Before I joined one of Jena Schwartz’s 10-day free writing groups in March, I could not remember the last time I sat down to write with no intention of eventually getting those words into a publishable form. I’m efficient that way, which has its benefits, but in the area of creativity, that push to GO GO GO has it’s downsides, too. And frankly, I was feeling like I was in a writing rut and needed to try something different.
Really, the only time I can remember writing so freely was in the notebooks that were my junior high, high school, and college diaries. The longest and most fulfilling pieces of freewriting I indulged in simultaneously during that time were the letters I sent to friends during summers abroad and eventually when I spent seven months in Chile when I was 21. I guess those letters were more like “publishing” than journal writing is, but not in the same way I write now as part of a career.
When I saw some of my online writer friends like Dina Relles and Nicki Gilbert talking about a 10-day freewriting class 
they had taken with Massachusetts-based poet and writer, Jena Schwartz, I felt a bit of curiosity. Then the next month I saw other friends mention the class, and I began to flirt with the idea. Did I have the patience to write just for the sake of writing? Would I enjoy that kind of writing knowing that I still had three essays due to editors that month and many others that I wanted to write and pitch to other publications?
I decided to stop analyzing the situation and go for it. I am so glad I did! I have no idea how in the matter of one morning Jena establishes trust and momentum in these online groups, but she does. She creates a private Facebook group where the members can share the results of ten minutes of freewriting. The sharing part is not required, nor is the commenting, but I enjoyed that element because it kept me accountable.
To be totally honest, the first few days I felt a little awkward sharing something so unpolished and so indulgent. (I touched on topics I would likely never share publicly.) But I quickly got into a groove that has lasted long after the ten days.
I loved getting to know the other writers in my cohort, but I also think Jena is incredibly smart to delete the entire private Facebook group and all the work inside of it after the 10 days are done. None of us needs another private group to keep up with, and the sharing and commenting there served its purpose for those days. We were there to say, “You can do this,” or “Wow, look you are doing this!” It was an intense time of quiet writing and communicating, and then Jena released us back to our regular lives.
I’m happy to say that I’ve continued the habit of 10 minute spurts of freewriting in a document on my computer that will never be used for anything other than that sort of creative play. It’s not a journal, it’s a place to experiment and stretch. I don’t do my 10 minutes every day, but I finish a session at least three days a week, and that is 30 minutes more per week than I would have done without Jena’s guidance and reminders about letting go of perfection.
Jena did not ask me to write this post, nor do I receive anything if others sign up. I just like to share the things I’ve experienced and found helpful.
Do you take time to “play” when you write? What kinds of exercises or experiences have helped you get out of a writing rut?
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ALSO! Did you know I’m doing a regular advice segment LIVE on The Jordana Green Show on CBS WCCO radio (channel 830 in the Twin Cities)?
Last week Jordana and I talked about whether married people can maintain friendships with people of the opposite sex and/or make new opposite sex friends.
This week (around the 18 minute mark) Jordana and I spoke about whether or not friends and colleagues should discuss their salaries.
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47 Responses
My favorite way to play while writing is writing intentionally bad poetry. If someone’s birthday will be during the week, sometimes I will write a limerick in their honor. A really stupid, totally tacky one. If something kooky happened to me during the day, I’ll write a haiku about it.
It’s particularly good on a day when I’m already feeling stupid and not able to write. By the end, I’m usually feeling a little giggly and don’t take myself so seriously.
Rebecca, I love that practice. There is nothing quite like writing stupid, tacky, silly poetry to get the juices flowing!
Jena’s groups are pure magic. Since participating, I tend to welcome free writing instead of staring at the page, feeling the palms of my hand sweat. I recommend this practice for the novice and seasoned writer. With every free write, there is a potential to learn something new.
Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri recently posted..On Worrying and Outcomes
Rudri, sometimes my palms still sweat :). Then I think about you & Nina, wipe them on my jeans, and keep going. xo
i took a class from The Mom Egg in NYC where one of the instructors had us do it. I found it to be very freeing, but haven’t done it in a while. Glad you are enjoying doing it.
I hadn’t heard of The Mom Egg — thanks for mentioning it here.
Nina, knowing you have that doc on your computer makes my whole body smile. Thank you–for saying yes, for stepping in, and for spreading the love in a way that only you can. I’m so grateful. xoxo
Jena’s class was such a wonderful experience for me too; I can’t wait to start my second one next week! It’s like a mini spa appointment for writers. It feels indulgent, but self-care is necessary. Maybe one day we will take a class together!
