Beyond a world of business writing or hardcore journalism, there lies a completely different realm of creative writing. And creative writing to presents excellent opportunities to make it big as a career and earn substantial money like other forms of writing. So, if you are completely new to creative writing or looking to be one then read this blog from Cafe Converse, Delhi’s top institute for learning creative English writing.
What is creative writing?
Creative writing is a kind of writing that encompasses several genres and styles beyond the more formal scope of technical or academic writing. Creative writing focuses on elements like character development, narrative and plot, infusing its structure through imagination and story.
Kinds of creative writing
Creative writing is in several forms and is hugely accessible to all sorts of writers. Some learn it during school days while some even go for certifications. While some simply do it for fun.
Some of the creative writing forms are:
Children’s books: They are mainly from fantasy to comedy to the mystery. These genres are liked by adults too. However, the plots are different in children’s books compared to adults.
Creative non-fiction: This is more about conveying truthful, non-fictional narratives such as personal essays.
Graphic novels: As the name suggests, it is a compilation of illustrations as you have seen in comics.
Memoirs: Memoirs and autobiographies are quite similar. Yes, autobiographies are usually about well-known persons, while memoirs are a format where the writer uses his/her life experiences.
Novels: Novels could have a huge array of genres or subgenres. The narratives usually make one feel like they are for real.
Plays: Playwriting forms play, which later is performed by actors and actresses on a live stage.
Poetry: Rhythmic prose that shows ideas having a musicality. It consists of writing and performance both.
Screenplays: Forming a narrative into blocks of dialogue and action. It mostly follows a three-act formation. Movies, TV shows use scripts.
Short stories: A short story is usually of 1000 to 10, 000 words, and pretty much employs the same methods like a novel.
Essential aspects of creative writing
Several aspects come together in creative writing, to evoke a response in the reader. As a writer, you have to do the following intentionally.
Action: Action should occur for a reason in creative writing. The purpose of a protagonist’s action should lead them towards the goal.
Character: In literature, character formation is an art of providing character a personality, traits, depth and motivations that will propel them.
Conflict: The motive of conflict is to march the story ahead. If there is nothing at stake, the story will seem futile and will be boring for readers or audiences.
Dialogue: A strong dialogue does all kinds of work. It defines the characters’ voices, creates the speech patterns and brings out key information.
Genre: A genre usually consists of romance, thriller, suspense, horror etc.
Pacing: It shows how fast or slow the story is. It actually means the length of a scene and the pace at which it is progressing.
Plot: In creative writing a plot is the chain of events that forms a story. A specific event occurs and leads main or other characters to move accordingly to reach for their mission.
Point of view: It is basically the view of the person who is telling the story and to whom.
Scene: Scenes are the building blocks of any story. It carries the story with several scenes according to the situations.
Setting: In literary terms a setting is the backdrop of the story. Like the place, time, physical environment. It could be historic or geographic or a fictional location.
Style: A style of writing is an author’s unique method of conveying words. It is formed through voice, personality and overall tone. A writing style differs with the story and target audience.
Tension: Tension plays a key role to keep the readers on the edge of the seat. This is an integral part of any story that may exist between characters.
Theme: A theme is wide conceptual philosophy that an author wishes to show. A theme could be anything such as a specific condition or situation.
Essential tips for creative writers
Follow the tips as suggested to enhance your creativity and the way you write:
Constant writing
Never ignore the random ideas that pop into your head. Even poor ideas can inspire good ones, and you never know what will trigger sudden inspiration for a better idea later. Keep a notepad handy or download a notes app to your personal device so you can note down or record any ideas you have.
Embrace rewriting
A writer rarely gets it perfect in the first draft. You may have flexibility with your content, but don’t be worried to strip away the fluff, eliminate what does not work or in certain cases, start over. Storytelling and worldbuilding take plenty of time and thought and just through rewriting you will be able to craft a version that works perfectly.
Have a viewpoint
Fiction writing mostly has a story, message or lesson to share. A narrative without any drive behind it will feel sound flat, and your audience will not understand what the point of your story is or why they must care. Use your own unique voice to tell a story that resembles to your readership or audience and to connect with them in a manner that will leave a lasting impression.
Know your audience or readers
Ask yourself whether this story is merely for your fellow creative writing students or a broader population. Perhaps you are an academic writer looking to break into the young adult market. It’s quite rare for a piece of writing to appeal to all demographics, so knowing your audience could help you narrow down its tone and scope in a manner that appeals to your target audience.
Read as much as you can
It’s quite harder to get the nuances of creative writing, if you do not have any references from which to draw. Notable writers throughout the past have penned excellent examples of well-written creative work that must be required reading for any budding creative writer. Read famous works by top writers in various genres to get a feel for where your interests may lie.
Start writing
Several beginners can feel intimidated by their creative work and where their imagination leads them. Through freewriting, creative writing exercises, writing prompts, and practice, you can surely improve your own writing skills to become a better writer.
Go for writing workshop
Writing classes and writing groups expose you to a group of writers who can all help in your creative writing process by providing feedback and constructive criticism on several elements in your writing, such as story, main characters, setting, and word choice. Whether you are writing your first book or you are a pro writer suffering from writer’s block, a writer’s group will offer helpful insights or inspiration.
Take help of literary devices
Integral to any good writing, literary devices assist you write vividly and develop imaginative scenes. Metaphors, similes, and other figures used for speech create impactful images that could boost your creativity and help in painting powerful pictures. For instance, alliterations, consonance and assonance are able to enhance the sound and rhythm of your words.
HAPPY WRITING !!
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to the teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
