“Yes, and …” – the “improv” prompt, used in improvisation, where no matter what the other actors improvise, the other actors accept it and build on it. In the context of freewriting, whatever random, crazy, nonsensical ideas came to mind, say "yes, and … " then work with it.
Ask questions – the prompt words are the good old standbys: “what, who, where, when, why” which you can ask about anything you just wrote so as to delve deeper and keep moving.

The third flavor is a method where you use a checklist of prompts to have a "conversation" with the story, characters, and yourself. See the section on “StoryDREAMING – Freewriting for Fiction” below.

CHANGE IT UP

Vary styles and techniques. Mix it up by switching from long form writing to bullet points, adding descriptions alongside dialogue scenes etc., dictating instead of writing, writing longhand instead of on a computer.

Change locations/time of day. Changing up where you work helps keep things fresh and exciting while also giving your mind new stimulation that it might need when feeling stuck.

StoryDREAMING – Freewriting for Fiction

Freewriting for fiction can be a conversation with your story, characters, and even yourself.

It gives you the opportunity to explore different aspects of your story and characters, as well as develop a better understanding of what you want to say, how best to say it, and what themes or points-of-view you want to explore.

THE STORY

Go ahead, have a conversation with your story. Start with broad questions, then go narrower and free associate as you go along. Here are some questions you can ask your story:

“What story do you want to tell?” - free associate, let your story tell you what it wants to be.
"What's your title?" - at least a working title - but you can brainstorm a bunch of story titles.
“How do you end?” - What’s the climax where everything comes to a head and all is revealed? What leads up to the climax? How does the story end? Is everything tied up neatly or are some things unresolved or ambiguous - is there a surprise plot twist for the reader - is there an epilogue with an extended story - is it an exciting ending or neutral or deep ending - maybe try out a few final words to see how the story can come in for a landing?
“How do you start?” - does a character draw the reader in - do you want to throw the reader right into action and dialogue - do you want to start with a preview glimpse of what is to come - do you want to start with tension and high stakes right at the beginning - how about a strong image to immerse the reader in your world - or do you want to set a tone and mood - is there some other unusual different way to start that will surprise the reader - how do you want to set the hook from the first sentence and first few paragraphs - maybe try out a few opening lines? What’s the context (the ordinary world) and the catalyst (the inciting event that changes everything)? How does the story start?
“What’s the ‘big event’ in the middle?” - how will you build up to that big event - what happens afterwards - how does that lead to the end? The "big event" is key to avoid the "muddle" or the "sagging middle".
“Tell me about 3 great scenes.” - what makes the scenes so memorable - how do they move the story forward - who is involved - what happens?
“What are the settings where the story takes place?” - is it just one setting (for a shorter story, especially flash fiction) - or several setting - how do they relate to those 3 great scenes? Describe the settings.
“Are there memorable set pieces?” - think car chases - battles - fights - betrayals - props/objects/treasure - dramatic action - crucial conversations.
“What’s the B-Story?” - is there a parallel storyline that lets characters grow and adds interest in parallel with telling your main story (A-Story)?
“Is there a C-Story?” - comic relief - exploring the world - a “runner” that may develop into its own B-Story later?
“What’s the overall emotional arc of the story?” - for example, is this a “Cinderella Story” (rise-fall-rise) emotional arc? Is there more than one emotional arc? If so, how do they relate, intersect, feed off each other?

THE CHARACTERS

Now, have a conversation with your characters. Here are some questions you can ask your characters:

“Tell me about yourself.” – free associate, let your characters tell you what is on their mind.
“What is your role in the story?” – protagonist - antagonist - mentor - sidekick - skeptic - tempter - love interest - foil - emotional - logical? Is there a twist (such as a love interest who turns out to secretly be the antagonist)?
“Describe yourself - surface.” – describe your exterior, surface (“skin”) characteristics - name - age - hair - eyes - features - height - weight - shape - gender - ethnicity - voice - clothes - occupation - social role - posture & movement.
“Describe yourself - below surface.” – describe your “flesh & bones”, beneath the skin, tangible, but not apparent on the surface, things I could find out by doing some research, speaking with your friends and family, including - places and times (where you live now and in the past) when, what happened there, how did that affect you - what year was your 16th birthday and what happened in your world - learning (formal education, skills, experiences) - backstory (other important things that happened in your life) - family - relationships (including with other characters in the story).
"Describe yourself - soul." – tell me about your “soul”, your deep core, the things I could only find out by experiencing the world through your eyes - what are your wants - needs - bliss - fears - worldview - wrongview (the things you get wrong about the world and about the situation in this story) - wounds - powers?
“What are your layers?” – Now that I know you from the outside in (“skin, flesh & bones, and soul”), what’s unexpected, surprising, things I didn't see coming?
“What is your character arc?” – who were you before, who did you become, what happened to make you change - did this happen before the story started (backstory) - or will it happen during the story (or even into the extended story, in the epilogue to this story) - do you fit one of the life arcs (archetypes): maiden, hero, queen, king, crone, mage - is your character arc paired with one or more other characters in this story? It’s also OK if you’re one of the “flat” character arcs: child, lover, parent, ruler, elder, mentor.
"Talk to me and/or another character." - what's your "voice" - how would you tell a story to a friend or a stranger - give me some dialogue between you and another character in the story.

