Writing prompts

Freewriting Friday: Sunflowers Sprouting Through the Dirt

Exploring the moments of unexpected kindness

“Sunflowers end up facing the sun, but they go through a lot of dirt to find their way there.” ― J.R. Rim

I wasn’t going to write up a Freewriting Friday exercise for this week because I’m in the midst of finals, but with everything going on in the world, I feel drawn to do so.

As many people have learned since this war began in Ukraine, the sunflower is the country’s national flower. Images of sunflowers have slowly flooded my social media channels from artist friends posting photos of sunflower creations they have made in an attempt to spread support in any way they can.

Like them, I feel lost at what to do to help, besides donating money. As I watch the news, I just want to pull everyone through the screen to safety. To love. To kindness.

While watching the endless stream of news, I see stories of families in European countries opening their doors to Ukrainian mothers and children. It is a reminder that people are good in this world. During the darkness, there are streams of light making their way to the surface.

The world is still sitting in darkness, but I want to focus on the light and the sunshine, no matter how faded.

Let’s write!

Set the Mood

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

Have you been witness to a heroic moment or an unexpected kind gesture? A small moment, like someone paying for someone’s groceries when their card is declined? Or a young man holding a door open for someone in distress? Describe the moment using all the senses.

Set a timer for five minutes and write.

Second Prompt

How do you manage your mental health during difficult times? Has a book helped you? Or music? Describe your “happy” place. This can be a mindset or something tangible.

Set a timer for five minutes and write.

Third Prompt

The prompt is sunflowers. Let’s spread the beauty of sunflowers and your words around Medium. Write whatever comes to mind when you think of sunflowers. Maybe an old memory of yours. Share a trip to a sunflower field with your photos. Write a poem.

Set a 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.

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

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.

More Freewriting Friday exercises

✍ Written by Ellie Jacobson, @2022 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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