Focused freewriting, or looping, is a structured form of freewriting in which a writer engages in multiple short, timed writing sessions, each building upon the previous one. Unlike traditional freewriting, where the goal is to write continuously without concern for coherence, looping guides the writer to refine and deepen their thoughts through successive rounds of writing. The process involves rereading the previous session’s writing and identifying a key idea, sentence, or theme to develop further in the next round.
Set a Timer – Start with a short period, typically 5 to 10 minutes, and write continuously about a given topic or prompt without worrying about grammar, structure, or clarity.
Review and Select – After the time is up, quickly review what you wrote and highlight a sentence, phrase, or idea that stands out or seems promising.
Write Again – Using the selected idea as a new starting point, set another timer and write for another 5 to 10 minutes, developing the thought further.
Repeat as Needed – Continue looping through the process, deepening and clarifying ideas with each round until you have a strong foundation for your writing project.
Focused freewriting, or looping, is an invaluable technique for any writer looking to break through creative barriers, explore ideas more deeply, and refine their work systematically. By embracing this iterative process, writers can develop their thoughts naturally, leading to clearer, more compelling writing. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative writer, incorporating looping into your writing routine can help unlock your full potential.
Adapted from "Prewriting Strategies handout" by the Writing Center at Mt. San Antonio College.