why do we study creative writing

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Why Learn Creative Writing?

Sean Glatch  |  November 1, 2022  |  5 Comments

Why learn creative writing? Truthfully, creative writing is one of the most misunderstood disciplines in the 21st century. When people think of a creative writing course, they often imagine a group of lofty, out-of-touch people who wear argyle sweater vests and have unproductive conversations about abstract concepts.

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth: the best writing classes remain engaged with the real world, and the skills gained in a creative writing course apply to nearly every facet of daily life.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth picking up a course in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, we have five reasons to learn creative writing. But first, let’s talk about what actually happens in a creative writing course.

The Basics of a Writing Workshop

Whether you’re enrolled in a poetry, fiction, or nonfiction writing class, you can expect the following writing process – at least in a quality writing course like the ones at Writers.com.

• Weekly prompts and writing exercises to sharpen the precision and necessity of each word you use.
• Constructive critiques from a community of writers who are each growing their writing skills alongside you.
• A creative space to explore new ideas, experiment with language, and arrange words in new and exciting ways.
• Focused writing instruction from a master of the craft.

The benefits of creative writing come from engaging with the course material, the writing prompts, and the other class members. These elements help you become a better writer, both in creative realms and in everyday life. How? No matter what form of writing, a creative writing class pushes you to connect ideas and create effective narratives using the best words – and that skill translates into real world success.

The Benefits of Creative Writing

1. why learn creative writing: improved self-expression.

Improving your writing skills leads to stronger communication. When you practice finding the right word in a story or poem, you engage the same parts of your brain that are active in everyday writing and speaking. A creative writing course subconsciously turns you into a more effective communicator.

The importance of precise language and self-advocacy translates well into both interpersonal relationships and working environments. Take it from this expert on how writing and self-advocacy results in career and leadership success.

2. Why Learn Creative Writing: Job Success

This brings us to our next point: great writing leads to job success. Of course, your boss probably isn’t expecting you to write emails in the form of a short story or a sonnet – though if they are expecting this, you have a pretty cool boss.

In reality, almost every job requires some sort of written work, whether that’s simple written communication or something more elaborate, like publishing data or marketing materials. In a creative writing class, you practice the style and grammar rules necessary for effective writing, both within the realms of literature and in career-related writing. Sharpening your writing and creativity skills might just land you your next promotion.

3. Why Learn Creative Writing: Improved Thinking Skills

Strong writing leads to strong thinking. No matter what type of writing you pursue, learning how to write is another form of learning how to think.

That might seem like a bold claim, so think about it this way. Without language, our thoughts wouldn’t have form. We might not need language to think “I’m hungry” or “I like cats,” but when it comes to more abstract concepts, language is key. How would you think about things like justice, revenge, or equality without the words to express them?

When you hone in on your ability to find choice, specific words, and when you work on the skills of effective storytelling and rhetoric , you improve your ability to think in general. Good writing yields great thinking!

4. Why Learn Creative Writing: Empathy

Reading and writing both rely on empathy, especially when it comes to being an effective workshop participant. When we read and write stories, we situate ourselves in the shoes of other people; when we read and write poetry, we let language navigate us through emotion.

The importance of creative writing relies on empathy. We practice empathy whenever we listen to another person’s life story, when someone tells us about their day, and when we sit down with a client or work partner. When we write, we practice the ability to listen as well as to speak, making us more effective communicators and more compassionate human beings.

5. Why Learn Creative Writing: It’s Fun!

In case you’re not convinced that a writing course is right for you, let’s clarify one more fact: creative writing is fun. Whether you’re in a fiction writing course, starting a memoir, crafting a poem, or writing for the silver screen, you’re creating new worlds and characters. In the sandbox of literature, you’re in control, and when you invest yourself into the craft of writing, something beautiful emerges.

The Importance of Creative Writing

Simply put, creative writing helps us preserve our humanity. What better medium to explore the human experience?

