Freewriting is a simple writing technique that can be used in academic writing as well as in professional, journalistic, or creative writing. All you need is a pen and paper. Alternatively, you can do it on your computer – it’s best to turn off spell check so you won’t get distracted by it. Or close your eyes.

How does freewriting work?

Write for five minutes. Write about whatever comes to mind: smells, opinions, sounds, ideas etc. … If nothing comes to mind, write e.g.:

“I don’t know what to write, why can’t I think of anything, nothing ever comes to my mind, blah blah …”.

The goal is not to put smart insights or beautiful wording on paper, but just to keep writing. Write quickly, don’t correct, don’t think about what you’ve written.

Most free writers find that this method uncovers a gold mine. Very often, when we dig using this method, we are highly surprised by the results, and it can help us find our own voice. Then we can revise the text and separate the nonsense from the sense. Freewriting is undeniably a key to activating the unconscious power of language within us.

– Marcorie, cit. in Werder 1993, p. 111

Focused writing – a form of freewriting

Focused writing is a more specific form of freewriting. You start with a specific starting point. Write for five minutes about all the feelings, ideas, and thoughts triggered by a topic, a question, or a keyword. The focus is not on good thoughts, but rather on what first comes to mind. You may well find that this inspires you and helps you explore your topic.

It is important to stick to the topic or to the one thing you decided on beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Continue browsing

Creating a Cluster

Why cluster? The association technique of clustering can be useful in several ways: It provides a visible representation of intrinsic connections and links between ideas. An initial order or structure becomes visible in the apparent chaos of the flow of ideas. New perspectives emerge. Your ideas start to take shape and you are inspired to …

• association
• Brainstorming
• creativity
• ideas
• writing technique

Faculties: AC, AMP, AR, BI, BW, D, EFI, IN, MB/VS, SOH, SW, VT, WT

• Organisation & Motivation

Contributors: Maria Noll, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Deirdre Rieker

How to Structure Your Ideas With a Mind Map

How do I create a mind map? Procedure: The core of the mind map is the central topic or question: Write this in the center and circle the term. Working from the core, add the most important and relevant main ideas as main branches and connect them to the central topic. Branching off these main …

• collection
• ideas
• outline
• overview

Faculties: AC, AMP, AR, BI, BW, D, EFI, IN, MB/VS, SOH, SW, VT, WT

• Organisation & Motivation

Contributors: Marcus Fiebig, Maria Noll, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Deirdre Rieker

This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in November 2024.