Good writers know they need to write a lot in order to discover what they think, feel, or know. Through brainstorming, listing, and freewriting, writers use the process of writing itself to open up new pathways and directions.  Filmmakers rely on process too–both the writing process and the visual process. Our goal here is to provide you with prompts that invite you to explore your topic in deep ways.  The writing you do will be private–it’s meant to be both a space for discovery and surprise (because the act of writing invites new thinking), but also as a resource “bank” for you to draw on as you work on your film.

Find a quiet place to sit with your notebook and dedicate at least 20 minutes to sustained freewriting. (The “sustained” part means that you keep your pen moving and don’t stop to plan or prepare your sentences. The “freewriting” part means that you use your writing as thinking and trust that the writing will take you someplace interesting. Set a timer. Seriously. If you feel stuck, loop back to another question, but keep writing. Bring this writing to class tomorrow).

Freewriting prompts (designed to help you generate material and ideas for your topic):

• Write about a “first” moment/experience with your topic. (What was the “first” time like of riding a horse/meeting someone with autism/looking into wedding planning?)

• Make a list of specific “indelible moments” that come to mind when you think about your topic. (Indelible moments are those shards of memory or snapshots that run through our minds.) Let this list be generous –remember,it’s private!

• Make a list of specific people associated with your topic (both in your life and in the culture at large).

• Make a list of specific places associated with your topic. (The stable? The break room? The passenger seat?)

• Make  a list of specific objects you associate with your topic.

• Look over these last four lists and circle one or two items from each list that interest you and that seem to suggest more to explore.  Freewrite about one of these.

• Write a paragraph that begins with this sentence: When most people think about _______(your topic)_____ they probably think _____________ or _____________. What they don’t know/or understand is ____________.