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’

1. Write what comes up for you

Begin to write without planning .. start anywhere .. whatever comes up, write it down.

2. Don’t change anything

As simple (but not so simple) as it sounds.

This has been a big part of the ‘rough draft’ phase of the 30 Day Book Writing Challenge I’m currently doing. It’s so automatic to me to fix things as I go that this is a challenge for me.

3. Give all the sensuous detail

Remember to include details about the feel, look, taste, smells and sounds to bring your writing to life. (this is something I really need to practice!)

4. Go where the energy is, or go fearward

When choosing what to write, move toward what has the most charge, what you are most attracted to / repelled by, or what brings up fear.

5. The Ten-Year Rule

For autobiographical pieces, Barbara asserts that your writing will be both easier and more resonant if what comes up is more than ten years old.

Freefall writing

Your goal is to follow all five precepts at once.

This is different to stream-of-consciousness, write as quickly as you can writing (phew!). There is a balancing required in not over-focusing on one of the precepts to the exclusion of the others.

Setting aside an hour a day is suggested for Freefall Writing. If this isn’t possible on a given day then timed writing (eg 10 minutes) with a prompt allows you to keep writing every day (the book provides writing prompts..).

Here goes ..

Time to get to it. I’m curious to see what comes up for me.

Over and out.