How To Learn The Art Of Creative Writing
By: Mark Woodcock [See
Mark’s Biography]
The term creative writing is used to discern certain types of
inventive or artistic writing from other general types of writing.
The field of creative writing is broad and includes many different
formats and genres of writing. The broad and general description
of it is purposeful in its effort not to limit the imagination
of the potential writer, or that of the reader. Creative writing
is totally different from other types of writing, such as technical
writing, scientific writing, or copy-driven journalism. The discipline
of creative writing includes, but should not be limited to, works
of fiction, poetry, personal memoir or autobiography, song lyrics,
plays and screenplays, and any mixture of the above.
By and large, writing is a skill that is innate to a person.
Just like with other proficiencies, most types of writing often
comes easier to some people than to others. Therefore, it is often
thought that a person cannot be taught how to write, especially
creatively. Despite whatever natural talents for writing a person
might have, those talents often need to be developed in order
for the writer to realize his or her fullest potential in the
craft. Learning how to write creatively must begin on the inside.
A certain amount of individual experience, opinion, and innate
sensitivity must be tapped when taking on the task of creative
writing.
Creative writing is an artistic expression, like painting or
composing music. It is therefore subject to criticism, both constructive
and disrespectful. This should in no way deter a person from writing
creatively, or in any other way. Sometimes, artistic expression
is done just for the sake of doing it. There does not have to
be a reason to create something, and there does not have to be
an explanation behind the creation. The personal expression is
free. This sentiment holds especially true with creative writing.
Creative writing courses are extremely popular and widely available
in various formats. Short-term workshops ranging from merely a
few hours to a day or several weekly sessions are available through
public libraries, community education centers, and even community
colleges. They are for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned
writer looking to polish his or her skills.
In a creative writing course, there are many potential topics
to discuss and methods to teach at length. These topics include,
but are not limited to, techniques on brainstorming and exploring
creative ideas, overcoming writer's block, learning how to structure
work, overcoming the fear of people reading/judging the created
work, editing completed work, and getting works published. Though
some will argue that true creative writing cannot be taught, it
is widely acknowledged that certain skills can be mined and honed,
as well as certain techniques taught, to make almost anyone at
least a fair writer, and not be afraid to unleash his or her creativity.
Many budding writers opt to study creative writing in college.
Often it can be an emphasis within a major in English, and a 4-year
bachelor's degree can be earned. This can open doors to many professional
opportunities, as well as equip a writer with the skills to either
take a stab at freelance writing, or translate his or her creative
writing skills into other professional arenas, such as public
relations, advertising, or editing.
For those whose writing ambition is to do creative writing as
more of a hobby, looking to the Internet for creative writing
websites is a good way to get work seen and gain insight into
the craft. Many creative writing websites offer bulletin boards
where writers can post works to be read and enjoyed, and where
feedback can be given reciprocally. Also, writers can find a real
community of individuals looking for other writers with whom to
trade and share ideas.
Some creative writing websites also offer some of the same lessons
and pointers on brainstorming and formulating ideas, editing,
publishing, and other techniques that many workshops or writing
courses offer, except it often does not cost anything online,
and it is more convenient. There is also the appeal of the relative
anonymity online, for the shy writer who is not quite ready for
the face-to-face public arena. True creative writing might not
be a learned talent, but the ability to tap inner creativity is
possible for just about anyone.
About the Author:
Mark Woodcock - Learn the essential information for the correct
way to write articles at Creative
Writing
source: www.isnare.com
