Freewriting. Freewriting requires a minimum of time and prep, and is perfect for those suffering from writer's block. It's a way to generate new short story ideas, and to go places with your creative writing you wouldn't go otherwise. At the very least it will get you to set pen to paper.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

Sit down at a desk with pen and paper, ideally in some quiet place, though freewriting can be done anywhere.

Decide beforehand that you will only be writing for ten minutes (longer if you'd like) and that you will not stop before that time is up. Set a timer or an alarm.

Write without stopping until the timer goes off. Do not lift your pen from the paper, even if this means writing, 'I don't know what to write,' over and over again. Write nonsense, write anything, but don't stop writing.

Mourning autumn



there are rarely extremes
in the weather here
but that, I realize,
has resulted in the lack of brilliance

the heavy downpours are missed
by thirsty roots
and the early season chill
is sadly missing
…both sorely needed for my inspiration,
the breathtaking colors of autumn


reduced to a breath exhaled
a mere few weeks it seems…
as summer extends its hold
long after backpacks are filled
for the first time in months…

suddenly and as an afterthought
a cooler breeze comes
with a burst of color

and as a burst expands
and then contracts…
a strong gust strips away
much of autumn


just a week ago
a maple’s red leaves fell
as in a pause,
but she was full…

today, darkened remnants lie
shriveled
and blood red,
carpeting and choking the lawn

scrawling limbs, bare
outstretched, gray and cold
almost beseeching
much too soon…
it was too soon

another strong wind sends
dried leaves scampering down the black street
eerily running
and
easily giving up

where can one go
if winter
is just around the corner