articles and^ essays. Not^ bad for fifteen^ words which took a few seconds to write.^
(^)
For your book proposal, just start making lists of words. The idea is not to
direct your thoughts at all, just list all the words which spring to mind. Don’t limit
yourself with words directly related to the subject of your proposal. You may never
use your word lists in your work at all. I think of them as ways of prodding my
subconscious. After I've filled half a page of words, I may or may not use them. I
don't look on writing the lists as a waste of time, however, because writing them gets
me into a creative mood.
4.^ Timed free-writing for five^ minutes^
(^)
The topic for your free-writing session will be the title of your first chapter.^
I'm a fan of free-writing. If you haven't read Peter Elbow's amazing books,
particularly Writing with Power, get hold of the book as soon as you can. After
reading it, I guarantee you you'll never have problems with getting words onto the
page ever again.
Timed free-writing is just what it sounds like. You set a timer, and put pen to
paper, or get your fingers traveling across the keyboard. At the end of the time you
set, you stop writing. You don't have to write in complete sentences. You can write
fragments of thoughts, or even write a word list. Just write whatever words appear in
your mind. Don't put any pressure on yourself. Even if you have a report that needs to
be finished in an hour, don't make the subject of your report the topic for your free-
writing session. Let whatever words want to come out, emerge. You can whine onto
the page about how hard writing is for five minutes, if you wish. If you do, you'll feel
better for having released that limiting thought.
5.^ Take a break^
(^)
Close your notebook, switch off your computer and leave your desk. Your break can
be short, but take at least ten minutes. Preferably half an hour or an hour. I mean it ---
LEAVE YOUR DESK.
- First draft