Writer’s block is a nasty affliction, almost like bottled up tears that just won’t come. You know you have to cry, but are either too mad, or upset to let go and do it. The key here is blockage and trying to figure out why the words won’t come.
Free Fall Writing is one tool a journal writer can use who is experiencing writer’s block, which can come from wanting to censor or edit as we are writing. The inventor of the ‘Free Fall Method of Creative Writing’ was well-known Canadian author, W.O. Mitchell. To practice the free fall method of writing, writers must tune out that internal editor, which is nagging them with thoughts of what and how to write. Forget the editor, and write whatever thoughts come to mind. Be sure to take into account sensory information and memories. The trick is to keep writing, leave the editing and read-back until the end of the writing process.
To practice free fall writing, but not knowing where to start, try looking at pictures, or headlines. If you are on the internet look for a picture with similar subject matter that you are writing about. See if the picture triggers thoughts and just start writing what comes to mind. Don’t sensor yourself.
Free fall is a great idea and wonderful tool to use in most cases of writer’s block. But creativity can still be diminished by those thoughts and feelings that are dragging us down and upsetting us. In this case, it can be just as easy as putting down your journal and going for a walk, doing meditation, letting go, relaxing – simply leaving your writing for another day.