Throughout history, creative writing has been used as a means of self-expression, for both children and adults. Originally designed for plays, the works of William Shakespeare and the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer have stood the test of time and remain popular today. It is thanks to these literary giants that we have the English language, and much of what we enjoy in life, as we know it.
While these greats of English literature inspired the creation of the Creative Writing program at Brock University, it was also the pioneers who founded the field of creative writing who inspired the next generation of students to follow in their footsteps. For example, the late 19th century brought us the works of such famous authors as Oscar Wilde and Leo Tolstoy, both of whom are most well-known for their novels, plays, and short stories. In the 20th century, the heyday of creative writing, some of the greatest writers in history, Pablo Picasso, William Somerset Maugham, and Ernest Hemingway, to name just a few, produced timeless classics that are still popular today.
Today, creative writing is a discipline that can be found all around the world. Whether inspired by a classic book or movie, or using our own experience as a jumping-off point, we can all produce something worthwhile. It is this last point that creative writing can teach us, as the saying goes – we cannot write what we do not know – and this is certainly true when it comes to using our own experience as a source of inspiration.
A Means of Self-expression
Whether you choose to use a traditional pen and paper to jot down your ideas or prefer to type them on a keyboard, the fact remains that you are using a form of creative writing to communicate your thoughts to the world. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we now have electronic “writers’ rooms” where you can submit your work and share it with a global audience, should you choose. No longer do you have to settle for one reader; thanks to the power of the web, your story will be read by thousands, if not millions, of people.
One of the greatest things about being a writer is that you get to decide what kind of stories you want to tell. No one else will dare to tread where you have gone before, because they do not know where that is. It is your responsibility to inform them. Thanks to advances in science and technology, we now have the ability to delve deeper into the human experience than ever before and reveal the inner workings of the mind, through the use of neuroscience. This, in turn, inspires the imagination of writers, who can then create fictional worlds that teach us something new about the human condition.
A Calling For A Change Of Mindset
Although we should not get too carried away with all this high-minded philosophy, there is one important thing that creative writing can teach us. Specifically, it can help change how we look at ourselves and the world. Through the medium of creative writing, you learn to love who you are and where you come from, as you never truly know what type of impact you have made on someone else, simply by sharing your life with them through your words.
In a time where seemingly every other person you meet is constantly in search of the next best thing, it is important to stand out. To do this, you must be confident in who you are and what you offer the world. Fortunately, there is a simple yet effective way to achieve this that does not involve trying to fit into a “perfect” mold – instead, it calls for a change of mindset. When you are honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and those of the works you produce, you free yourself to be confident in who you are and what you offer the world. This, in turn, inspires confidence in your readers and, ultimately, earns you their respect.
A Place For Self-reflection
Creative writing offers a safe space for us all to explore our thoughts and feelings. Whether you are a seasoned author or simply taking the first steps in this direction, a workspace dedicated to your writing is a place you could call your own. In this space, you get to walk around in your PJs if you want to, or put on your favorite costume from childhood if you feel like it. Either way, you will feel free to be yourself, as there are no expectations behind this creative endeavor.
Most importantly, this space is a place for self-reflection. Sometimes we need a bit of a reality check, and when you are in the company of like-minded people, you can be sure that someone will provide you with exactly that.
Whether you are a seasoned author or simply taking the first steps in this direction, a workspace dedicated to your writing is a place you could call your own. In this space, you get to walk around in your PJs if you want to, or put on your favorite costume from childhood if you feel like it. Either way, you will feel free to be yourself, as there are no expectations behind this creative endeavor.
Creative writing is defined as “writing that is original, concise, and engaging”. While this may seem like a tall order, it is up to you to decide what you consider to be “creative” and “writing”. Perhaps you have an idea for a story that you have been wanting to tell for a long time, or perhaps you have a collection of poetry you have been itching to get out there. In either case, this article will help you understand what Creative Writing Means to You.