So you’ve decided to take the plunge and put your creative writing skills to use. Or perhaps you’ve been asked to contribute to a business journal or magazine. Either way, congrats! You’re in for a lot of fun.
But what stage of life is the best for developing your creative writing skills? How about the classroom? Or the playground? Or even now, as you’re reading this?
No matter when you decide to start, the sooner you do it the better. The earlier you start the easier it is to develop your abilities and the more you’ll enjoy it. Plus, the later it gets the more people are already in bed, so there won’t be many distractions.
With that being said, here are some of the best times to develop your creative writing skills.
As A Student
It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student or a high school student, there are plenty of opportunities to hone your creative writing skills. From freshman year English essays to creative writing competitions, there are plenty of chances to express yourself and develop your skills.
For those who love to write, this is a great time to do it. There are so many platforms now that allow students to write and display their creative side, whether it’s through short stories, poems, or even full-blown novels. If you’re not already using these tools, take advantage of them! You can even use platforms like Quill, where you can find editors and instructors who can help you polish your skills and find your voice.
During Your Childhood
It’s no secret that children are naturally curious about the world around them. They ask questions, explore topics, and often get inspired by what they learn. This is great for encouraging your young child’s creativity, but it can also be a hindrance. If you want to encourage your child’s unique, creative side, limit their screen time and prevent them from getting distracted. Better yet, find ways to get them writing and drawing creatively! Inspirational books, paintings, or music can all be used to get the creative juices flowing in your kidlet.
If possible, have their first words and sentences be creative, so you’ll always know what stage they’re at.
During Your Adolescence
Whether you’re a teen or a young adult, this is a great time to start developing your creative writing skills. Adolescence is a period of tremendous change, where kids learn to navigate the ups and downs of life. Naturally, this will impact how they behave and how they interact with the world around them. So, it’s important to acknowledge that young people are a special breed and should be respected and encouraged for their creativity.
During this time, you can start by simply complimenting their work. When you do, it’ll encourage them to continue writing and could also lead to them sharing their work with you. If you’re stuck for ideas, you can ask them to help you write something special for a teen girl or boy you know. This would be a wonderful way to show your appreciation, and it’ll also give them the feeling that they’re contributing in some way.
Encouraging creativity is important during this time, as it can help kids express their ideas and feelings in fresh and new ways. If you see a creative outlet as a valuable tool for your child, take the opportunity to help them develop their skills. You can start by setting up a creative writing corner in your home, complete with comfortable seating, a cozy fireplace, and wonderful views of a tree or cityscape. Your children will love it and so will you.
As An Established Writer
If you’ve been writing for a while and have established yourself as a reliable author, now is the best time to really shine. You have the opportunity to command higher paydays and exclusive rights to more lucrative projects. If you’re looking for a way to make the most of your established writer status, consider investing in creating an online store, where you can sell and bundle your original creative writing works. Whether you’ve got a novel or a collection of short stories, if you can get them published independently, you can begin to brand yourself as an established author who isn’t afraid to explore dark themes and mature subject matter.
The earlier you start, the easier it is to develop your abilities and the more you’ll enjoy it. If you’re looking for extra tips and tricks on getting started, consider checking out our guide to becoming a writer here.