Freewriting
Purpose
Write freely without worrying about what to write. Write without stopping, allowing thoughts to come and getting them down as they come out.
How
- Sit down with a paper and pen/pencil
- Choose a topic
- Set a timer for 3 minutes (or longer if wanted)
- Keep writing during freewriting — there’s no stopping until the timer is done
- Write down anything that comes to mind — no editing, no spelling, grammar or punctuation needed
- If the writer can’t think of what to write, just write, “I can’t think of what to write” until something occurs to the mind of the writer
- When the timer is up, there will probably be a few ideas on the page
- The writer can expand on some of those ideas by writing more about them later or adding them to other writing
See it in Action!
Watch
Freewriting Overview
This overview encourages you to write to think—not the other way around. Just write whatever comes to mind for 10 minutes. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or staying on topic. The goal is to keep going and let ideas flow. Even if most of what you write isn’t useful, you’ll often uncover a few gems to build on later.
Watch here
Practice
Writing Out Loud - Deborah Morgan
This tried-and-true way five-minute freewriting activity helps learners relax, express themselves, and ease into learning. Writing Out Loud contains practical guidance for setting up freewriting sessions, sample writings from real learners, and honest reflections from instructors about the impact of this practice. It's an encouraging and real look at how freewriting helps learners grow—in confidence, skill, and voice.
Freewriting Prompts
Let go of perfection and explore five creative ways to get unstuck—like visual, audio, reverse, timed, and collaborative freewriting. A great boost for learners facing writer’s block.
Watch here
Learn More
Get Down Your “Messy” Ideas
Discover how freewriting can help you overcome overthinking and start writing without the pressure of perfection. This segment emphasizes the importance of letting ideas flow freely to kickstart the writing process.
Timestamp: 1:05 – 4:38
Watch here
Writer’s Block? Try Freewriting
This short video shows how freewriting can help you break through frustration and start solving your own writing roadblocks. Just set a timer and write whatever comes—even venting can lead to real ideas.
Watch here
Freewriting for ESL Learners
This video walks through how to use freewriting with English language learners. It includes tips for setting prompts, using short time limits, and encouraging students to write without fear of mistakes. You’ll also see three great examples—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—to show how writing grows with confidence.
Watch here
Add Complexity
Stream of Consciousness
This video explains how freewriting helps you get past the fear of the blank page. It encourages you to write without judgment, trust your gut, and get all your ideas down—even the messy ones. The more you write, the more you’ll discover what’s worth keeping.