YOU (THE WRITER)

Finally, (or interspersed with the story and character conversations) have a conversation with yourself about the writing:

“Why do I want to write this story?” - maybe you don’t - maybe you should stop and pick another story - maybe you want to write a story that is similar but not the direction this one seems to be going - or if this is the story you want to write, why, what do you want to say?
“What is the theme?” - what’s the purpose of the story - the meaning - what is the question you want the readers to ask themselves during and after the story - will you provide an answer?
“How do I want to tell the story?” - point of view - narrative structure - linear vs episodic with time jumps - any unusual, creative approaches that the story needs and/or that I want to try out with this story?
“What’s the best method to develop the story?” - should I outline (plotter) - use the character method - or is the pantser (discovery writer) the best method to develop the story?
“What do I need to research?” - setting - world - historical facts - character occupations - what else do I need to research - where and how can I do that research?

Resources

MY FAVORITE ALL-PURPOSE RESOURCE

The Writer's Treasure Chest - everything in one place, curated, organized, this is a great reference for all things writing craft, with tons of prompts, plot/character generators and other tools to inspire you to write a great story .

As you write your story, here are some articles that will be helpful as you work on all the aspects of the writing craft and your writing process:

FREE COURSE, GUIDE AND WORKBOOK

Do you want to write fiction faster, while practicing your craft and your writing process to consistently get better? Check out this link to the "Write Fiction Faster ... and better" guide and workbook, which comes with a companion course with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is freewriting and how does it help with creative writing?

Freewriting is a creative exercise that helps writers come up with ideas and explore different narrative paths for their story. It involves writing non-stop for a certain amount of time without worrying about structure, grammar, or spelling errors. This allows the writer to focus solely on coming up with interesting concepts and plot points which can then be used as inspiration in crafting their fiction. By using freewriting, you can push yourself further than what would usually feel comfortable and brainstorm new scenarios that may have otherwise gone unexplored. It also provides an opportunity to think deeply about each character’s motivations and life experiences which will add depth to your story. Ultimately, this technique is very useful for helping writers flesh out their stories before they begin writing them down in full form.

2. How can I use freewriting to develop a storyline for my novel?

When using freewriting to develop a storyline for a novel, it is important to initially think of the general concepts and themes you would like to express. Brainstorm ideas or plot points that could be used as the starting point for your story, then begin freewriting about different scenarios, outcomes or conflicts related to this theme. As you continue writing non-stop without restrictions, new themes may arise which can help form an intricate and unique plot structure. Also consider including unexpected twists or events such as a sudden character reveal in the middle of your story to create tension or excitement before resolving any conflicts. Lastly, think about how you would like your story to end - would it be an open ended conclusion or should there be some sense of resolution? Through this process of freewriting authors can gain greater insight into their characters' individual perspectives and motivations which will help shape the narrative structure of their novel. This technique is invaluable in exploring stories fully before beginning the actual writing process and provides opportunities for more meaningful storytelling experiences that will resonate deeply with readers.

3. What are the benefits of using freewriting when brainstorming ideas for a story?

The main benefit of using freewriting when brainstorming ideas for a story is that it allows writers to explore possibilities outside of their comfort zone. By writing without worrying about structure, grammar, or spelling errors, authors are free to think deeply and come up with original concepts for their stories. Additionally, it gives them an invaluable tool for exploring their ideas further and pushing the boundaries of traditional rules or conventions; thus resulting in more meaningful storytelling experiences. Furthermore, through freewriting authors can gain greater insight into each character’s individual perspectives and motivations which will help shape the narrative structure of their story. All in all, this simple yet powerful technique is great for generating new ideas as well as helping writers develop compelling narratives that readers will be able to connect with on multiple levels. Therefore we recommend giving freewriting a try next time you’re looking to craft a unique fiction piece.

4. How can I start my own creative writing journal and practice daily freewriting exercises?

One of the best ways to start your own creative writing journal and practice regular freewriting exercises is to set aside a specific time in your daily or weekly routine to write without any restrictions. To begin, choose either an electronic document such as a word processor or a physical notebook for jotting down ideas. Once you have selected the type of medium you’ll be using, it’s time to begin freewriting! Allocate yourself between 5–20 minutes and just let go - allow your thoughts to flow freely and explore all possible outcomes related to the story idea you’re working on. During these sessions do not worry about grammar, spelling errors or structure - remember that this is meant for brainstorming new scenarios or plot-points which can then be used later when actually crafting out your story. Keep at it every day regardless of whether something comes up during these sessions; eventually new concepts will emerge which may help further develop the story. With each passing day more interesting ideas will come into play as writers really get into enjoying free writing exercises as part of their daily routine.

