We are often asked “What is creative writing?” or “Is it important to be creative in writing?” There is no single correct answer to these questions, as they are fairly broad. However, I believe it is important to be as specific as possible when answering them. In this article, I will discuss the definition of ‘contemporary’ and ‘creative’ writing as well as give you an idea of what the Pittsburgh creative writing community is like.
What Is Contemporary Writing?
For better or worse, the word ‘contemporary’ has taken on a life of its own. It is often used to describe content that is relevant to the present day. In literature, it might be used to refer to “contemporary fiction,” where contemporary society is reflected in the stories.
“Contemporary” can also be used to describe a piece that is not necessarily set in the present, but deals with current events or issues. In short, “contemporary” can be used to broadly describe content that is relevant to modern times.
This is problematic, as “contemporary” often is used interchangeably with other words such as “modern” and “new.” Writers, publishers, and other industry professionals are trying to find a way to define “contemporary” writing, as there is no exact or widely-accepted definition yet. Some have taken to using the word “now,” in reference to the present moment. For example, “writing now” could mean writing a story about something that happened in the present day.
“Writing now” is a step in the right direction, as it at least acknowledges that the content being discussed is new or relevant to the current moment. However, “now” can also be used to describe a thing or moment in the past, which creates a problem, as you cannot have a narrative about something that happened “now.”
Why Is Creative Writing Important?
It is important to be creative in everything you do. After all, creativity is what makes us human. While this might seem obvious, it is important to note that not all creativity is created equal. People with creative writing skills are able to see the world in a new way, and this is important. They are often able to look at everyday situations and objects in a creative way, which allows them to come up with unique descriptions of what they see.
It is also important to be creative in how you write. There are no rules in creative writing, other than those that you create yourself. This can lead to some interesting, and sometimes unexpected, outcomes. A poem about apples written by William Shakespeare, for example, would not be considered “authentic” Shakespearian because there is no rule that says a poem about apples must be written in the style of William Shakespeare.
While it is certainly true that not all originality will be appreciated by others, this does not mean that you cannot appreciate it for yourself. A creative person cannot help but be creative, and this can be a good thing. Being original is often seen as a positive quality by others, as it shows that you have not copied or reproduced something that somebody else has done.
It is also worth noting that people with creative writing skills are often considered to be intelligent individuals. Creativity allows for both originality and smarts, and so there is often a positive correlation between creativity and intelligence. Not all original thinkers are automatically smart, but it is often the case that those who are creative are often very intelligent.
What Is Pittsburgh Creative Writing?
Pittsburgh is home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. It is also the location of the Forbes Library, which is among the largest and most comprehensive collections of historic books and papers in the world. It’s no wonder that so many talented individuals choose to call this place home.
The city is filled with history, and it is also considered to be one of the most literate cities in the country. In fact, the Pittsburgh public library system is renowned for its collection of books, especially in the areas of literature and the humanities. It was ranked 2nd in the US in terms of access to books and papers and 4th in the nation in terms of public library usage.
These are all signs of a bustling creative writing community, and it really does exist! If you are thinking about making the move to Pittsburgh or are just curious about what the city is like, consider this article a primer on creative writing in Pittsburgh.