Why did I choose the topic of how to start creative writing?
To start with a lot of queries on what is creative writing? How to write creative writing? How do I inspire myself to write creative writing? The next set of questions does creative writing includes only stories, books, plays, poems, or any article of general interest. I have seen technical articles too written in a very creative manner.
That brought me to the topic How to start creative writing?
Begin by asking What is creative writing?
The skill of writing is to create a context in which other people can think. ~ Edwin Schlossberg
Any writing that is unlimited by length, factual and technical forms of writing that we see in journals, academic and technical writing. It is a writing form where the author or writer can express his ideas and thoughts in a liberated manner in the language and style he chooses to write in. It could be a story, a poem, a blog, or an article.
How do I start creative writing?
The obvious answer would be to start writing.
Then we wouldn’t be searching for topics on how to write creative writing or something similar.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 8 tips on how to start creative writing.
Leading the pack is
1. Reading. Quite an antithesis. Not sure if reading and writing are antithesis pairs.
However, in creative writing, you can use them that way. We’re looking to writing and, my number one on the list is reading. Reading opens up horizons. The more you read, the more you are in touch with different styles in writing, wordplay, theme narration, drawing on a concept, and building a narrative around it. If you are not into heavy reading, pick up advertisements, billboards, short stories anything, that catches your eye. One gets to learn a lot by reading. It helps you identify the genre that you would like to write in.
2. Audience– identify your audience. Your word choice, theme or topics, narrative depend on your audience. If you want to write stories for children using words that are literary heavy will not connect with children. Childrens’ stories need a different kind of language-fun, simplicity, and cheerfulness. These are some of the styles we should incorporate in our writing. The topics chosen should be children-centric and appropriate.
The same rules apply when you write for a mature audience.
For jingles, billboards, etc., adopt a completely different style. Most of them are topical, catchy, and lyrical as they need to convince the audience.
So keeping the audience in mind while not compromising with your creativity in terms of choice of words, narration, and topics is very important.
3. Have a central theme– when you start writing, have a plot or theme around which you want to build your narrative. Sometimes it can lead to a situation where the audience will not know what the writer wants to convey. Hence always have a central theme or a character around which you build the narrative. It helps you connect with your audience better and they understand what you are trying to tell them. It helps them engage with your writing. Remember that book you never wanted to put down. Now is the time to read it and understand what the author did that got your 100% attention.
4. Use of literary devices in writing– poetic devices or literary devices and figures of speech make a big difference in your writing.
Why don’t we look at the two sentences:
1. his hopes and dreams drifted to the ground like a falling kite
2.All his dreams and hopes were shattered.
When we compare the two sentences, we are attracted to the first sentence.
Although both mean the same- the first one is more poetic, creative, and uses imagery that connects with the audience.
Therefore use of metaphors, imagery, similes make the writing more appealing.
Remember to strike a balance without going overboard. Anything in excess takes away the purpose.
5. Start writing– start writing. Do not wait for the perfect day, time, or topic. Pen down your thoughts, anything interesting you’ve read, heard an anecdote that seemed funny or intriguing. You can always build the theme and narrative from what you’ve written down.
As I told you at the beginning
This very article was penned down because a group of friends was discussing creative writing, age to start writing, how to start, and so on.
That became my inspiration. Start writing, anytime is a good time
And last but not the end
6. Join a creative writing course– there are enough resources, blogs, youtube videos on creative writing. Going through these can help you sharpen your skills and understand how to start creative writing.
To wrap it up here are my top 6 tips on how to start creative writing-
1. Reading
2. Audience
3. A central theme
4. Using literary devices
5. Start writing
6. Join a creative writing course
Hope this motivates you to take up writing and bringing out the writer in you.
“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can’t allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.”
—Elmore Leonard
