What is the appeal of creative writing? Let’s examine the upsides and the downsides of this largely untapped goldmine of a genre.
Upsides
Creative writing offers some amazing advantages. Chief among these is that it is highly adaptable. You can write almost anything – including your thesis – and have a good chance of landing a publisher. And if you’re looking for an easy A, opting for creative writing is certainly a viable option. Plus, with a broad definition, you can include all sorts of prose in your creative writing, not just novels and short stories.
But while it might be easy to get a good mark for an essay with a few carefully crafted paragraphs, creative writing demands genuine thought. When you’re putting pen to paper to create something, you’re forced to approach the task with rigour and intellect. As a result, your writing will be much more impressive, thoughtful, and well-researched.
Downsides
On the downside, there’s nothing positive to say about the structure of an essay. Essentially, an essay is made up of a series of short paragraphs, often with a conclusion at the end. While this might be adequate for an A-level English paper, it often causes problems for those who are seeking publication. In particular, the layout limits the appeal of this genre for digital audiences. In a world of tweets and status updates, an essay is rather cumbersome and might even seem a little old-fashioned.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you should never write an essay. Far from it, in fact. For instance, if you’re writing a wedding speech or a graduation speech, an essay would be perfect for the task. Even if you have to follow a set structure, at least you’ll be able to pull off a coherent argument, and the format will feel relevant and fresh. But for most others, writing an essay is likely to prove challenging and unsatisfying. After all, the very name ‘essay’ suggests a piece of writing that is concise, to the point, and tied together nicely.
So, while creative writing offers numerous advantages, it also has some significant downsides. For those seeking publication, the rigour and intellectual challenge of an essay will make your writing sparkle and shine. But for those seeking to give a speech or write a blog post, the form might feel limiting.
The Final Word
Ultimately, the choice is down to you. Creative writing is a genre that certainly has its place. With some dedication and willingness to adapt, you can make the most of this diverse and expanding genre to suit your needs. For those seeking publication, the rigour and intellect of an essay will make your writing stand out. But for those seeking to give a speech or write a blog post, the form might feel limiting.