4 tips to make you a better creative writer
'Creative writing' can simply be defined as quick-witted writing. This form of writing allows you to let your imagination run wild. Creative writing includes fiction writing, poetry writing and even non-fiction writing to a certain extent. This style of penmanship is open to a wide gamut of possibilities and is used to express an individual's thoughts and emotions.
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Since so many of us are diversifying from the typical doctor/engineer route, there are several budding writers cropping up who want to try their luck working as copywriters and content writers in advertising and digital marketing agencies. However, not all budding writers receive praise and a pat on their back for the content they produce. Some are told they are not quite up to the mark by colleagues and even clients, which takes their morale down a few notches. If you find yourself in a similar position, you can implement the below mentioned skills to improve your creative writing.
Engrossing strangers
For any piece of writing to be successful, the writer needs to have an innate knowledge and understanding of his audience. As a writer, you need to ask yourself one very important question - what is my audience looking for? Are they lovers of poetry or short works of fiction? Do they spend all their free time absorbed in some book or are they occasional readers? Once you've determined that, you need to reflect on your piece of writing and surmise if total strangers will take the time to read it and give it the love it deserves.
Interesting introduction
The very essence of creative writing is to be, well, creative. If your reader is bored after the first paragraph itself, there is very little chance that they will read through till the end. Give your piece a catchy headline and a captivating head start. One way to do this is by opening your piece in flashback. This transports your reader to a time where all the action is happening without giving away too much.
Detailing is the key
There is something about 'walking softly across the grass with his shoes disposed behind the oak tree in the backyard, Sam reached the French-style windows and carefully took a peek into the brightly lit room where the celebration was on in full swing' that makes it better than 'Sam softly walked across to the window and peeked in on the celebration'. Need we say more?
Keep a diary handy
Creative writers swear by having a journal at their disposal at all times. There are so many events taking place around us all the time that can provide inspiration at a later date. Be it how to build a particular character or how to lay down the perfect setting, you never know what may inspire you when. A diary also comes in handy to practice different styles of writing and play around with techniques you've always wanted to experiment with.
While the above points will help you better your creative writing skills, one needs to understand that there is no good or bad writing. There are simply different styles of penmanship; no one style will appeal to everybody and no one person will find all styles appealing. Produce the best content you can without worrying about what your colleagues or clients will say and you're sure to become the best version of yourself.
