Creative Writing: Getting Started

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, creativity and imagination will go a long way in creative writing. If you already have those things, you are one step closer to attaining your dream of being a great writer... perhaps even a published writer.

Creative writing is defined as a term used to distinguish the imaginative writing (or different types of writing) from technical writing according to Wikipedia. Most writing pieces that focus on self-expression (fiction and non-fiction) would be included. Some have said that what was once referred to as literature is now more commonly known as creative writing. Defining it is actually the easy part - doing it can be tricky.

This introduction serves as a jumping off point for people who are interested in diving into the wonderful world of creative writing. If you write poetry, short-stories, novella's, novels etc... we invite you to join our community of writers. We like to think of ourselves as the best of both writing worlds; The creative & The Technical! We provide a place for you to express yourself and share your creative writing but at the same time you can take advantage of our critique and review system that allows you to receive in depth feedback from other writers. This is a place where you can always come to write AND to grow as a writer. Signup is Free for all Writers!

Additional creative writing resources and information

WikiPedia.org: Article about Creative Writing
Dr. Virginia Lynch Graf: Tips on Creative Writing
Seton Hill University: 10 Tips for Novice Creative Writers (for Short-Stories)
essortment.com: How to write a short story the creative way

Need Inspiration? Here are some ideas to get you started

1. Use Images: A picture is worth a thousand words so why not pull out one of your old photos or find a picture on the web and start putting some of those words on paper.

2. Dictionary: Pull out your dusty dictionary and choose 10 - 15 words to include in your poem. Make sure you use all the words you select... and no cheating.

3. Idea Count Down: Take a pen, a piece of paper and a watch. Give yourself 2 minutes on the clock and start writing non-stop until your time runs out. Its doesn't matter what you write be it ideas or scattered words just as long as your pen keeps moving. When your time is up go back and read what you wrote down and see what kind of ideas materialize.

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