Creative writing refers to the art of composing and expressing thoughts and feelings through stories, plays, and poems. Since its inception, the form has taken various shapes and not always followed the rules. There is no one way to write creatively, but there are some general guidelines you should follow when putting your thoughts into words.
Start With the Most Important Facts
One of the cardinal rules of the creative writing craft is to start with the most important facts first. This is especially crucial in non-fiction, where you are presenting facts as if they were actual occurrences. Start with a short, sharp summary of the event, then dive into the details.
Make sure you have all the essential information before you begin writing. You can always add more details as you go along, but you cannot go back and change what is already there. The key to a good story is always the most important information. If you have not mentioned a character’s name, have you introduced them to the reader?
Use Dialogue To Expose The Characters’ Thoughts
Often, creative writers will write in the third person. This is largely thanks to the success of William Goldman’s masterpiece, The Princess Bride, where the dialogue serves as the story itself. In general, you should try to write in the first person, unless it is a very short piece.
No one knows your character better than you. If you want to show the reader what they are thinking, then write down what they say. Nothing demonstrates their inner thoughts better than their own words spoken aloud. In the right circumstances, even a single sentence can illuminate a character’s motivations and intentions. If you want to show the reader what the character is feeling, then write how they say it. The best stories always come from inside the character’s head. Feelings can be expressed in many ways, even when the writer does not say a word.
Use All The Details Correctly
Once you have laid the foundations, the rest of the story will fall into place easily. You should not skim over the smaller details; instead, you should carefully consider each one. All the little things matter. A novel cannot be written in just a few hours. You need to feel that each part contributes to the whole.
There is a reason why this guideline is printed verbatim on many creative writing pens: J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is not only because it is a masterpiece, but also because Rowling adheres to this guideline scrupulously. It almost goes without saying that Harry Potter is one of the most famous and popular literary creations of all time. Every book in the series is a best-seller and has been translated into at least forty-seven languages.
Avoid Tricky Topics For the Moment
This is especially relevant if you are writing for a specific audience. If you are writing for a general audience, then you can probably get away with anything. But if you are writing for academics, then you will need to keep a firm grip on your language. The best stories do not have to be complicated. Complicated creative writing can still be good, but you should avoid writing about topics that are beyond the scope of your expertise.
For example, if you are writing about climate change, then you should probably research the subject in-depth. However, if you are writing about George Santayana, then you should probably stick with what you know best: the The Princess Bride.
Follow The Traditional Format
Whether you write in the first or third person, the traditional format should be followed. In the first person, the narrative should flow smoothly and naturally, as if the writer were actually there. In the third person, the writer should be omniscient – knowing every detail and perceiving every nuance.
This is not to say that there is one right way to write creative writing. There are numerous guidelines and suggestions you can follow. However, by sticking to the basics, you will surely find the right path for yourself.