Ann Burnett, writer and tutor

Hot Penning (or Free Writing)

You require: something to write with, something to write on, a timer.

Set the timer for five minutes. Then write without lifting your pen off the page or stopping. If you can't think of anything to write, simply write your name until you find yourself writing something else. Don't stop.

• Don't cross out - that's editing
• Don't bother with grammar or even sense
• Let go - nobody else is going to read it, you won't have to share it with anyone.
• Write as 'you' - use your own voice. Don't try to be what you think a writer should be.
• Don't censor - write what comes in whatever way.

Remember, If you dry up, write your name or any word that comes into your head.

This process engages the creative side of the brain. It makes use of the sub-conscious and what you write may well surprise you.

When the timer rings, stop and after a minute or two, read what you have written. Circle or underline any parts that you think are interesting or unusual, words and phrases that engage you, bits that you like. DO NOT PICK OUT PARTS THAT YOU DON'T LIKE OR THINK ARE RUBBISH.

Do this every day but just for five minutes. You may find that what you have written provides starting points for other pieces of writing, perhaps a character emerges or a plot line or a situation or circumstance or you may simply feel more at ease with yourself for having got rid of something which has been bothering you and which you now have committed to paper.