As a creative writing teacher, I receive many requests for creative writing prompts. A common question is, “What should I write about?” Many people want to write a short story, but they aren’t sure where to begin. Some want to write a novel, but they aren’t sure how long it should be or what character arcs to focus on.
There are many problems with this question. For one, a lot of people think that writing is easy. They believe that all they need to do is sit down at a computer or notebook and start typing. However, this is not true. It takes a lot of effort to write something good. You have to know what you are doing and why you are doing it. Only then can you make meaningful progress and have something to show for it at the end.
Another problem people face is that they don’t know what will inspire them to write. Some may be inspired by a particular book or movie, while others may see a painting or piece of music and want to put it into words. Finding this inspiration can be difficult. You may need to travel or spend time with people who can inspire you.
The Benefits Of Creative Writing
The creative writing process can be a therapeutic one. It can help you work through problems, express your feelings, and gain some self-control. If you believe that writing can be helpful, then why not give it a try? Here are some of the benefits that creative writing can offer you.
Improved Creativity
The first and most obvious benefit of creative writing is that it can improve your creativity. When you write something down, you are forcing yourself to be more creative. You can’t just go through the motions. You have to look for the meaning behind what you are doing. This can help you see things from a different viewpoint and improve your overall creative skills.
Reduced Stress
Another benefit of creative writing is that it can reduce your stress levels. When you sit down to write, you are taking a step away from your everyday worries. You are forcing yourself to focus on something else for a while. This can help you relax and reduce the stress that you are feeling. Sometimes, all we need is a break to be able to handle things better. Taking time off to go fishing can be just the thing you need to reset and be resourceful.
Builds Confidence
The last and perhaps least obvious benefit of creative writing is that it can build your confidence. When you sit down to write, even if it’s a short story or an essay, you are putting your thoughts and opinions onto paper. This can be intimidating, especially if you consider yourself to be a new writer. However, taking a step back and seeing things through a fresh set of eyes can help you gain confidence. Once you gain confidence, you can write with ease and purpose and make meaningful progress. This in turn can help you build your confidence further.
Improves Your Language Skills
Another great thing about creative writing is that it can improve your language skills. When you are reading text books or other forms of literature, you are constantly bombarded with new words and phrases. Sometimes, these phrases and words can be difficult to remember. However, by taking time out of your day to write, you can commit these words and phrases to memory. Creative writing can be a great way to both increase your vocabulary and improve your writing skills. Moreover, it can also expose you to different genres and allow you to develop your own voice.
Allows You To Explore Different Aspects Of Life
One of the great things about creative writing is that it allows you to explore different aspects of life. When you are writing, you can focus on whatever you want. Some may want to write about their travels while others may want to write about relationships. It’s your choice as to what you want to focus on. Once you have made this decision, the ball is in your court. You can start researching books or other forms of literature on your chosen topic. Moreover, you can even start interviewing people and putting the information into a fictionalized form. Creative writing can be similar to investigative journalism in that way. If you enjoy exploring different aspects of life and learning new things, then writing is a great choice. You can use the skill to your advantage and become a better writer or journalist in the process.
Can Help Give You Insight Into The World
Another great thing about creative writing is that it can give you insight into the world. When you are writing, you are exploring different viewpoints, experiences, and ideas. This is similar to how people experience the world around them. When you put yourself in the shoes of a different character, you can gain new insight into the situation. Moreover, you may even discover a side of yourself that you did not know existed. Creative writing can be a great way to both understand the world around you and yourself.
Can Help With Personal Problems
Finally, one of the greatest things about creative writing is that it can help with personal problems. Everyone experiences stress, anxiety, and depression in their life at some point. If you believe that writing can help, then why not give it a try? You can start by writing down your problems and concerns. Once you have written these things down, you can start planning your story. You can even go through the motions of writing your story or essay. It may help to take a step back and look at things through the eyes of a character. This can allow you to explore different viewpoints and problems without getting too emotionally involved. If you are looking for a way to both understand and overcome your personal problems, then creative writing can be a great tool for you.
Should I Write About What I Know Or What I Feel?
One of the most difficult questions to answer is, “Should I write about what I know or what I feel?” Many people feel that they cannot write about something they have not experienced themselves. However, the problem with this answer is that it puts the cart before the horse. It is better to start with what you know and what you feel. Only then can you decide what you want to write about. Moreover, it can also help you find your voice. When you are writing, you can express yourself in the best way you know how. You can describe things as you see them or you can even give advice to the reader as to what you believe is the best course of action. Moreover, it can help you find the right tone and the right vocabulary for your piece. This is not something you can decide once you start writing. It is a step that you need to take before you start writing, otherwise, you may end up writing something that does not come alive for the reader. In my opinion, it is better to go with what you know first and then decide what you want to base your story on. This can help you find the essence of what you are writing and make it much more effective. Even if you base the plot on real-life events, you should use creative license to give it an interesting twist.
Where Do I Start?
Once you decide that you want to write about a topic that you are passionate about, the next step is to find the right source material. The ideal place to start would be a book or a screenplay. These are easy enough to find and can often serve as a starting point for a story. However, you should not limit yourself to these sources. You can take a look at the TV shows and movies that you love and see how they started. This can often give you a better understanding of how to structure a story. You can use books or other forms of literature to help flesh out details about the setting or the characters. Even if you do not have these sources at your disposal, you can find online story ideas to help you get started.
Finding The Right Place To Write
Once you have a general idea of what you want to write about, the next step is to find a place to write. If you are looking for a private place to reflect, then your home may be the answer. A study room or a spare bedroom can both be converted into a writing space. Moreover, you can even use a table tennis table or pool table for support. These are just some of the things you can do to find the perfect place to write.