The term stream of consciousness appears quite a bit when completing writing exercises. Here’s my quick way to start your writing by letting any and all thoughts out.
Set a timer for 2 minutes, put your pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and start writing. Don’t stop until the timer goes off. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, hurting anyone’s feelings. Get it out. After the timer goes off you can burn it or delete it, but GET IT OUT. I consider this to be a brain dump before I can let my true creativity come to the surface, though sometimes there are gems within the nonsense. Underline anything that sparks something for you.
Starting a creative writing session with a stream of consciousness can empty out any personal thoughts or details that are lingering in your mind. You might be surprised by the gems that you write during this “zone out” time. Since I’ve started this routine, I have a difficult time beginning my creative writing time without emptying my thoughts and starting with a clean slate.
The Train Ride Home 
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