Writing prompts

Freewriting Friday: Your Reality Before and After Covid

For the better or for the worse? Or a little of both?

We are two years into Covid. Who knows when/if the pandemic will end or if we will live with it, like influenza? But what is for sure, our lives have changed. As a society and as individuals.

In some ways, I’m thankful for the sudden change in our lives. It forced me to figure out what I was missing in my life after years of focusing on my family. I rediscovered my love of writing and my dream of writing a book. I’m not sure I would have gotten off the endless loop of extracurricular activities and carpooling long enough to tap into that part of my life.

Initially, for my family, our day-to-day lives changed completely. Or I should say the method we conducted our lives changed. My husband and I were fortunate to work in the medical field (IT and health insurance) so we didn't lose our jobs but switched to 100% remote work.

We were fortunate our school district was prepared (as much as they can be) where our students all had iPads already so the kids could still keep going to school, at home.

I thought we were all handling this new reality well considering, but over time, our mental health suffered. The cracks didn’t appear right away. I feel like we are still coming to terms mentally with all that has happened in our lives and in society.

I still feel the hesitation with friends and family to plan large get-togethers or even to meet up for coffee. I miss the ease of being around family and friends (and not via Zoom or Facetime).

But we are slowly trying to get back to enjoying the activities we used to, like going to a movie theater (to be honest, I quite enjoy watching movies at home) and on vacations.

Enough about me…it’s time to free your mind and write!

Music to 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

How has your life changed positively because of Covid? In terms of work? Rediscovering yourself? Hobbies? Family? Better mindset? Describe the good that is occurring in your life because of a pandemic.

Set a timer for five minutes and write.

Second prompt

Now, look at the opposite. How has your life changed negatively because of Covid? Your work? Family and friends? Struggling mentally? Describe the negative in your life because of this pandemic.

Set a timer for five minutes and write.

Third prompt

How can you change the negative into a positive moving forward? What parts of this new reality do you want to keep in your life? And what parts do you hope to ditch forever?

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 of my freewriting 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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