To learn creative writing, like any art form, requires compassion, contemplation, and curiosity. Writers preserve the world as they observe it in stories and poetry, and they imagine a better world by creating it in their works.

Through the decades, literature has explored society’s profound changes. Literary eons like the Naturalist movement and the Beat poets responded to the increase in Western Industrialization. Confessional poets like Virginia Woolf helped transform poetry into a medium for emotional exploration and excavation. And, genre movements like the cyberpunk writers of science fiction helped popularize the idea of an “information economy.”

Thus, the importance of creative writing lies in its ability to describe the world through an honest and unfiltered lens. Anyone who engages in creative writing, no matter the genre or style, helps us explore the human experience, share new ideas, and advocate for a better society. Whether you write your stories for yourself or share them with a wide audience, creative writing makes the world a better place.

Jobs for Creative Writers

Because creative writing isn’t a STEM discipline, many people don’t think that learning it will help their job prospects. Why learn creative writing if it doesn’t make any money?

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Creative writing skills are much sought after on resumes, since both creativity and the ability to write are soft skills in decline. Additionally, if you’re considering a career change—or ready to start one!—these are some popular jobs for creative writers.

• Average Starting Salary: $51,000
• Demand: High
• Skills needed: creativity, grammar, timeliness

Copywriters help companies put their branding into words. A copywriter might write emails, blogs, website content, or ad copy that encompasses the company’s voice and purpose. Copywriting requires you to write in a mix of styles and forms, flexing your writing muscles in new and exciting ways.

Grant Writer

• Average Starting Salary: $50,000
• Skills needed: storytelling, research, argumentation

Nonprofits and research facilities rely on local and national grants to fund their projects. Grant writers help secure that funding, writing engaging grants that tell the organization’s story in an engaging, tailored, and convincing way. Creative writers will enjoy the opportunity to tell a meaningful story and create positive community change through this career.

Communications/Public Relations Specialist

• Skills needed: creativity, communications, social media

A communications specialist helps drive a company’s image through various social channels. They may help create a positive narrative for their company through blogs, journalist outreach, social media, and other public-facing avenues. Much like copywriting, a PR specialist helps weave an effective story for a company.

• Average Starting Salary: $55,000
• Demand: Medium/High
• Skills needed: creativity, storytelling, organization, self-reliance

The dream job for many writers is to write and sell books. Being a novelist is an admirable career choice—and also requires the most work. Not only do you have to write your stories, but you also have to market yourself in the literary industry and maintain a social presence so that publishers and readers actually read your work. It’s a tough business, but also incredibly rewarding!

Reasons to Learn Creative Writing: Finding a Writing Community

Finally, creative writing communities make the writing struggle worth it. The relationships you foster with other creative writers can last a lifetime, as no other group of people has the same appreciation for the written word. Creative writing communities create transformative experiences and encourage growth in your writing; if there’s one reason to study creative writing craft, it’s the friendships you make in the process.

You don’t need a class to start writing, but it’s never a waste of time to learn the tools of the trade. Creative writing requires the skills that can help you in everyday life, and a creative writing course can help.

At Writers.com, we believe that creative writing can transform both individual lives and the world at large. See the importance of creative writing for yourself: check out what makes our creative writing courses different , then take a look at our upcoming course calendar today.

Sean Glatch

Would like to apply for a course to write a novel.

The Real Person!

I’d be happy to help! Please email [email protected] with any questions, and we’ll find the right course for your writing.

[…] Sean. “Why Learn Creative Writing.” writers.com. June 7, 2020. https://writers.com/why-learn-creative-writing . Accessed November 7, […]

[…] And last of all it’s fun! I hope to live my life doing the things I love, with like-minded creative people who I love. I have many exciting things upcoming as I continue with the process of completing my first novel, Les Année Folles, such as publishing to my first magazine, journal, and working on the millions of short story ideas I have stored in my head. Stay tuned! References: Glatch, S. (2020, June 7). WHY LEARN CREATIVE WRITING? Retrieved from Writers.com: https://writers.com/why-learn-creative-writing […]

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Creative Writing: What It Is and Why It Matters

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: January 13, 2023  - Last updated: January 15, 2023

Categories Writing

Writing can be intimidating for many people, but creative writing doesn’t have to be. Creative writing is a form of self-expression that allows writers to create stories, characters, and unique settings. But what exactly is creative writing? And why is it important in today’s society? Let’s explore this further.

