Creative writing is a form of writing which makes full use of creativity. Although other forms of writing have some creativity too yet creative writing requires it the most.
Multiple Forms
The creative writing has multiple forms and writing genres. The novel writing, short story writing, fiction writing, play and screenplays are a form of creative writing. It is diverse and deep in nature than simple informative writing.
Expression of Emotions and Thoughts
The creative writing is different from academic writing in several ways. It is not informative in nature and focuses on the free expression of inner feelings.
The novels and short stories which we read capture an idea creatively. Such writing does not intend to provide a list of facts and figures to the readers. Rather, an individual’s thoughts and feelings are expressed freely throughout the text.
In the best of all possible worlds, all writing would be “creative”. Be it poetry or prose, the simple act of taking random words and stringing them together in a sequence that conveys a thought or a mental picture is creativity incarnate.
But for the most part, what we refer to in today’s society as “creative writing” encompasses writing that stretches the easily obvious factual data into an entertaining, challenging or inspirational story.
Please do not misunderstand. Creative writing is not, of necessity, fictitious, though there are some that would categorize it thus. Rather, it relies upon the creative construction of words and phrases to develop those facts in a way that reflects the writer’s unique and peculiar insight.
Each of us can look at a red balloon and see the same thing, but we each will see it differently. We can all write about a red balloon, but every individual will describe it and share their understanding of it uniquely.
Creative writing is not magic, but it is an art.
This craft requires the writer’s time and patience. They must gradually accumulate an expansive vocabulary and attain an understanding of the finer nuances of grammar and punctuation in order to arrive at writing that is truly creative.
Being a Creative Writer
Creative writing takes the real world around us, and explains and sometimes embellishes it. We can use this to our advantage, and make things fun and adventurous.
Look around the room you are in; then close your eyes and try to recall everything about and in the room. After three minutes, open your eyes, and without looking at the room again, write in detail everything you thought about while your eyes were closed.
Describe not just the room itself, but the furniture, lighting, knickknacks, view outside the windows, everything.
Take a dictionary out, write down ten random words from the dictionary, without looking at the definition. Then, after each word, write about the word. Write down what you think they mean, or what you think they should mean.
Think of the words of the late George Carlin, “Shouldn’t the fire department’s job be to make fires? Shouldn’t they be assigned to create fires? Shouldn’t a department who is supposed to put out fires be called the “Fire Extinguishing Department” or something?” Just let your imagination flow and come up with what you think words should mean.
Maybe you have a secret place you go to get away for a while. It may be a park, playground, stream, or coffee shop. Describe the place and what it means to you.
You don’t have to divulge the name, or exactly where it is, that way it can remain a secret. Just share your inner thoughts on the place. That is the crux of creative writing. Being a creative writer means letting those inner thoughts out.
