1. 1 Freewriting Developed by Peter Elbow

2. 2 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.

3. 3 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!!!!

4. 4 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.

5. 5 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.

6. 6 Focused Freewriting Stages Stage 1Focus freewrite.start writing Develop center of keep writing gravity statement. Stage 2Focus freewrite onchaos center of gravity.disorientation Reflect and devise center of gravity.

7. 7 Focused Freewriting con’t. Stage 3Focus freewrite on lastEmerging sense center of gravity.of final center of Begin to shape textgravity. around final center of gravity. Stage 4Shape draft.

8. 8 Benefits of Freewriting Non-threatening. Takes advantage of the generative powers of writing. Starts ideas flowing. Gets words on paper easily. Focuses attention.