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Freewriting

Developed by

Peter Elbow

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Freewriting: A Definition

This is informal, personal writing in which the writer begins writing and keeps writing in order to capture thoughts and generate ideas. The key is to keep the pen or pencil moving steadily over the paper without pausing. The writer should continue long enough that the obvious thoughts are recorded and the brain has to “push” for new material.

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Freewriting Directions

Start writing and keep writing Don’t worry about conventions of spelling,

punctuation, or grammar If you get stuck, write, “I don’t know what to

write,” or repeat or rephrase your last thought

BUT—KEEP WRITING!!!!

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The Process

1. Start writing and keep writing for 5-20 minutes (depending on age and skill of writer).

2. Read, reflect, and review what has been written.3. Write a “center of gravity” statement—a summary

of what was written and/ or an assertion that goes beyond the summary.

4. Repeat the process, using the center of gravity statement as the starting point for the next freewriting.

5. Repeat process if needed.6. Shape for an audience.

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Freewriting Types

Unfocused Freewriting: the writer chooses the topic and is free to shift from subject to subject. Often this is used to generate ideas for a piece of writing on any topic of the writer’s choice.

Focused Freewriting: the writer focuses attention on a specific subject, often in response to an assigned task. Focused Freewriting is often used in classrooms.

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Focused Freewriting Stages

Stage 1 Focus freewrite. start writing

Develop center of keep writing

gravity statement.

Stage 2 Focus freewrite on chaos

center of gravity. disorientation

Reflect and devise

center of gravity.

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Focused Freewriting con’t.

Stage 3 Focus freewrite on last Emerging sense center of gravity. of final center of

Begin to shape text gravity.

around final center of

gravity.

Stage 4 Shape draft.

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Benefits of Freewriting

Non-threatening. Takes advantage of the generative powers of

writing. Starts ideas flowing. Gets words on paper easily. Focuses attention.