The ‘five precepts’ of ‘freefall writing’
The timer is set and we start writing. 15 minutes, a simple prompt, GO. The pressure is on and we go into our own private zone. These short writing exercises, in the presence of my writing group, have helped me to bring forth memories and ideas I had forgotten about, and powerful pieces of writing that I sometimes continue to think about for a long time afterwards. But these opportunities are rare .. and surely I can find 15 minutes every day to do it on my own?!
Problem with doing it on my own is that the pressure (= inspiration??) isn’t there .. OR .. maybe I simply need to work out HOW to bring this ‘no mind’ freeflow writing into my every day.
I remember things better when I write them down, so I am recording the ‘Five Precepts’ here both the absorb the information and also to have this to refer back to.
These ‘five precepts’ come from the book “Writing Without a Parachute — The Art of Freefall” by Barbara Turner-Vesselago as guidelines for aiding the process of surrender in writing. If there is anyone who needs help getting out of their head and into the moment it’s me.
The Five Precepts of ‘freefall writing’
- Write what comes up for you
Begin to write without planning .. start anywhere .. whatever comes up, write it down.
