Creative writing
Freewriting Friday №8 | Making Music Your Muse
Three writing prompts about soulmates to rejection
Do you listen to music while you write? For me, it depends on what I’m writing.
My default is instrumental music like jazz music in the morning. Gets my fingers moving over the keyboard faster.
Ever since I can remember, I can’t listen to music with lyrics while reading or writing. I think it messes me up as I’m trying to listen to the music lyrics.
The only exception is if I’m writing a scene or story where I’m trying to evoke a certain mood. A love song for a love scene, for example.
As I was running errands the other day, the song “Soul Sister”, by Train, came on, haven’t heard that one in years. It got me thinking about soulmates, which led to pondering about rejection (see how my mind works LOL).
If you’re feeling stuck about what to write, listen to music. When I hear the lyrics, I start to imagine a scenario. When that happens, I write.
Write what you’re picturing as you listen to the song. Does it jog an old memory? Spark a poem or a short story?
Okay, it's time to freewrite!
Instructions
Use this time to write something personal or write from the perspective of a character from a fictional story you are working on. Or write a poem.
Allow your mind to wander, not worrying about the final product.
- Allow yourself at least 15 minutes for a freewriting session.
- Write in a place with no distractions.
- Only allow yourself to write and use this exercise as a guide.
- Only use your phone for the timer and turn off notifications.
- Move from one prompt to the next or focus on one.
- Don’t stop writing for the time allowed.
- Don’t edit yourself.
Freewrite in response to all the prompts or focus on one. Whichever calls out to you. Use these prompts as a springboard to your next article, flash fiction, or short story.
As a fiction writer, you can use any of these prompts from your character’s perspective to get to know them better; maybe a story will form through your freewriting.
First prompt
Let’s think about soulmates. A soulmate is not just a love interest, but a person you connected with on a deeper level. Best friend. Family member. They may be someone who is no longer in your life. Think about your first best friend. Your first love. A family member with whom you had a strong bond.
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Second prompt
Now think about a time when you were rejected that devastated you. Your first breakup? A dream job you didn’t get? A piece of your writing rejected by a publication?
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Third prompt
Lastly, think about a time you were rejected that made you stronger in the end. A bad situation that turned fortunate. The ending of a relationship led you to a beautiful new one. Horrible feedback on your writing pushed you to write a stronger piece.
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Revision
Let your words simmer after a freewriting session. Go back and decide if you want to turn your words into a story or article. Then start the revision process.
@2021 Ellie Jacobson
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Written by Ellie Jacobson, all rights reserved.
I’m a freelance writer and editor from Minnesota, writing my first novel, a psychological suspense novel. Are you a writer? Check out Sparks, my newsletter filled with writing prompts to spark your creativity.
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