Final answer:
Free writing encourages writing without interruption in a quiet place, focusing on letting ideas flow without concern for errors. Structured writing focuses on engaging the reader by highlighting only the most compelling parts of a story. Balancing detail and intrigue is vital for capturing and maintaining the reader's interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of free writing is a powerful tool to combat the daunting task of facing a blank page. It's an exercise where you find a quiet place, set a timer (often recommended for 10 minutes), and just write continuously without stopping to correct grammar, spelling, or punctuation. The key is to maintain a stream of consciousness and let the ideas flow unimpeded, capturing as much detail as possible.
In contrast to this unfiltered approach, a more structured writing technique involves focusing on the most interesting parts of a story to engage the reader. Avoiding the tedious recounting of overly broad details, which might bore the audience, writers should zero in on the most exciting or meaningful moments. This ensures that the narrative remains compelling and holds the reader's attention throughout.
For instance, instead of listing every mundane action, such as waking up and standing up, start with an intriguing scenario: 'I woke up face-down to the crunch of shattered glass underneath me...'. This technique hooks the reader in by skipping the banal and diving into the heart of the story's action or mystery. Such precision in choosing which sequences to detail results in a narrative that is both captivating and efficient in storytelling.