Another style of free writing is not quite so free. It is called a focused free write. In a focused free write you may write in much the same way but be totally focused on one topic. For instance, if I wanted to write something about my mother for Mother’s Day, I may use the topic of mother or motherhood and simply write anything that comes to mind. Then, I will go back, read it and decide what part I want to use for whatever type of piece I want to write.

These are both valid and valuable exercises that writers use to gain ideas and break out of writer’s block. Choosing a topic and making a free write is one of my favorite tools. I think that this process is important to the way I write. One thing that we must be careful of as writers is not to fall in love with our free write.

Some free writes seem to be a complete story if we are focused enough to move smoothly from one part to another. It is so easy for us to see on the paper exactly where we are going and what we mean. However, sometimes when I ask someone else to critique my work, I’ve been stung when the reply comes asking what it’s all about.

We see it clearly because it is clear to us and us only. We don’t realize we are asking others to read our minds. Once we sit down with the free write and use it as a starter, we make much better progress. It’s like pulling our car out of the garage. It may seem safe there, but it’s not moving until we turn the key, put it in reverse and give it some gas. Having others critique our work is a good way to get out of such ruts. Sometimes they can make suggestions that help us turn that key. It is good to get other writers to critique our work.

Critiques are a resource, not a rejection. Writers are not as competitive as some may think. We like to help each other grow. If you are stuck on a piece of work and need to get out of that garage, let others give suggestions.

Good places to find good critiques from other writers are local writers groups. The internet has forums that are specifically for writers to share and learn. Use the online forums with caution. Make sure you maintain all control of your posted work.
Revisions and edits help us to have immediate answers to the basic questions of who, what, when, why, and how of the setting and main character. This wonderful advice came to me from a journalist friend who critiqued a short story I was writing at the time. He felt that the first paragraph of a story should answer most or all of these questions.

Free writes are a wonderful tool. I recommend them. They can generate more than one work. But, they cannot be a finished product. Evaluate your work as if you were a critic and allow other critics to do the same. Then you may write a marketable piece.