When you’re told often enough that you can’t do something, you may begin to believe it. When you were a kid, you probably spent a lot of time playing with your creative writing tools- notebook, pencil, and now more recently, a computer. Maybe you wrote a few short stories, or maybe you even started a blog. Years may go by, and you may never actually put into practice all of the creative writing techniques you learned in school. But when that famous screenwriter’s words come up truer than usual on your Twitter feed, you may find yourself inspired to finally produce that novel you’ve always dreamed about.
The Power of Definitions
To really understand something, you have to define it. In this case, the term creative writing non-fiction comes with its own definition: creative writing that isn’t fiction. As with any new field, there are bound to be some inconsistencies and outdated terminology, but hopefully this article will help you navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving field.
Defining the Differences
Although creative writing non-fiction and fiction overlap in many ways, they aren’t the same thing. Here are some key differences to keep in mind:
- Creative Writing is the process of turning an idea into a piece of artwork, whether it’s a novel, short story, or screenplay.
- Non-Fiction is a genre of writing that documents reality, primarily through the use of facts and figures. For example, The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story about a woman who is driven insane by her wallpaper, which she believes is written about in House & Garden magazine. The story is about a yellow wallpaper that makes her ill and hallucinate
- Fiction is a genre of writing that is created from the imagination of the author. For example, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling is a novel that tells the story of the adventures of Harry Potter
When it comes to creative writing, the imagination is absolutely key; it’s how you make something original out of nothing. The trick is using your imagination in a practical manner. You can start by defining an idea that you have for a story, and then you can begin to flesh it out in more detail. If you’re stuck for ideas, write down all of the weird and wonderful notions that come to mind as you lay in bed at night. You may find that the answer to your question is right in front of you.
The Evolution Of Creativity
Although there may be rules and format requirements for creative writing, and these rules may seem strict at first, the actual process of creating is tremendously flexible and can be customized to fit the needs and quirks of the individual writer. Some creatives even view the process of writing as a form of therapy, which may explain why so many famous authors produce some of their best work while in the midst of a writer’s block.
As with any new field, technology has played an important role in the evolution of creative writing. The rise of digital nomads has meant that more and more people are able to pursue creative writing as a side gig. No longer tied to a desk in an office, the creative writing lifestyle has become more common, and this flexibility has made it a much more appealing option for those who want to try something new.
Whether you decide to pursue creative writing as a hobby or a career, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you. The more you put in it, the more you’ll get back, and hopefully, the more you’ll enjoy doing.