How We Define Creative Writing

Creative writing is any form where writers can express their thoughts and feelings imaginatively. This type of writing allows authors to draw on their imagination when creating stories and characters and play with language and structure. While there are no boundaries in creative writing, most pieces will contain dialogue, description, and narrative elements.

The Importance of Creative Writing

Creative writing is important because:

• It helps us express ourselves in ways we may not be able to do with other forms of communication.
• It allows us to explore our creativity and think outside the box.
• It can help us better understand our emotions by exploring them through storytelling or poetry.
• Writing creatively can also provide much-needed escapism from everyday life, allowing us to escape into a world of our creation.
• Creative writing helps us connect with others by sharing our experiences through stories or poems they can relate to. This way, we can gain insight into other people’s lives while giving them insight into ours.

Creative Writing: A Path to Mental and Emotional Wellness

Writing is more than just a way to express your thoughts on paper. It’s a powerful tool that can be used as a form of therapy. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being.

Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, and boost our imagination and creativity.

Let’s examine how creative writing can relieve stress and emotional catharsis.

Stress Relief and Emotional Catharsis

Writing has the power to reduce stress levels significantly. Writing about our experiences or about things that are causing us anxiety or distress helps us to release those complicated feelings constructively. By expressing ourselves through creative writing, we can work through the emotions associated with stressful situations without having to confront them directly.

This is especially helpful for people who struggle to share their emotions verbally or in person.

Improved Communication and Self-Expression

Creative writing is also beneficial for improving communication skills. Through creative writing, we can explore our thoughts and feelings more intensely than by speaking them aloud. This allows us to think more clearly about what we want to say before actually saying it out loud or in written form, which leads to improved self-expression overall.

Additionally, writing out our thoughts before speaking aloud allows us to articulate ourselves better when communicating with others—which is essential for healthy personal and professional relationships.

Increased Empathy and Understanding of Others

Through creative writing, we can also increase our empathy towards others by exploring different perspectives on various topics that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for us—such as racism, homophobia, sexism, etc.—and allowing ourselves the opportunity to see the situation from someone else’s point of view without judgment or bias. This helps us become better communicators and more understanding individuals overall.

The Professional Benefits of Creative Writing

Creative writing is a powerful tool that can help you communicate better and more effectively in the professional world. It can also help you develop various skills that prove invaluable in many industries. Whether you’re looking to build your résumé or improve your communication, creative writing can effectively achieve both.

Let’s take a closer look at how creative writing can benefit your career.

Preparing Students for Careers in Writing, Editing, and Publishing

Creative writing is the perfect foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career in writing, editing, or publishing. It teaches students the basics of grammar and composition while allowing them to express their ideas in imaginative ways.

Creative writing classes also allow students to learn from professionals who have experience as editors, agents, and publishers. They can use this knowledge to learn creative writing, refine their craft and gain valuable experience before entering the job market.

Improving Skills in Storytelling and Marketing for Various Careers

Creative writing teaches students to think critically about stories and craft compelling narratives that draw readers in. This skill is precious for those who wish to pursue careers outside traditional writing roles—such as marketing or advertising—where storytelling is key.

People who understand the fundamentals of creative writing will be able to create persuasive copy that resonates with readers and effectively conveys a message.

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Leadership Skills

Creative writing isn’t just about expressing yourself through words; it also provides an opportunity to practice working collaboratively with others on projects. Many creative writing classes require students to work together on group projects, which helps them develop essential teamwork skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

As they work together on these projects, they will also gain confidence in their ability to lead teams effectively—an invaluable asset no matter what industry they pursue after graduation.

