Writing

Freewriting Friday: Your First Gift, Shopping & Small Business Saturday

Three writing prompts to spark your next articles

Today, of course, marks Black Friday, which seems to be more than just one day these days. It blends into Small Business Saturday which runs into Cyber Monday. Basically, it’s time to shop.

I have never liked Black Friday, images of mothers fighting over Cabbage Patch Dolls still haunt my dreams.

I remember only one time shopping on Black Friday, pre-online shopping days. My mom, aunt, and four cousins went to the local mall on a Black Friday. We were teenagers, given a small stipend to shop for our relatives. We split up; the cousins went one way, the adults another.

All I remember was people. Long lines. Pushing. Shoving. No thank you. I know I made a few purchases for my mom, most likely, but I never shopped again on that day.

Now I shop online from the comfort of my home or personally at small businesses in the area.

So on that note, let’s get to freewriting.

Set the Mood

Yes, I selected Christmas music, to get you in the mood.

Hey, I love Christmas music. . .what can I say?

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

What was the first gift you ever gave? Who was it for? What did you get? Did you make it? Did you have a hard time deciding? What was their reaction when you gave the gift?

Set your timer for five minutes and write.

Second Prompt

Do you like to shop? Why? Why not? Or do you only like to shop for certain things? Bookstore. Flowers. Groceries. Crafting supplies. Why?

When writing, think about all the senses. The smell of the store. Is it loud or quiet? Is it a large store or a small business?

Set your timer for five minutes and write.

Third Prompt

Think about a small business (or businesses) you love to shop at. How about writing an article about the small businesses in your area? Share it here on Medium as many local shops have a website now because of Covid. Many people, like myself, want to support small businesses.

Describe why you love the shop and what about it is unique.

Later, consider sharing it on social media and tag them.

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.

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.

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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