I love free-writes. Some amazing things come out of them, and I wouldn't be where I am without them.

If anyone's read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - she talks about morning pages, 750 words of just a free write at the beginning of one's day. This is supposed to be in addition to anything 'real' you write, just to let out all those things that get in the way of your real work.

... I doubt she ever did nano.