Uncovering the Power of Creative Writing

Creative writing has become an increasingly powerful force in shaping our society. Creative writing has many uses, from preserving cultural heritage to promoting social change.

Preserving Cultural Heritage with Creative Writing

Creative writing has long been used to preserve and share cultural heritage stories. This is done through fictional stories or poetry that explore a particular culture or group’s history, values, and beliefs. By weaving these stories in an engaging way, writers can bring a culture’s history and traditions to life for readers worldwide. This helps bridge cultural gaps by providing insight into what makes each culture unique.

Promoting Social Change & Activism with Creative Writing

Creative writing can also be used for activism and social change. Writers can craft stories that help promote awareness about important issues such as poverty, race relations, gender equality, climate change, and more.

With the power of words, writers can inspire readers to take action on these issues and work towards creating positive change in their communities.

Through creative writing, writers can raise awareness about important topics while fostering empathy toward individuals who may be facing difficult or challenging situations.

Fostering Creativity & Innovation with Creative Writing

Finally, creative writing can foster creativity and innovation in various fields. For example, businesses can use creative copywriting techniques to create compelling content that captures the attention of customers or potential investors.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can use storytelling techniques when pitching their ideas or products to potential partners or investors to make their cases more persuasive and memorable.

By harnessing the power of words through creative writing techniques, businesses can create content that resonates with their target audience while inspiring them to take action on whatever message they’re trying to convey. It often aids the overall creative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of creative writing.

Creative writing has many benefits, both for the writer and the reader. For the writer, it can be therapeutic, helping them to explore their emotions and better understand themselves. It can also be used as entertainment or communication, allowing them to share their ideas with the world. For the reader, creative writing can provide enjoyment, escapism, and insights into the human condition.

How can I improve my creative writing skills?

There are several ways you can improve your creative writing skills. Firstly, make sure you allow yourself time to write regularly. Use a writing prompt to inspire a short story. Secondly, read as much as you can; great writers are also great readers. Thirdly, experiment with different styles and genres to find one that suits you best. Fourthly, join a writers’ group, writing workshop, or creative writing program to get feedback from other writers. Finally, keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on your work as a creative writer.

What is the importance of imagery in creative writing?

Imagery is an important element of creative writing, as it helps to create a more vivid picture for the reader. By using sensory and descriptive language, writers can transport readers into their stories and help them relate to their characters or themes. Imagery can bring a scene alive with detail and evoke emotion by helping readers create strong visual images in their minds. Furthermore, imagery can help make stories more memorable by giving readers a deeper connection with the characters or setting.

What are the elements of creative writing?

The elements of creative writing include plot, character, dialogue, setting, theme, and point of view. The plot is the structure or main storyline, while the character is the personage involved in this story. Dialogue includes conversations between characters to give insight into their emotions and relationships. Setting refers to the place or time in which a story takes place, while theme explores deeper meanings behind a story’s narrative. Finally, point of view defines how readers experience a story through first-person or third-person omniscient narration.

What’s the difference between creative writing and other types of writing?

The main difference between creative writing and other types of writing is that it allows the writer to create their own story, characters, settings, and themes. Creative writing also encourages writers to be inventive with their style and use descriptive language to evoke emotion or bring stories alive in readers’ minds. Other academic or technical writing types typically involve more research-based information and are usually more objective in their presentation. Additionally, most forms of non-creative writing will have stricter rules regarding grammar, structure, and syntax.

What is the golden rule of creative writing?

The golden rule of creative writing is to show, not tell. It’s the core creative writing skill. When it comes to creative writing, it’s essential to use descriptive language that immerses readers in the story and allows them to experience the events through their emotions and imaginations. This can be done through metaphors, similes, sensory language, and vivid imagery.

How important is creativity in writing?

