Freewriting Friday: Show Me Your Independence

Capturing a moment of freedom to inspire others

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

We all gravitate towards independence. One of my earliest memories was sitting by myself outside on a hot summer day, only in my diaper. I could hear my name echoing through the trailer as my mother was looking for me. I giggled, playing hide n seek. Of course, she was not in on the game until she found me hiding behind a large wooden fence. I was victorious, even only for a few minutes.

On the flip side, I remember a time when a moment of independence scared me. I must have been under the age of five. My family was just my mother and me. She was a single parent and I was her only child.

After work, we would run to the grocery store, a place I was fairly comfortable roaming on my own. One day, I lost track of her. I wandered too far. It was taking too long to find her. I knew to keep my cool, not let anyone see me panic as I ran from aisle to aisle. I’m not sure how much time passed until I found her, but it was enough to scare me.

In the United States, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. Over the last few years, I’m learning that really is a concept to celebrate as rights become questioned and reversed. Freedom can never be taken for granted.

It’s that time. Let’s get writing!

Set the Mood for Your Writing

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.

Let the timer be your guide, but don’t limit your writing by the ding. Keep writing if you’re in the flow.

The timer is an aid when you’re feeling like you have nothing to write. “I’m only writing for five minutes. No big deal.” But keep going if the words are there.

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. You can also write these as satire or rant pieces.

There is no right or wrong.

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 exercise.

First Prompt

Think back to your first memory of independence. Or any specific moment during your life. The feeling of riding a bike alone for the first time. Running away from home. Walking into a classroom alone, not knowing a soul. Getting your own bedroom (freedom!). Walking to the store alone. When you imagine the moment, think of all the senses as you describe the scene. Bring us with you as you remember this moment.

Set a timer for five minutes and write. Keep writing if you’re in the flow.

Second Prompt

“Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing.” ― Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Why?

Set a timer for five minutes and write. Keep writing if the words are flowing.

Third Prompt

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ― Rumi, The Essential Rumi

Think about your relationship with independence over the years. It can be a rollercoaster, much like any other relationship. Were there times when you completely lost your power? Describe those moments.

Did you grow up in a family where you were expected to live your life a certain way? Did you go against the grain? Did this cause a rift in your family? How did you cope?

How have you created your own story over the years?

Set a timer for five minutes and write. Let the timer be a guide. Keep writing and see where it takes you.

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.

After some time, go back over your words and add structure. Take away, add. Polish it up! Then submit!

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 for 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.

Invitation to Flint & Steel writers

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About the Writer

Ellie is a freelance writer and editor from Minnesota. She is writing her first novel, a psychological suspense novel, while finishing her MFA at SNHU.

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✍ Written by Ellie Jacobson, @2022 all rights reserved.