Writing is an art form in which many people like to indulge. When you write, you have the opportunity to express your feelings and thoughts on a subject using your own words. However, not all writing has to be so personal. Whether it’s for school or your day job, there are some guidelines for writing that will make everything easier for you, the writer. Let’s take a look at some of these Dos and Don’ts for creative writers.
What is Creative Writing?
Creative writing is any form of writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics.
However you define it, creative writing is a form of expression. It’s about communicating your ideas and thoughts in a way that engages your reader and elicits an emotional response. Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, a poem, or even just a blog post, the goal is always to tell a story and connect with your audience.
There are no hard and fast rules for creative writing. However, certain guidelines can help you hone your craft and improve your storytelling skills. In this blog post, we’ll share some dos and don’ts of creative writing to get you started.
Dos and Don’ts of Creative Writing
There are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to creative writing. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your work is of the highest quality and stands out from the rest.
Do Write Regularly
Consider the act of writing as a skill to be honed, a craft that blossoms with consistent effort and dedication. The more time you invest in the art of writing, the more adept you become. Establish a routine, allocating dedicated moments each day or week to sit down and let your thoughts flow onto the page. Even if it’s just a modest output of a few hundred words, this regular practice becomes the crucible in which your writing abilities evolve and mature.
Think of it as a journey of continual improvement. Each session at the keyboard or with pen in hand contributes to your growth as a writer. These snippets of daily or weekly commitment accumulate, gradually refining your voice, sharpening your storytelling instincts, and deepening your understanding of the craft.
Set realistic goals for yourself, whether it’s a daily word count or a specific amount of time dedicated to writing. Consistency is key; the steady rhythm of regular practice embeds writing into your routine, making it a natural and integral part of your life.
Remember that writing is not just about the final product; it’s also about the process. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, to explore new ideas, and to make mistakes. Each word you write, regardless of its initial quality, contributes to the mosaic of your writing journey. Over time, you’ll witness your progress and witness the transformation of your writing skills.
In essence, view your writing practice as a dynamic and ongoing endeavor. The commitment to regular writing, even in small doses, fosters a continuous cycle of improvement. So, set aside that dedicated time, let your creativity flow, and watch as your writing flourishes and becomes a testament to your dedication and growth as a writer.
Do Experiment with Different Genres and Styles
Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you usually write short stories, why not try your hand at a poem or a script? By exploring different genres, you’ll find new ways to express your creativity. When writing stories, you can also experiment with different types of plotlines, tropes, static and dynamic characters, and writing devices. The beauty of writing lies in its versatility, offering you the chance to stretch your creative muscles and discover new outlets for your imagination. Don’t let the boundaries of a single genre confine your expression; instead, let curiosity be your guide. It will definitely help you attain success. Let’s understand this better with an example!
Imagine the thrill of crafting a fantasy story with an ENFP Character. The beauty of writing lies in its versatility, offering you the chance to stretch your creative muscles and discover new outlets for your imagination. Don’t let the boundaries of a single genre confine your expression; instead, let curiosity be your guide. Consider weaving unexpected twists into your story, engaging readers with unpredictable turns that keep them eagerly turning pages. In essence, the act of trying new things becomes a gateway to undiscovered realms of your creative potential. It propels you beyond the familiar, offering you a chance to evolve as a writer and discover the untapped depths of your storytelling capabilities.
Do Get Feedback from Others
It can be helpful to get some constructive feedback from friends or family members who are also interested in creative writing. Ask them to read your work and give you their honest opinion. Just make sure not to take any criticism too personally!
Do Read as Much as You Can
Immerse yourself in the vast world of literature, for within its pages lies a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that can elevate your writing to new heights. Reading extensively is undeniably one of the most potent ways to enhance your craft. As you consume diverse genres, authors, and writing styles, you open yourself up to a myriad of linguistic nuances, narrative structures, and creative approaches that can profoundly influence and improve your own writing.
The act of reading acts as a dual-purpose mentor. Firstly, it enriches your vocabulary and deepens your understanding of grammar. Exposure to a variety of writing styles introduces you to an array of expressions, idioms, and syntactical structures. The more you encounter these linguistic elements in context, the more naturally they become integrated into your own writing. Reading serves as an ongoing lesson in language, expanding your linguistic toolkit and empowering you to articulate your thoughts with greater precision and flair.
Beyond the technical aspects, reading exposes you to different narrative techniques and storytelling approaches. Each author brings a unique voice to the table, presenting distinct perspectives on character development, plot construction, and thematic exploration. By immersing yourself in diverse narratives, you gain a nuanced understanding of how to weave compelling tales, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of literary techniques.
Moreover, exposure to a variety of genres broadens your creative horizons. Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of a classic novel, exploring the imaginative realms of fantasy, or dissecting the nuances of contemporary fiction, each genre provides a unique lens through which to view storytelling. This diversity fosters a fertile ground for your own creativity to flourish, allowing you to experiment with different narrative tones, themes, and structures.