Creativity is essential in writing as it allows writers to craft a unique story and evoke emotion from the reader. Creativity can bring stories alive with fresh perspectives and exciting plot lines while creating an escape for readers and giving them more profound insights into the human condition. Writers who combine creativity with technical aspects such as grammar, structure, language usage, and flow will create pieces that capture their audience’s attention and provide an enjoyable reading experience.

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8 Good Reasons to Study Creative Writing

Whether or not people are aware, writing is a huge part of everyday life and can be found in almost every facet of communication. Reading a book or poem is quite literally where words are creatively telling a story, but creative writing exists in film, theatre, television, social media, almost anywhere something is communicated. So if it’s so ubiquitous, why study it? The answer lies in the quality of what we read and what we listen to and watch. Anyone with basic levels of literacy can write, but only a few write well. The reason for this has as much to do with skill as it does with talent; and this is where a creative writing course is invaluable.

Here are 8 fundamental reasons why studying creative writing is an absolute necessity for anyone eager to improve their writing.

1. Enhancing Writing Skills

In order to enhance writing skills, the writer must push themselves out of their comfort zone and test their mettle. A tutor will task students to write a variety of different assignments and by experimenting with different genres, a writer will expose themself to an inner voice they may never have otherwise known existed. If you enjoy writing fiction, write a memoir. If you love poetry, write an article. Try a screenplay, a crime story, a blog! Whatever it is, make sure it’s new to you. It should at first feel a little clumsy and awkward, but with the guidance of a tutor, you will soon discover that you have perhaps a broader range of writing skills than you originally believed.

2. Encouraging Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that is taught and should not be mistaken for finding fault or simply comparing work. It is analysis and story dissection. In order for a writer to accurately evaluate a story structure or understand pace or character development, they first need informed guidance to understand how to approach such intelligent critique. These skills are invaluable, not just in writing, but in everyday problem-solving and decision-making.

3. Fostering a Sense of Community

There are those who want to write but are not at all comfortable with the solitary nature of the craft. However, writing does not need to be a solo endeavour. Creative writing courses offer a supportive community of like-minded individuals where students will share their work, receive feedback, and engage in constructive criticism. This is a vital part of your development as a writer and is a truly interactive experience.

4. Providing Access to Experienced Instructors

This is gold! One of the greatest assets of a creative writing course is the access to experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Professional writers can provide guidance, share industry insights, and offer invaluable feedback to help refine your writing.

5. Building a Writing Routine

As a writer, you will be dependent on self governance and self discipline. Again, these are skills that are taught and with a little practice, can indeed become a daily routine of life. The nature of a structured course will naturally encourage consistency and direction, helping writers develop a writing schedule. Writing is a job and involves commitment and continuous effort. A creative writing course can introduce this mindset to a budding writer, without them even realising it is happening.

6. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Through storytelling and character development, writers must learn to empathise and to look at the world from different perspectives. Characters can be fictional or nonfiction, fantastical or mundane but one thing they cannot be is the same as each other. In order to create stories and characters with depth and humanity, a writer must delve into areas unfamiliar to them. Characters cannot always have the same opinions, outlook and desires as the writer. This exploration will, almost by osmosis, enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. 

7. Boosting Confidence

An enormous benefit of studying creative writing is the confidence a writer will earn as they progress through a course . Feedback from peers and from a tutor will help a writer to see where they can improve and where they are succeeding. It can be very difficult for a writer to critically analyse their own work, they are simply too close to it. This boosted self-esteem can extend beyond writing and can positively impact other areas of life.

8. Offering a Creative Outlet

A creative writing course provides a structured outlet for self-expression. Students can channel their thoughts, feelings, and ideas into their work and feel the freedom and encouragement to take some risks and to truly express themselves. Attending a course can provide a sense of catharsis and a great sense of personal fulfilment.