5. Are there any tips or tricks to make my freewriting more effective and specific to the project at hand?

Yes, there are many tips and tricks to make your freewriting more effective and specific for the project at hand. The most important tip is to set aside a dedicated time when you can focus solely on your writing without any distractions. During this time it’s best not to worry about grammar or spelling errors - just let your thoughts flow freely without structure or rules. Additionally, try to come up with topics related specifically to the story idea you’re working on as well as focusing on character perspectives and their motivations. Consider including unexpected twists or events in order to create tension or excitement before resolving any conflicts. Lastly, think ahead of your story and how you would like it to end - this will help shape the narrative structure of your novel or short story in meaningful ways that readers will enjoy immensely! Keep at it every day and remember that through freewriting authors can gain greater insight into their characters' individual perspectives which will really take their storytelling experiences up a notch.

6. Is there an ideal length or amount of time that I should spend on each freewriting session?

The ideal amount of time to spend on each free-writing session will vary depending on the individual writer’s needs and preferences. Generally speaking, it is recommended to try allocating yourself between 5–20 minutes and just let your thoughts flow freely without any restrictions. This way you can explore all possible outcomes related to the story idea you’re working on while also gaining greater insight into each character’s individual perspectives and motivations. Keep at it every day regardless of whether something comes up during these sessions; eventually new concepts will emerge which may help further develop the story - thus making freewriting a powerful tool for developing compelling narratives that readers will be able to connect with in meaningful ways.

7. Does it matter what type of paper/medium I use when practicing free-writing (e.g., notebook, computer, dictation)?

No, it does not matter what type of paper/medium you use when practicing free-writing. Whether it is a notebook or an electronic document like a word processor, both are equally effective for jotting down ideas and allowing your thoughts to flow freely without any restrictions. Ultimately the choice should come down to your own personal preferences and needs as an author. Once you have selected the type of medium you’ll be using for freewriting exercises - set aside a specific time in your daily or weekly routine to write without any distractions and allocate yourself between 5–20 minutes depending on how much detail or narrative depth you would like explore during each session. Keep at it every day regardless of whether something comes up during these sessions; eventually new concepts will emerge which may help further develop the story! With every passing day more interesting ideas will come into play as authors truly get into enjoying free writing exercises.

8. Should I outline or plan out my work before starting a freewriting session, especially in fiction writing projects?

No, you should not outline or plan out your work before starting a free-write session when it comes to fiction writing projects. The purpose of freewriting is to allow your thoughts to flow freely and without any restrictions - meaning that trying to form an outline beforehand may end up hindering your creative flow. Instead, focus on topics related specifically to the story idea you’re working on as well as exploring character perspectives and their motivations in order to create tension or excitement. Think ahead of your story and how you would like it to end but don’t be afraid of allowing unexpected twists or events during each free-writing sessions in order for the writing experience itself become more engaging over time. Try allotting yourself between 5–20 minutes for each session, depending on how much detail or narrative depth you would like explore; this way authors can gain greater insight into their characters' individual perspectives which will really take their storytelling experiences up a notch.

9. Are there certain techniques that I can use while freewriting to enhance creativity and prevent writer’s block?

Yes, there are certain techniques you can use while doing a free write to enhance creativity and prevent writer’s block. One of these techniques is to set up simple prompts related specifically to the story idea being explored. This will allow writers to explore different aspects of their characters in more detail such as their motivations, goals, fears or even relationships with other characters in the narrative. Authors can also try taking short breaks during each session by reading over what they have written so far before continuing; this way they can gain fresh insight into the story without having to struggle with any form of creative blocks. Finally, it may also be helpful if you focus on enjoying the entire experience rather than worrying about how well your writing is coming out - by letting go and embracing unexpected twists or events during each free-writing session authors can truly explore new ideas while keeping their writing experiences enjoyable.

10. What are some ways in which I can edit/revise my work after doing a freewriting exercise?

After completing a freewriting exercise in fiction writing, there are several ways to edit and revise your work. First, read over what you wrote and highlight any sections or ideas that stand out for further exploration. Then, create an outline of the main plot points that will serve as a skeleton structure for your story. After that, write descriptions or dialogue pieces surrounding each of those plot points to fill in the rest of the story. Finally, take some time away from your work with fresh eyes and come back to it after at least 24 hours. This way you can review it objectively and spot mistakes more easily. It also gives you the chance to make any necessary adjustments or revisions along the way.

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