In essence, reading serves as both a mentor and muse, shaping your writing prowess and fueling your imaginative endeavors. So, let the pages of books be your guide, absorbing the wisdom of those who have mastered the art of writing. As you read, you not only expand your literary repertoire but also embark on a transformative journey that continually refines and elevates your own writing craft.
Do Keep a Journal
Journals are great for brainstorming ideas, working through writer’s block, and tracking your progress over time.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easy to get discouraged when you compare your work to that of other writers but remember that everyone has their unique style. Just focus on improving your work, and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Embrace the inevitability of imperfection in your writing journey, recognizing that it is through the process of making mistakes that you truly refine your craft. Rather than fearing errors, view them as stepping stones toward improvement. Understand that every misstep, every misplaced word or awkward sentence, is an opportunity for growth and learning.
In the act of writing, the initial draft is a canvas waiting to be shaped, and it’s entirely natural for imperfections to emerge. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes without the weight of self-criticism. Instead, consider each error as a guidepost, pointing you toward areas where your skills can evolve and your understanding can deepen.
As you traverse the landscape of your own writing, be attentive to the mistakes you encounter. Correct them as you go along, weaving a seamless tapestry of language and meaning. This process of self-correction not only refines the immediate work but also instills a habit of vigilance and self-awareness.
More importantly, treat mistakes as valuable lessons. Analyze them, understand why they occurred, and extract insights that will prevent their recurrence in future endeavors. It’s this reflective practice that transforms mistakes from stumbling blocks into building blocks of proficiency.
Remember, the greatest writers did not emerge fully formed; they, too, grappled with imperfections and missteps. The key lies in resilience and the commitment to continuous improvement. Each error is a signpost on your writing journey, marking the path toward mastery.
So, don’t be deterred by mistakes; embrace them with a spirit of curiosity and perseverance. Through this iterative process of trial and correction, you not only refine your writing but also cultivate a resilient mindset that propels you toward excellence. In the end, it’s the willingness to learn from mistakes that separates the novice from the adept, guiding you toward a future where your writing stands as a testament to the lessons you’ve gathered along the way.
Don’t Worry about Being Original
There’s no such thing as a completely original idea, so don’t let the fear of being unoriginal stop you from writing. Just write whatever comes to mind, and trust that your unique voice will shine through in your work.
Don’t Ignore the Rules
While it’s important to experiment with your writing, you shouldn’t completely ignore the rules of grammar and punctuation. Just be mindful of when and how you break the rules so that you do it in a deliberate way that enhances your work.
Don’t Force Yourself to Write
If you’re feeling uninspired, don’t force yourself to write. It’s better to take a break and come back to it later when you have some fresh ideas.
Types of Creative Writing
There are many different types of creative writing, each with its own set of rules. Here are some of the most common:
Fiction
Fiction is one of the most popular types of creative writing. It can be either a short story or a novel. There are no limits to what you can write about, but it is important to keep your stories believable.
Non-fiction
Non-fiction is another popular type of creative writing. Unlike fiction, non-fiction must be based on real events or information. This can include biographies, history books, articles, and more.
Poetry
Poetry is a type of creative writing that often uses rhyme and meter to create beautiful pieces. While there are no rules for how poems must be written, they should still flow well and make sense.
Plays
Plays are written dramas that are meant to be performed on stage. They typically have multiple characters and are written in dialogue form.
Screenplays
Screenplays are similar to plays, but they are written for movies or television shows. They must adhere to specific format rules and often have strict page limits.
Creative Nonfiction
Creative non-fiction is a type of writing that combines elements of both fiction and non-fiction. This can include personal essays, memoirs, and more.
Tools for Creative Writing
There are no hard and fast rules for creative writing, but there are some tools that can help you get started. The most important tool is your imagination. Let it run wild and see where it takes you. Another important tool is a good dictionary. It can also be helpful when you’re looking for just the right word to express what you’re trying to say.
One of the best ways to improve your creative writing is to read as much as you can. Reading exposes you to different styles of writing and helps to broaden your understanding of the craft. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Trying new things is one of the best ways to find your voice as a writer. So go ahead and play around with different techniques and see what works for you.
Tips for Creative Writing
- Start by writing down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how “silly” they may seem. The goal is to get your creative juices flowing.
- Try different writing exercises to help get your creative juices flowing. For example, write for five minutes without stopping, or try writing in a different genre than you usually write in.
- Don’t worry about editing or critiquing your work while you’re first getting started. The goal is simply to get your ideas down on paper (or screen). You can always go back and revise later.
- Find a creative writing group or workshop to get feedback from other writers. This can be a great way to improve your craft and meet other writers who can offer support and advice.
- There are no rules for creative writing, only guidelines. And even then, the best writers will often break those guidelines to create something truly unique and special. So if you’re feeling stuck in your writing, don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit and go outside of the box. After all, that’s what creativity is all about.