Creative writing is the process of taking familiar concepts, words, or situations and applying your own spin on them. It can be used in many different ways, from short stories to script reviews or lead characters for a novel. This can be a very challenging process, as you will be trying to put your own stamp on something that is already unique and memorable to you. To help with this process, this blog post will discuss the steps that you can take to become a successful creative writer.
Choose Your Vessel
One of the most important things to consider when you are starting your creative writing journey is what type of vessel you should be working in. You can take this question literally, as you will need to decide which instrument you should be using to express your thoughts and words. If you are a novelist, screenwriter, or playwright, then you may want to go for a classical approach with lots of dialogue. For a short story writer, you could go for a more modern approach, possibly even incorporating a bit of elements from all over the place. It’s a good idea to try and find a balance between the two, utilizing both anachronism and modernity to create a completely unique piece.
Whatever type of vessel you choose, there will always be a ‘canonical form’ that you should follow. This is the approved way of writing in your chosen style, and you must stick to it closely. If you stray from the familiar, you may end up in the uncomfortable position of having to explain or justify your choices to an editor or a reader. The more you put into your piece, the more they will appreciate what you have created – so take your time.
Know Your Characters
Characters are an essential part of any story, and the greater the role they play in your narrative, the greater your appreciation when reading it. Before you begin writing your piece, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the main characters and populate your story with as many of them as you can. In addition to this, you should also consider the antagonists, as they can often shed light on the characters’ motives and actions. In creating your characters, you should consider the way that they will interact with you, the writer, and the world around them. You may want to create a hierarchy of characters based on their importance to the plot, and each of them should have a distinct personality, goals, and motivations. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of characters can help you to create original and memorable stories, which will, in turn, make you a successful creative writer.
Get Inspired
When you have chosen your vessel and you know your characters, it’s time to get inspired. This is the step where the rubber meets the road, as you will be plunging into your task with little understanding of how it is all going to come together. The best way to get started is to look for stories, characters, and/or settings that inspire you, and from there you can begin to build your own narrative. Inspiration can come from anywhere – even the most unlikely of places. If you want to write a modern fairy tale, then looking at Disney films and their representation of the genre can help you to craft a compelling story. Alternatively, if you want to write historical fiction, then you can draw upon your own experience in order to create something new and exciting. The key is to find what inspires you and utilize it to the fullest.
Plan Out Your Structure
After you have gotten inspired and you know what you are writing about, it’s time to plan out your structure. This step, which can be quite challenging, entails choosing a starting point and working your way through to the end, utilizing subplots and various points of view. Structuring your story is hugely important, as it allows you to maintain a certain level of cohesion throughout your piece. Thinking about this beforehand will certainly make the whole process much easier and more fun, as you will know how it all fits together. A good structure can make or break your story, so take the time to plan it out carefully.
Write A Prologue And An Epilogue
The prologue and the epilogue are important components of any story, and no matter what type of story you are writing, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, they will both play a key role. The prologue will set the scene and give the reader a sense of what is to come. In terms of creative writing, the prologue can be used to provide information that will help the reader understand the characters and the environment in which the story takes place. The epilogue, on the other hand, should wrap things up and provide the reader with some resolution. In order to create a sense of closure, the epilogue should contain some form of a twist or a surprise that will make it stand out among other stories. The key is to make sure that both the prologue and the epilogue serve a purpose; otherwise, they might end up being a distraction or an unnecessary detour.
Familiarize Yourself With Different Literary Forms
The more you know about different literary forms and genres, the better you will be able to write in different styles. This is not limited to simply knowing your canon (the list of literary forms and genres that you are supposed to be familiar with) – you must also become an expert in utilizing them. For example, if you are writing a historical fiction piece, you might want to familiarize yourself with a variety of literary forms that deal with historical events, personalities, and places. In order to do this, you can begin by reading any number of books or blogs that deal with the subject matter, or you can even watch documentaries or films about them. Knowing the forms and styles that your characters are best suited for will help you to determine the most effective way to tell their story, and in turn, the story of your novel or script will take shape.
Find Your Voice
The final step in the process is to find your voice. This is something that will come quite naturally to you, as you have been working steadily toward this point, but it still needs to be said. Your voice represents your unique perspective and the way that you experience the world – it is the combination of all the experiences that you have had, both good and bad, that shapes who you are and what you have to say. When it comes to finding your voice, you need to be careful not to overuse it, as this could potentially become a distraction and make it difficult to differentiate yourself from other writers in your genre. It is a good idea to write with your ‘incorrect’ voice first, as this will allow you to find the right one. The more you put into your story, the more you will appreciate what you have created – so take your time.
Hopefully, this article will have helped you to better understand the creative writing process. From here, you can create something unique and special that will make you a successful creative writer. Thanks for reading!.