Whether you're looking to improve your writing skills, connect with a community of writers, or simply find a creative outlet, our creative writing course offers a wealth of benefits. Our tutors are professional writers with experience across numerous genres. If you have a story you want to tell but are not sure how to channel it, our courses are where you’ll find that path. Perhaps you are already a published author or a writer interested in broadening their skillset, then we have just the course for you.  With experienced instructors, a supportive environment, and a focus on critical thinking and emotional intelligence, these courses provide a comprehensive experience that can significantly enhance both your writing and your personal development.

Enrol today and find your writing voice.

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Five reasons to study Creative Writing

A creative writing degree has many real-life applications and gives you a variety of careers to choose from. discover five of the best reasons to study this degree and how it can improve your future..

1. Storytelling is important

Understanding what makes a story work and how to get people to engage with it is a valuable skill. It helps people to see the world in a different way through persuasive, intelligent and emotionally aware arguments and stories. People care about stories, and they like the people who know how to tell them.

2. It’s truly creative

Creative Writing is a unique challenge, demanding you to make things from nothing as no other subject does. Though you’ll be channelling the skills you’ve been taught into a specific project, you’ll be making something entirely new; characters, creatures and entire living, breathing worlds.

3. Work with published authors

Like English and History students get to work with published, fully-fledged academics, Creative Writing students work with actual authors. For a writer, the chance to work with someone more experienced who’s used to the difficult creative process is rare and valuable.

• READ MORE 
• Search undergraduate courses
• Creative Writing subject guide
• Creative Writing subject table

4. Flexibility

The brilliant thing about Creative Writing is that it blends so well with other subjects. For example, taking it alongside an English course will expose you to a rich literary heritage that could influence your own style. Combining with media or film studies will allow you to explore the long-running screenwriting legacy. Creative Writing, as a subject, is invariably informed by other areas of study. You can pair it with pretty much anything.

5. Transferable skills

Pursuing Creative Writing at university will make you a master of language. You’ll be writing all the time; it’ll be your job. That’s great, because the world always needs writers, and not just for writing stories. In most sectors written work is involved, as people are needed to accurately convey information and make it engaging as they do so.

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5 Surprising Reasons To Study Creative Writing

When people hear ‘creative writing,’ they often picture poets with notebooks or novelists drafting their next trilogy. But creative writing isn’t just for aspiring authors or poets – it’s an incredibly versatile field that sharpens a range of skills, from storytelling to communication. 

Creative writing also has countless benefits for your communication skills, critical thinking and even your health!

Here are the top five reasons to study creative writing … 

1. Improve Your Communication Skills

Studying creative writing sharpens your writing skills and helps you master grammar, which, although boring, is essential for clear communication! Through regular practice, feedback, and revision, you’ll develop a stronger command of language, structure, and style – invaluable skills in any field where clear communication is essential. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing emails or delivering an important presentation, and it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in; writing and communicating with precision and clarity will significantly increase your impact.

2. Stretch Your Imagination

Creative writing invites you to explore ideas, concepts, and scenarios you probably won’t encounter. It encourages you to think beyond what’s familiar or practical, to invent new worlds, and to reflect on different perspectives. This type of exploration is often an exciting way to stretch your mind.

Rather than creating to meet a specific outcome, creative writing lets you play with ideas and narratives. Plus, you can experiment with different genres, such as poetry or science fiction, play with literary techniques and create entire new worlds , all of which foster a sense of discovery. 

3. Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Writing a compelling story or essay means thinking critically about plot structure, characters and themes. You’re constantly asking yourself why a character makes certain decisions or how a plot twist impacts the story. These skills naturally extend beyond writing and into problem-solving. 

Creative writing trains you to apply criticism to different situations, analyse motives and pursue difficult questions. This thinking makes you more perceptive, analytical and inspires new ideas. These are helpful in all kinds of situations, from work to personal relationships.

4. Increased Confidence and Lower Stress

One of the most powerful benefits of creative writing is the confidence it can foster. Putting your thoughts down on paper, crafting a story or essay that reflects your ideas and sharing it with others helps you build trust in your voice. Each time you write, you get a little more comfortable expressing yourself!