Dana recently posted..More than a woman {April Book Reviews}
Dana, you had me at “mini spa” for writers. Can’t wait to write with you again soon.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Hi Nina, I’m taking Jena’s class in May because I love this kind of free writing. It’s the way I find what I want to say, as opposed to what I think others want me to say. I think there is such a push-pull between writing for publication and writing for oneself (that could eventually be for public consumption and may likely be your best work because it comes from the most honest and true place). I find when I write something thinking, “this would be great for xxx website or magazine,” that is the hardest way for me to write and often ends up being my least satisfying work. This post sparks an interesting thought process for all writers, I think. Thanks for sharing, and I’m glad you had a good experience!
Daisy, I love the way you describe that push-pull. And couldn’t agree more, that the most satisfying writing always comes from writing what’s honest and true. So looking forward to our time together!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
This is so awesome, Nina. I have experienced this with my art. Everything is supposed to serve a purpose these days and I rarely create something just for the sake of creation and play, and I’ve realized the lack of spontaneity has stunted my growth.
I’m so glad you had fun in the class! I’ll be keeping this idea in my back pocket.
Dakota Nyght recently posted..#The100DayProject – Short Poems Illustrated
Dakota, writing (creating in any medium) with no end-goal is so counter to how we’re conditioned. So true! For me, it can be paralyzing. Which is why I have gotten so attached to my ten-minute timer :).
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
I would love to try something like that! Other than adolescent diary writing I have never done any free writing exercises. I think I would struggle sharing it, but it would probably be good for me. I just need to find the courage and the time to commit myself to it. I will definitely try to do a workshop this year.
Thanks for sharing.
Justine recently posted..28 Days of Play: Who Doesn’t Play With Their Children?
Justine, the sharing is a hurdle for so many people, at first. And then it gets easier! (And as fellow adolescent dairy writer, I loved your comment.) Would love to write with you, when you are ready :).
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
What a great exercise! I did that for a little while last year, just kind of let myself write without much of a goal in mind for it other than the letting go of thoughts or following threads of ideas. I stopped because of time constraints, but I can feel it in my creativity. I’m not exactly in a state of writer’s “block” right now, but I can tell my writing isn’t really developing or reaching in any way.
Angela recently posted..Five things
Angela, time constraints are a bitch (pardon my language). That’s exactly why in the groups we set a timer for ten minutes. Who doesn’t have ten minutes!? Your description of freewriting here is wonderful.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
This totally inspires me. I’m a huge Jena fan and hearing how much you loved this makes me really want to do one!! xox
Well, I’m a huge Lindsey fan, so this comment totally made me happy.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
I love how you describe some of my favorite aspects of Jena’s groups–especially this: “We were there to say, “You can do this,” or “Wow, look you are doing this!” It was an intense time of quiet writing and communicating, and then Jena released us back to our regular lives.” So well put–it does feel like a protected break with reality, a safe space in which to explore those hidden, personal truths we’re often reluctant to put on paper. And yet, somehow–in an instant and enigmatically so–Jena inspires a trust that frees up the deepest, most honest parts of us that, in turn, often yield the best writing. I’m beyond grateful to have found Jena and these writing groups, and to have participated in one with you, Nina! I loved our time there together. I’m so glad it was meaningful for you & that you’ve kept up the free writing ritual in your own way. Thanks, as always, for sharing the good you discover in the world with others! Ever a valuable resource…xo
Dina recently posted..waypoint
Dina, the fact that you’ve been in this with me, literally, since Day One is magic in and of itself. Enigmatically?! Oooooh. I kind of like that. And you know I love your writing, so if I have even the tiniest thing to do with you putting words together for us all to savor– hallelujah and amen.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Thank you, Nina, for writing about and sharing your experience. You describe so wonderfully all the aspects about Jena, the magical space she creates, the process that I love and are now a necessary part of my writing practice. And you’re teaching me how to write about writing :). Thank you!
Nicki recently posted..One Shoe Off
So true, Nicki. Nina, the way you write about writing is so exquisitely succinct.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Thanks so much you two! Nicki–I’m waiting for that post. 😉
I keep hearing about this class. I think I’m going to have to dive in after the summer. And You haven’t steered me wrong yet! I can’t wait to hear the radio show. I won’t be able to listen tonight, but I’ll search for it tomorrow! Very curious about the topic.
You would love it. It is truly not time consuming, but packs a punch.
Allie, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to be in touch!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Thank you for sharing this, Nina. It sounds like an amazing class — “writing for the sake of writing” seems incredibly joyful right now while I’m in the midst of querying. I truly can’t remember the last time I (successfully) journaled/wrote without it being for something or someone.
