Most people have written a poem or a story at some point in their lives. But have you ever considered writing a novel or a screenplay?
Creative writing can be a lot of fun, and a great way to get your thoughts out there. But if you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, you may be wondering how to write creatively. Here are some tips on how to write a creative piece.
Know Your Audience
The first and most important tip is to know your audience. Who are you writing for?
Start by thinking about your own experiences. Did you enjoy reading fantasy novels as a kid? Does working in an office stress you out?
Think about topics that you’re familiar with. If you’re not, research topics that interest you. Don’t just limit yourself to popular culture either. Your interests may lie in scientific discoveries or social issues. It’s important to see the world from a different point of view.
Writing is a different matter. When you’re writing for other people, you have to consider their needs and what they want. Your own opinion may be different from the majority, but you still have to give the readers what they want. This may mean compromising on the facts or using creative license.
Pick A Theme
The next step is to pick a theme for your piece. What will make it unique?
Whether you’re writing for children or adults, you have to have a theme to keep things interesting. The most basic form of a theme is conflict. What makes your story or poem interesting is that you’re exploring different sides of an argument. This is where the theme really shines through. In Romeo and Juliet, the conflict is based on social class (the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets) but the theme is more broadly based: love versus loyalty.
Another popular option is to write about a timeless issue. Since the theme of conflict is such an important element in writing, this is a common choice. One of the most famous examples of a timeless issue is The Great Gatsby. The way this piece was constructed, it is very easy to see that it’s based on conflict. The issue is the decline of the American Dream and the rich and privileged looking for an escape. It’s interesting to note that despite the focus on the American Dream, the novel was written in the 1920s – a time when that dream was more accessible to people of different backgrounds. If you’re looking for a novel with a timeless theme, try The Great Gatsby.
Brainstorm Different Perspectives
Once you’ve picked a theme, it’s time to start brainstorming different perspectives. This doesn’t mean that your story has to be told from multiple points of view; it simply means that you, as a writer, have to consider different options. You can even write one section from a different character’s point of view. Remember, you’re not limited to characters from the Bible either. Your characters can be based on real people or makeups.
For example, if you’re writing about a conflict between good and evil, you may want to consider writing from the perspective of an angel. The devil is a popular character in literature and the arts. Perhaps you can talk to a priest or minister about what it’s like to be on the other side. Or maybe you can even interview one of these mythical figures. You’re going to want to do your research before you write one word of the piece.
The important thing is to get different perspectives. This helps the reader see the issue from multiple sides. It may throw up some problems for you as a writer, especially if you’re not used to writing in a narrative form. But the benefits for the reader are numerous. You get to see events from different perspectives, which can help you develop an understanding of the issue. This may even teach you something about the issue itself. In the case of The Great Gatsby, the reader is guided through Fitzgerald’s exploration of the American Dream; the symbolism of yellow flowers is also used to represent the novel’s central conflict: the pull between the upper and lower classes. It’s something to think about.
Start With A Lead
The final step is to start with a lead. What do you want the reader to know at the beginning of the piece?
Choose the most intriguing or significant part of the story and develop it into the first paragraph. In the opening scene of William Goldman’s classic film, The Princess Bride, an old man is waking up in a hospital bed. As he tries to remember the events of the previous night, the lights suddenly go out. It’s dark – save for a tiny torch burning on the nightstand next to the bed. The scene is nightmarish and slightly comical as the old man stumbles around in the dark, bumping into things. But what really grabs the audience is the old man’s final line: “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” With those words, the tension between the two leads is established and they’re off to a great start.
The key to writing a successful piece is to start with a strong lead. It doesn’t have to be a long exposé. But it does have to be developed. You can’t expect the reader to understand the whole issue right from the start. Give them a hook and then tell them what follows is just more of the same. Make sure you use action and dialogue to pull the reader into the story. You can also choose to write a memoir as a form of creative writing. If you can put yourself in the minds of others, you may be able to pull off a brilliant piece. It’s all about craft; just take your time and keep trying until you find your perfect story.