Additionally, writing can be a great stress reliever. Studies show that journaling and creative writing can help lower anxiety and process emotions healthily . As you become more confident in expressing yourself through words, you may also find it easier to manage stress and feel more grounded overall.

5. Gain Transferrable Skills

The ability to engage an audience through well-structured writing is a rare and powerful skill. By focusing on creative writing, learn how to capture attention and keep readers invested  – whether you’re working on fiction or professional documents. 

Plus, you’ll naturally develop these skills: 

• Attention to detail
• Organisation
• Working independently

As you develop as a creative writer, you’ll naturally enhance these skills which can all have benefits for your personal life and your career! 

There’s No Reason Not To Start Creative Writing

Yes, there are many benefits, but one of the biggest reasons to study creative writing for me is self-expression. Writing gives you the space to explore your identity, your thoughts and your emotions in a way that’s uniquely yours – it’s so gratifying!

Plus, unlike other fields where there’s a ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ creative writing encourages exploration and experimentation. It’s an opportunity to play with language, break the rules, and discover new ways to express yourself.

If you’re teetering on a creative writing course, a creative writing degree at a UK university or simply want to dedicate some time to this valuable skill, all I can say is, pick up your pen and get started! 

Marie is a blogger who loves to share writing and reading tips online. If you want to learn more about literature or how to improve your creative writing, this is the blog for you.

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Is there anything worse for a writer than to see their work fail? You spend months, maybe even years, pouring your heart onto paper, only to find that it didn’t work out. You’ve switched up your writing space, looked at inspiring picture prompts and reread your favourite books but still can’t find the right words….

12 Best Creative Nonfiction Examples You Won’t Be Able To Put Down

Creative nonfiction is one of my favourite genres in literature because it blends the storytelling elements of fiction with the authenticity of real-life events. This form of creative writing can include personal stories, historical events, or broader cultural reflections but still has all of the literary techniques and narrative flair that make a good story…

The benefits of creative writing

As you learn to clarify your thoughts and emotions more efficiently and accurately, through creative writing, you will communicate more effectively; a skill that’s exceedingly important in all areas of life.

Practising creative writing is about a lot more than just improving your grammar, spelling and vocabulary; it will allow you to develop your own unique voice and share your perspective without limitations, expressing how you feel about the worlds inside and outside of your head. When you engage in creative writing you’re stimulating your imagination and thinking outside the box, which teaches you how to think more innovatively and push boundaries. Both are valuable skills.

Creating a pretend universe will often mean assembling personalities, emotions, and places that might be totally alien to your own life experiences. This is an effective way to build on your capacity to feel empathy and understanding for people who may have had very different life experiences to your own. Your perspectives and philosophies can be mirrored or explored by your characters or their setting. With practise you’ll find yourself becoming more comfortable in asserting your opinions and values in real life.

Expressive writing can bring a range of mental, emotional, and physical health benefits.

If you engage with creative writing when you’re dealing with difficult emotions, it can help you explore why you’re feeling what you’re feeling, allowing a direct insight to your mindset. It’s an opportunity to work through whatever discomfort we’re experiencing so we can get back to whatever we want to achieve today; a healthy way to alleviate the negative thoughts and emotions we experience on a day-to-day basis.

Of course, creative writing exercises can also expand your vocabulary and provide a better understanding of the mechanics of the written word. You’ll learn to distinguish when grammar works and when it doesn’t. With practise, your writing will flow better for the reader.

According to clinical psychologist Karen A.Baikie and psychiatrist Kay Wilhelm, writing creatively about traumatic, stressful or emotional events has been found to improve both physical and psychological health. In a clinical trial, participants who wrote about difficult life events for 20 minutes, on a handful of occasions, had significantly better physical and psychological outcomes compared to those who wrote about neutral topics. Baikie and Wilhelm concluded that expressive writing has real potential as a therapeutic tool for survivors of trauma and in mental health treatment settings.

By Grant J Everett, Panorama magazine

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