Writing prompts
Freewriting Friday: How Will You Leave Your Mark?
If you could only write one story, what would you write?
First of all, I want to say happy almost-Christmas, everyone! This will be the last Freewriting Friday post of 2021, but don’t fret, they will return next year.
When I’m out in about in the world, I take photos. A lot of photos. I’m inspired by my surroundings. Nature. Art. People. Plaques.
What did she say? Plaques?
Okay, dedication plaques.
When my family and I were in Duluth, Minnesota, this past summer, I saw them on benches as we walked around the landmarks. They sparked my creativity. I imagined the person the plaque was dedicated to and why that location. And the people they left behind. Stories started to form.
Okay, let’s start freewriting!
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
The above dedication plaque reads under the person’s name, “My heart’s in two places,” with the names of the man’s mother, brother, and fiance. The bench rests on a common walkway along Lake Superior.
Start imagining. None of it needs to make sense. Go with it and see where your imagination takes you. Who is the man? Why this spot? Who are his loved ones? Why that quote on the plaque?
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Second Prompt
What would be written on your dedication sign? Where would it be located? What quote would you include? Who would arrange for it? You (before your death) or who?
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Third Prompt
Let’s imagine you can only write one Medium article for your lifetime. What would you write? What is the story you must write? Write it.
Set your timer for five minutes and write.
Revision
When you freewrite, always allow your words to simmer before putting your editor hat on. When I write, I either only freewrite, with no editing or stopping. Or I edit and revise. Never at the same time.
Submit your work to Flint & Steel
You can submit your writing to any of the freewriting exercises found at Flint & Steel anytime. There are no deadlines to these prompts.
If you publish your article with another publication, tag me so I can stop by and comment on your piece.
Visit the submission guideline page to sign up to be a writer at Flint & Steel.
More of my freewriting exercises
✍ Written by Ellie Jacobson, @2021 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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