avatarEllie Jacobson

Summary

The website provides a creative writing exercise centered around the theme of "gifts," offering five prompts to inspire personal reflection or fictional storytelling.

Abstract

The web content introduces "Freewriting Friday: Sharing Our Gifts," a writing exercise designed to encourage writers to explore the concept of gifts through five unique prompts. The exercise invites participants to engage in a 15-minute freewriting session, during which they should write without interruption or concern for the final product. The prompts range from recalling childhood memories of receiving gifts to imagining the perfect gift one could give without financial constraints. The instructions suggest setting a timer, finding a distraction-free environment, and listening to music or nature sounds to enhance the writing experience. The article emphasizes the importance of letting ideas flow freely and later revising the work if desired. It concludes with an invitation to submit completed writings to the "Flint & Steel" publication on Medium and provides a link to the submission guidelines.

Opinions

  • The author, Ellie Jacobson, values the act of gift-giving and sees it as a source of inspiration for writing.
  • Freewriting is presented as a valuable tool for writers to overcome writer's block and tap into their creativity.
  • The article suggests that reflecting on personal experiences with gifts can lead to meaningful and insightful writing.
  • The author believes that everyone has a unique gift to offer the world, whether it's a skill, talent, or simply their perspective.
  • By encouraging writers to focus on the act of writing without immediate concern for structure or quality, the author promotes a judgment-free approach to creative expression.
  • The inclusion of a mood-setting YouTube link indicates the author's belief that ambient sounds can enhance the creative writing process.
  • The article conveys a sense of community and support for writers by inviting them to share their work and engage with others through the "Flint & Steel" publication.

Writing exercise

Freewriting Friday: Sharing Our Gifts

Five writing prompts focusing on the word “gift”

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

As we approach the last quarter of the year, I think about gifts. You know, in the hopes I’ll get a head start on gift-giving this year, which I never really do. Or if I do, I can’t find where I hid gifts throughout the year.

What does this have to do with Freewriting Friday, Ellie?

Be patient, I’m getting there.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the noun gift as:

  • A notable capacity, talent, or endowment
  • Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation
  • The act, right, or power of giving

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

Set the mood

I like to listen to instrumental music when freewriting. Or the sounds of nature.

Freewrite in response to all the prompts or focus on one. Whatever calls out to you. Use these prompts as a springboard to your next article, flash fiction, or short story.

But don’t think about the structure right now, just write what comes to mind.

First prompt

Think back to the first gift you remember receiving as a child. What was it? Describe it. Why was it special to you? Describe the space you were in when you received it. Who was there? What was the special occasion?

Set your timer for three minutes and freewrite whatever comes to mind. Write from your perspective or one of your characters.

Second prompt

Write about a gift you dreamed of receiving as a child, but never did. Why did you want it so badly? Describe it. When you were an adult, did you buy it for yourself or your own children?

Set your timer for three minutes. Write from your perspective or from a fictionalized character.

Third prompt

If you could give a gift to someone, where money is not a factor, what would you give? To whom? Why?

Set your timer for three minutes and write.

Fourth prompt

Do you wish you were gifted with a skill or talent? What would it be? Did you know someone who was a prodigy or extremely talented?

Set your timer for three minutes and write.

Fifth prompt

What is your gift to the world? What do you hope family and friends will remember about you? Why is that important to you?

Set your timer for three minutes

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.

I hope these prompts spark a new idea within you. Allow yourself to be the writer you dream to be.

@2021 Ellie Jacobson

You can submit your writing to any of the freewriting exercises found at Flint & Steel anytime. There are no deadlines.

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.

Writing Prompts
Freewriting
Writing
Creativity
Writing Exercise
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