Free-writing exercise #1

One of the writing experiments I really enjoyed in a creative fiction writing course at Deakin University was free writing (also known as as stream of consciousness writing). Our tutor had given us a colour copy of the image below and we were told to free write one A4 page based on our first impressions/immediate responses. Free writing is a technique often used for warming up before a writing session (stretching the intellectual and creative muscles if you like), or breaking out of “writer’s block”.  This is a particularly good image for a free writing exercise and the responses were many and varied.

If you want to try it take a good look at the picture and start writing whatever comes into your mind. Here are a few hints if you wish to attempt the exercise.

I’ve posted my own free writing response to this image here if you’re interested. Try the exercise before you read my attempt.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Katsushika Hokusai