Julia Munroe Martin recently posted..Five Little Things
Julia, I’m so aware these days–of how the thing that brings us joy can lose its joy when the focus becomes solely external. I lead these groups as much to remind myself as to connect with others around that shift back to why we love writing in the first place!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Hey Nina, I loved hearing about your free writing with Jena. I did her self-guided class, and while I really loved her prompts, I was lacking in the self guidance part 🙂 I ended up finishing about half the prompts, the other half are still waiting.
But I would definitely take the group class (especially now that I’m finally on FB!) because I think having the support of fellow writers is such a great motivator.
Dana recently posted..It Will Never Be Enough
I didn’t even mention here that I FIRST signed up for the self guided and did almost nothing with it. I FOR SURE need the guided.
Dana, that’s so interesting to hear (I almost never know how the self-guided prompts are for people). Thank you for sharing. Join me! The community piece really is amazing.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
Your class sounds really cool, Nina. This stands out to me:
“To be totally honest, the first few days I felt a little awkward sharing something so unpolished and so indulgent. (I touched on topics I would likely never share publicly.)”
Outside of work, virtually all my writing is freewriting, but definitely not with an intention to share, and what I think is cool about this is that you risked for your writing in a way that’s maybe different than what you’ve been doing more recently. Do you feel more freedom and courage (for lack of a better word) now with your writing overall?
Re: your appearance tonight. Great topic!!
Hmmm. . . that is a good question. Not quite yet (with the courage).
And thanks re: tonight! Nervous . . . !
For me, too — the courage is a work in progress 🙂 Or I should say, practice. Every.Single.Time.
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
You know, I KNOW I should do this. I used to write the best things when I just free write. But I barely put fingers to keyboard these days except to type emails, and edit other people’s work. And I miss the writing. I’d love to do this again.
Alison recently posted..Through The Lens Thursday: Caffeine
Alison (with one l), blast that “should” and join me–two spots still open in a small group starting Monday! Love, Jena (with one n)
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
I have been freewriting morning pages (an exercise from The Artist’s Way) every morning for the past 4 years, and it has been incredible. I get a lot of great ideas that way, and it keeps me writing in so many formats. When I first started the pages, I was intent on writing novels – now I’ve branched out into poetry, short stories, and essays by just hanging out on the page and thinking “Maybe…”. I was reluctant to try them when I first read about them, but now they are almost like a meditative practice – I feel off if I don’t do them. I said all this to say that I am huge fan of freewriting, and Jena’s class sounds like a great idea to get others on board. (Note: If you are reluctant to do it, that means you need to do it more than anyone – I speak from experience! Dust off that notebook and try it – what do you have to lose?)
Cindy, I just loved your comment here! I started doing morning pages about 20 years ago, and it’s so cool to hear that you’ve branched out into many genres and forms you might not otherwise have played with or discovered. Also, your “note” hits the nail on the head (“If not now, when?”).
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
This sounds like something I should definitely try! Jena, you do sound amazing 🙂 Nina, I’m definitely geared toward GO GO GO – FINISH NOW! Freewriting sounds freeing…and fun.
AmyMak: Freeing and fun, for sure. And good medicine (maybe more like an antidote?) for GO GO GO syndrome. Would love to connect!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
I remember HAVING to freewrite in school – with those amazing composition books. I always joked that it wasn’t free because we had to do it, but in truth, I was always surprised at what came out of me.
It’s like a therapy session. What comes out, must have been waiting to come out.
I need to try it again.
Tamara recently posted..Love is the Ultimate Adventure.
Tamara, you live in Northampton? (I’m not stalking you, really, Saw that on Twitter.) I’m in Amherst. That’s exactly what freewriting does for me — what comes out must have been waiting (and needing) to come out. Would be great to connect with you!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Welcome to Starbucks and What Can I Get For You?
I haven’t done any freewriting or even journal writing in, oh, I don’t know how long. It always felt unproductive, even though I know that’s not true. Then when I was on my recent vacation, I started recording thoughts at the end of the day just as a way to keep the small details alive and I found I liked it. There’s no pressure to write the “perfect” sentence.
Thanks for recommending this class, Nina. I’ll look into Jena’s upcoming offerings.
Jackie Cangro recently posted..The One With New Orleans
No pressure to write the perfect sentence. You’re speaking my language! And just the word “vacation” feels like a vacation to me :).
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Make Room
This is really inspirational, Nina. I love how you always find these gems and share them so honestly. Thanks for all the great resources!
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Nina Badzin, gem hunter and gatherer!
Jena Schwartz recently posted..Make Room