Open-ended free-writing is the form most of us think of first when we hear "free-write…."

Structured Free-writing, as the term implies, follows some guidelines or prompts. This strategy is most powerful when you are frustrated by writer's block.

Focused Free-writing is the same strategy as open-ended free-writing, except that you start by writing a topic or idea at the top of the page and focus your writing and thinking on that topic or idea. At the end of the 5-10 minute time you set, you pause to read and reflect on what you have written, redefine your focus and start a new page. This strategy can be most helpful when you have already chosen a topic or you have been assigned a topic and don't know what you think about it or what you want to write. To discover what's on your mind in connection with this topic, try this focused free-writing.

Blind-writing or invisible writing can be used with any of the free-writing strategies described above. The only difference is that you adjust the brightness your computer screen while you are writing so that you cannot see what is "on the page." This will cause you to concentrate more deeply on your writing because you can't glance up to see what you just said. You have to stay mentally engaged with your writing. You also can't be distracted by spelling or grammar errors. This strategy is most helpful when you are working in an open computer lab and you don't want your neighbors to see what you're writing. If you are self-conscious about your writing or are easily distracted by errors, blind writing will help you get more thoughts on the page in less time. You won't be tempted to pause, look back and correct so much.

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