Some people can write for hours on end without getting bored, while others can write for days and never run out of good ideas. In reality, it’s a combination of both –- some people can write creatively for short periods of time, before their creative energy begins to wane, and others can write productively for very long periods of time, fueled by a seemingly unlimited well of creativity.
There’s no question that creative writing is an incredibly useful skill to have. Not only does it help you find the story that you need to tell, but it also helps you organize your thoughts and ideas so that you can effectively communicate them to others.
What is creative writing?
- The term creative writing can be used to describe a wide array of literary pursuits, including screenwriting, blogging and journalism
- Creative writing is often used as a catch-all term when describing the process of writing, regardless of the form that your story takes. Therefore, you may encounter lists of creative writing exercises or classes, where the only required skill is the ability to put your thoughts on paper
- Although you don’t need to have a formal education to be a creative writer, having some background in English is often considered a plus. If you’re determined to make your writing career as a professional, you should consider pursuing a degree in English or Creative Writing, so that you can build on your existing knowledge and skillsets
Why Study English or Creative Writing?
If you’re already in school, then there are a number of opportunities to further your education in English or Creative Writing, and gain valuable job skills that will help you transition to a professional career.
For those considering a creative writing career, or who have a good eye for storytelling and a knack for language, a formal education in English or Creative Writing could be the perfect next step in your writing journey.
Furthering your education in English or Creative Writing could give you the competitive edge you need to make it as a professional. If you have a knack for language and an eye for detail, then learning how to compose coherent texts and craft elegant prose could set you apart from many other writers.
There are also numerous opportunities for those without a formal education to enter the field, as long as you can prove your ability to write. Freelancing is one option, and many established writers and journalists make their living this way today. If you have a portfolio or a published book to show, then getting in touch with an agent or freelancing for large media companies could get you started on the right foot.
The Evolution of a Creative Writing Career
There has been a big shift in the way people hear about and engage with creative writing over the past few years. Back in 2015, Michael Hyatt of Platform One and Zach Sutton of Inkling, a digital marketing agency, conducted a study to determine how different platforms influence a reader’s path to purchase.
The results of the study, “How Stories Are Shaped By Digital Platforms,” revealed that
- 58% of consumers have read an article on a mobile device
- 55% have read an article on a tablet
- 44% have read an article on a laptop or desktop computer
What’s interesting is that although
- Mobile users prefer shorter articles
- Tablet users prefer longer articles
- Computer users prefer to read about a variety of topics
This reflects the ever-evolving trends in media consumption, which show that people are shifting to consuming content on smaller devices, as well as on the go.
As a writer, you’ll likely encounter various platforms and devices, and understand how to craft a story that will appeal to the digital audience searching for content on these channels.
Take blog posts, for example. You might have a dedicated blog on your website that you update on a regular basis. Yet, you might also write for Huffington Post, The New York Times, or any number of news websites that are mostly read on mobile devices.
As a content marketing strategist who focuses on digital marketing and communications, I work with a wide array of businesses, startups and organizations of all sizes. I’ve seen the evolution from print publications to online directories, and now we’re seeing content play a much bigger role in all of our lives.
If you’re determined to make your writing career as a professional, then starting a blog could be a great way to gain experience. However, you should also consider pursuing a degree in English or Creative Writing, so that you can build on your existing knowledge and skillsets.
If you can prove that you can write well, then getting in touch with an agent or a media company that publishes books could make your transition to a professional writing career much smoother.