The Beauty Of Freewrite

The best thing I did on Steemit, during the winter break, was to discover a group dedicated to freewrite. It is so much fun. The idea is to write stories off the top off your head and see where the plot goes. That is fun in itself, but what is really great is that all the people involved are very supportive of each other.

There is one thing I must add. Before this, I had no experience of writing stories. I did not consider myself a creative writer. However, I am loving what the “little grey cells” are producing.

The following information is my own perspective on the freewrite. Someone else may have slightly different opinions. That is the beauty of the freewrite.

Who Am I?

I am @mr-neil. I teach ICT in the United Arab Emirates. This winter break we were given an extra week (which will be taken off our summer break). This is because the weather is cooler at this time.

What is a freewrite?

The freewrite community was created by @mariannewest and @improv. I got involved after reading a post by @arbitrarykitten.

Each day @mariannewest will provide everyone with a prompt. This prompt should appear somewhere in your story. You set a timer for 5 minutes and write a story. Don’t overthink it; just keep typing. You are allowed to extend the time. I also go back and polish it when I finish.

Why I love it?

Because I have a crazy brain and I love writing stories. Before this, I've not considered myself a creative writer. I still don't. I just love writing these stories and making a few people laugh (or cry). I often change the entire plot during the course of the writing. That is the true beauty of freewrite.

How I Approach Each Story?

When the prompt is dropped, there are different ways to approach it. Some people get straight on their keyboard and just write. Others will wait until an idea forms in their head. Even with the former approach, the story can still take an unexpected turn during writing.

For me, it depends on my mood. Yesterday, I came home late and saw the prompt. I originally planned to write the story the next day. 30 minutes later the story is posted.

Are You Allowed To Edit It?

There is no big rule book.

Some will argue that a freewrite should not be edited at all and presented in raw form. My opinion is that you go back and edit it. I am not changing the story at this point. I am just making it accessible for everyone to read.

However, some writers will develop the story into a longer piece. It is possible that a famous character was originally created from a freewrite.

Does This Mean We're Addicted To Literacy?

If so, that's a good thing

Everyone Has Their Our Own Style.

Everyone is different. I sometimes get people telling me that they wish to write they like me. A fantastic compliment, but I reply by saying, that we all have our own style. My brain is crazy, you wouldn't want it anyway.

How do I get involved?

Go to the timeline of @mariannewest. Look for the prompt of the day.

Here is the original post.
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/writers-or-wanna-be-writers-wanted-be-free-freewrite

Here is a great how to …. by @snook
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@snook/easy-how-to-for-mariannewest-s-daily-freewrite-challenge

What If People Don’t Like What I Do?

Everyone is respectful of each other. We all have our own style. I have had amazing compliments and support. I did gain some weight of expectation. Then I remembered, just have fun and be yourself. Some stories will turn out better than others. I am still learning and developing and that is how it should be.

If you do get ridiculed sometime in the future, it is because you are a world famous writer. You can’t make anything popular without someone moaning (see Star Wars).

I Haven't Got The Time To Write And Read Everyone's Work.

I try to read some, but I won't read all of them. I'll do what I can. When I go back to work, I'll at least make the effort to post the daily freewrite. Then I'll see what I can manage.

I Still Disagree About Polishing…..

Would you like some Arsenic with your tea?

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Finally, I wanted to share with you my favourite freewrite so far. I have many favourites, but this one was always going to be the winner for me.

Prompt: Toothache
Story Title: The Dark Side Of The Tooth

I’ve been booked in to have an extraction by the dentist. No filling, no redemption. Just a plain old everyday fatal extraction. One week from now. One week before this person takes out my tooth and causes me considerable pain. I am scared, and as Yoda once said, fear is the path to the dark side.

Luckily I will not have to pay, because I am on the Rock N Roll. Still, I’d rather eat a bowl of sprouts.

A week later, after a sleepless night, I enter.

“Look how old you’ve become,” I said to her.

“Something far worse has happened to you. I know where you came from, before you started calling yourself Kylo Neil,” she said.

“By the way," she continued "Your tooth has already fallen to the floor and there is a big pile of blood next to it.”

I stood in silence. Do I look? Will I faint?

“Hahahah, only joking Kylo Neil.” she said. “We’re doing this right now.”

Before I knew it I am strapped to the dentist chair. I’m trying to use the Force to stop her. I’m trying to reach my red lightsabre, when all of a sudden the needle is in my mouth and the injection is done.

Now everything has become clear. There must be some really nice drug inside this needle. Yoda was right after all. I had turned to the dark side. I had become evil.

I was no longer scared and I welcomed the removal of the tooth. I tried to find my red lightsabre again, but this time it was because I wanted to throw it away. But it is not there.

Then I looked at the nurse.

“Did I make a remark about your age?” I asked.

“No,” she replied.

“That’s a relief, ‘cause you’re a bit of alright” I said.

“Nice drugs, aren’t they?”

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I hope you enjoyed my favourite freewrite. It would be a shame if I had to force choke you.

I hope you enjoyed my take on the freewrite. Someone else may have another perspective on this. That is the beauty of the freewrite.

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