Table of Contents
What is Creative Writing? Styles, Forms and Top Creative Writing Blogs to Watch for
Definition of Creative Writing
Creative Writing can be defined as,
“A form of writing that expresses writer’s feelings, emotions, experiences, ideas, or thoughts obtained at a conscious or subconscious level. It is more driven by the writer’s need to “express”, and is generally articulated in the most unique, inventive, and poetic way”.
or
“Creative writing is considered to be any writing, fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, and technical forms of literature”.
Styles and Forms of Creative Writing
Creative writing is a term used to distinguish certain types of writing styles from writing in general.
All writing can be considered as “creative writing” including journalism. While journalism is labeled as something that cannot come under the same banner as creative writing, a journalist too goes through the creative processes inherent in all of us.
How to choose an event to report, how to write it up and how to present it, all become at some level, part of the creative process God has gifted us all with. Even a daily column in the local newspaper can become a great example of creative writing.
There is no set standard that guarantees success and no set formulas for you to follow. Having the ability to put your thoughts down on a piece of paper is the beginning to writing. Each individual is unique, so is their creative process and so will be their creative writing style.
The Creative Thought Process
The only achievable here is how you actually develop and channelize your creative writing skills based on your own creative thought process. Creative writing courses are increasingly becoming popular, ranging from a few days workshop to a college or university degree.
Online creative writing courses, seminars, and workshops are one of the easiest ways you can rely upon to help let your creative juices flow freely. Creative writing softwares are an additional aid that could spur up your creative work flow.
Imagination and Expression
The other most beneficial practice that always yields results is an eye for creative reading. When you combine both, you will always get better results. After some time, you will begin to notice how freely your thoughts, experiences, and feelings are flowing towards better creative writing ideas, while other literary circles or even your friends waste time in discussing how creative writing cannot be taught.
Creative Thinking Process
Creative thinking is intelligence having fun.
Creative Writing is inspired by creative thinking, an art to think outside the box. Creative Thinking is the ability to innovate, create and design creative solution based on inference, experience and/or going through a thoughtful process. As Barbara Januszkiewicz once said “creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change!”. Behind every whimsical piece of creative writing is long thoughtful process that leads to creation of wonderful work. We will go over some creative writing techniques that will help you widen your imaginative process.
6 Steps in Creative Thinking
Let’s explore the creative thinking process in detail.
Create a Mind Map
The first step in creative thinking is to brainstorm and make a mind map of all the ideas that come to your mind using a spider diagram or other ways. Jot down your ideas and start linking them.
Analysis
Once you have jot down all your ideas, the next stage of the creative writing is to analyses your ideas and build a link and drop the ideas that make no sense, or do not strike a deal. Letting go of ideas at this stage will surely transform your perspective and will save you time in the future. Follow these steps:
Think. Prioritize. Act.
Bear an Open Mind
Always address the issue with an open mind, letting go of biasness, and look at things differently. Don’t let your negative thoughts cloud your judgement and always bear an open mind to allow you to think creatively.
Be a Problem Solver
Whether it is writing, designing, or any task, every organization or company expects you to be creative and impressive, but a good problem solver. All your creatively goes down the drain when you unable to devise solutions. Focus all your creativity and innovation to churn out solutions.
Organize Yourself!
This may come out to be a little implausible – aren’t creative people bound to be messy? Nevertheless, organization is the beacon of productivity. A focused, target oriented mindset without little distractions tend to bear more efficiency and competence.
Learn to Communicate
Yes, the final call on creative thinking is the art of communication. Your work will only be appreciated if you communicate them effectively. Work on your oral and writing skills in order to get your work to the right people. Amidst that, you need to be great listener too, often, innovative solution comes to mind when you give ear to questions.
Top Creative Writing Blogs That Will You Build Your Career
Creative Writers are born artist, but writing is something you can master along in your life. We will mention some of the professional creative writers that write about how to excel in this field, hone your skills, and learn to craft writing.
Related: The seven habits of a great writer
Jeff Goins Writer (www.goinswriter.com)
Jeff Goins is an author/creator of his blog where he guides creative writers to professionally grow their careers and shares his insights on how to advance your journey without losing your marbles.
The Write Practice (www.thewritepractice.com)
The write practice is managed by Joe Bunting and Liz Bureman who teach the art of deliberate practice – an essence to learn in your writing career. The blogs feature a unique 2-minute assessment of your skills and posts 100 articles a week and has a reach about 5 million people a year. The blog has categories of different creative writing and offers free tutorials for learning.
The Creative Penn (www.thecreativepenn.com)
Joanna Penn, the author of the blog aims to make writers learn to write, author, publish books and make a living out of it. Joanna Penn is an award nominee and the best seller of New York Times and USA Today. Penn also runs a podcast where she helps writers to gain lessons from her writing journey.
The Bookshelf Muse (www.thebookshelfmuse.com)
The art to market your work, grow your social network and much more. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi earnestly assist writers with their tips and tricks.
Wordplay (www.wordplays.com)
Wordplay’s motto is “helping writers become author”. This creative writing blog is run by K.M. Weiland who is a renowned creative writer, and knows the essence.
