Author and publisher Thomas Mann, in the ‘Essay of Three Decades’, has said, “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” This statement especially holds true for people who treat writing as a profession and do creative writing on a daily basis.
What is creative writing?
Creative writing is both a form of art and discipline. It is any piece of writing that pushes the boundaries of human thought to explore or appreciate something extraordinary. It lays emphasis on narration, description, character development, and scene-setting, taking a reader on a journey.
Here are some tips for anyone who aims to be a creative writer or simply wants to improve their writing skills.
Read as much as possible
Reading is an essential skill for everyone. Reading enhances your cognitive self and exposes you to new perspectives. It expands vocabulary and helps the mind keep more words fresh in its memory. Reading is even more important for someone who aspires to be a writer. It not only exposes one to new thoughts and perspectives but also allows them to experience different writing techniques. Reading gives unique insights into various topics, which a writer can then use as an inspiration to tell their own stories. It does not matter what a writer prefers to read, be it fiction, non-fiction, short stories, or memoirs – the benefits of reading can be achieved through enjoying any genre.
Observe the world around you
People often forget that creativity is inherently just putting the same things that one sees around them on a daily basis into some new perspective. Among all the different tips for a writer, this one is the most important – observe the world around you and keep thinking and trying to make sense of these observations. The latter also helps the writer make their writing relatable to a reader, which is another important parameter on which good writing is based. Being good at observing is also a skill that one can develop through a few simple exercises, and by consciously trying to describe the world around them.
Discipline is key to good writing
Just like every other activity in this world, the key to good writing is being disciplined. A writer must follow a routine and incorporate writing into it daily. It is the ability to practice writing everyday that brings good results. One popular notion among non-writers is that writers are born with inherent talent and good writing, and great stories are just born from thin air. This cannot be further from the truth. While an idea might come unexpectedly, a writer’s ability to take hold of that idea and turn it into a coherent story comes from weeks and years of daily practice.
Writing everyday helps a writer refine their writing style, and practice using the correct vocabulary in the right context. Just as with reading, it does not matter on what topic or how many words a writer writes every day, as long as they do so consistently. Anyone who aspires to be a good writer can start their journey by carrying a notebook around with them and simply writing about the things they observe to start their practice.
Brutally edit your work
Editing is an often neglected, but invaluable step in becoming a good writer. Writers are often reluctant to edit their own work as they are strongly emotionally attached to it. Thus, it is important that a writer disassociates themselves from their piece before they begin their editing process. Alternatively, they can also outsource editing to other parties to create the first or second draft. GrabMyEssay is one agency that has many writers who can help in the editing process. Such agencies also help students and budding writers by finishing their assignments for them so that students can focus on creative writing.
Set up a creative workspace for yourself
Another great tip to help writers be creative is by setting up a workspace that inspires them. Inspirational space can take different forms for different people – it can be plants and sunlight, being surrounded by books, or having minimal furniture in the room. Any workspace that helps a writer enter a positive and inspirational frame of mind works. Such workspaces also help writers stay focused and energized for longer.
Final Words
In conclusion, just like any professional engagement, creative writing requires discipline, dedication, and incessant practice. Creative writers must continue to hone their writing skills to be able to write better. The tips mentioned in this article are time-tested and provided by writers, so you can be sure that following them will lead to more effective and inspired creative writing.
