Free-writing is controlled chaos: it is a way to let our minds relax and stop censoring our own thoughts. The steps are simple:

1. Choose a topic.
2. Begin writing about the topic.
3. For a set period of time (three to five minutes), write about the topic without stopping. This means no pausing to think of what to say, no stopping when one hits a wall — it means writing. Period.
4. When one does hit a wall, the only allowable response is to write about hitting the wall: “I don’t know what to write. I don’t know what to write.” or “I’m stuck. I’m stuck. I’m stuck.”