WRITER'S BLOCK: THE 10 MINUTE WARM UP

Here's a writing exercise for the pressured writer or wanna be writer.  It comes from Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life

Start by doing a 10 minute timed writing exercise which begins with "I remember."   Nor does it matter what you write.  "I remember" can bring up all sorts of memories – distant past or almost present; about yourself or about family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc.

Then take a break for several minutes.  Do another 10 minute writing exercise.  This time write on "I don't remember."  The juices will flow.  It is what you want to happen.

Writing opposites helps bring sharper focus and more clarity to the writer's mind.  You can pick any opposites.  Here are some that Natalie Goldberg suggests:  I think – I don't think; I know – I don't know; I am – I'm not; I want – I don't want; I feel – I don't feel.

Mostly these are what Goldberg calls "limbering exercises," "warm ups." There are a more focused form of freewriting.  All freewriting whether just writing or being stimulated by key words or images is aimed at bringing out creativity for whatever writing project you're working on, or planning to work on.

Working from exercises is NOT a must.  However, freewriting is necessary for any writer or wannabe writer.

For more on overcoming writer's block see OVERCOME WRITER'S BLOCK EASILY.