Free Writing

The past week or so I’ve been experimenting with free writing. And so far, I have to say the results seem to be quite positive.

Generally speaking my word count is up, although how much of it will prove usable is open to debate. And even though I’m doing more than I have been, it’s not as much as I’d like to be doing, it’s still a step in the write direction. (see what I did there?)

I’m going to assume that if you’re reading this you already have some notion of what free writing is (and if not, here’s wikipedia). I’ve mainly been doing this at lunch; one or two half hour stints depending on how busy the day is. I will admit to mostly doing focused free-writing, picking what I think I want to write about for each session, rather than having it be completely random. And so far, with maybe one of two exceptions, I haven’t hit any snags.

So what have I been writing?

Well, so far this month, it’s been a bit scattered. If it hasn’t been blog posts, it’s mainly been stuff unconnected with the House Valerius series. While I haven’t named either, they’re still listed as UFP and USFP, I’m generally having fun with what I’ve been doing. Which is important, and something I don’t want to lose sight of.

I still don’t know if either of them are going to end up as more than a temporary plaything for me; a palate cleanser, if you like. But does that ultimately matter? If I’m enjoying what I’m doing, as well as stretching myself creatively, so what if they don’t go anywhere?  I’m sure there are plenty of other writers who have pieces the never use, or at least not for years afterward. And I’m sure it’s not just Paul Sheldon who feels like a break from their series every now and then…