creative writing

Books about creative writing

Writers of global repute have written a number of books based on creative writing. These books maybe the self-help or self-study guides, or then general books that help one launch themselves into the field of creative writing. There are books that have exercises to help one become a better writer; while some have compiled directories of publishers around the world. There are audio-visual books too that teaches creative writing techniques.

There are many established and popular writers who have written books about creative writing in order to share with aspiring writers across the world the techniques and means of becoming established writers. In their spare time between writing their own books, they also conduct seminars, workshops and lectures on bettering creative writing skills.

However, it is not always that renowned writers compile books about creative writing. There are journalists and copywriters, as well as teachers and guides who have compiled some of the best books in the subject. However, a majority of the titles within the range consists of explanations and exercises in every realm of writing - right from the basics to the advance level.

There are some authors who have penned books about creative writing for groups. These titles have been compiled in order to provide writing exercise for people who establish writing groups to improve and improvise their writing skills.

Apart from the books that teach directly, one should also get hold of autobiographical works of authors to understand the life and struggles of creative writers. It gives and in-depth understanding into what kind of a lifestyle one can generally expect as an established writer. In addition it provides the opportunity to learn from others' mistakes.

Creative writing activities   

To be able to bring about creative works of literature which maybe in the form of poetry, prose, fiction or drama, one should be able to extend their imagination to something beyond the real. There should be an exaggerated romanticism in what has to be said. When reading a story the reader attempts to visualiser the entire episode written about. While he reads he wants to be a part of the writer's creation. But then to develop such skills one needs to make creative writing activities a part of their daily routine. 

These activities can be done in a group, or then even individually. There are certain websites dedicated to creative writing activities that not only prescribe the activities, but also have the writers participate in them, thus becoming an online group of writers. When participating in group activities, it is not about competing with each other but discovering additional perspectives and thoughts for the same thing.

One interesting activity is to take five variant objects revolving around which a short story is to be created. For instance, eggs, handkerchief, car, trees and a mobile phone. Give yourself exactly two minutes to observe all the objects placed together. Then begin your writing. This is even more fun when done in a group.

One problem a creative writer faces is the lack of vocabulary, especially describing words - adjectives. So, a means of increasing the list of describing words would be to take five nouns each day and make a list of all words you can use to describe it. For instance, hair - luscious, long, black, brown, sun-kissed, cardboard, fringed, streaked, long, short, medium-length, shining, dull, brittle, unwashed, unkempt, tied, open, falling, thick, limp, silky, velvet-like, scanty, braided, pony-tailed, wavy, curly, straight, knotted, messy, ruffled, etc…

The fact is that most of the creative writings have found their inspiration from day-to-day life. There are many times when one has flashes of wonderful ideas, or observes something that could be intertwined into a plot. It all rushes through the head there and then, but when it comes to actually putting pen to paper, it's all out of memory. This is why one of the fundamental rules for creative writers is to carry a notebook and jot down all the points. It works as a brilliant memory resource.

Another interesting activity that you could indulge in everyday to hone your creative writing skills is to spend about five minutes a day letting your imagination run riot. Let it bring to your bizarre, unreal mental pictures, and then transform these into the written form. The idea is not to create a Harry Potter, but to be able to give complete freedom to the creativity within you… That is how you may just come up with your own work worth millions.

Like these there are numerous activities recommended, which you can find on the Internet, as well as in books written by the experts.

Creative writing contests for teens

 

There are a large number of creative writing contests for teens announced every year. In fact, many websites and portals organize contests constantly. This is apart for those that specialize in only creative writing. The websites and portals dedicated to teenagers also hosts contests for them.

At the domestic level various publications and youth forums organize creative writing contests for teens on varied topics. This provides an opportunity to teenagers to voice their thoughts and opinions on the topics given. Generally the topics are those that are close to the heart of this age group. The purpose of these contests is not only to reward teenagers for their creative abilities, but also to give them a platform to recognize their creative potential, as well as speak out all that lies beneath. The fact is that the urge to be rewarded does call for a lot of teenagers to bring about creative writings, which otherwise would remain in their journals or closets.

These creative writing contests for teens also provide an opportunity to find out whether they have the potential or the makings to establish themselves into the career of writing. 

Many parents appreciate such contests as their growing kids at least spend a large amount of time and effort in such constructive activities. The online writing contests for the teenagers provide a global platform. Some of the contests provide opportunities for youngsters participating to interact with one another. These competitions and numerous and offer varied awards. Some talented teenagers actually participate in contests as a constructive means to earn pocket money. 

Creative writing courses

 

While there is no long-term degree or master's course for creative writing, there are plenty short term diploma and certificate courses teaching this subject. Basically a subject like creative writing cannot be taught in terms of the creative inputs a writer needs to bring together to create a fine piece of literature.

However, such courses are important for one to understand the various genres of creative writing and the basic requirements to be maintained when delving into writing for creative reasons. Grammar improvisation, character building, plot-setting, punctuation, editing and proofreading, preparing the skeleton, creative writing exercises, etc., are the various topics that are dealt with in such courses.

There are various institutes that offer full time short-term courses whereby they conduct regular lectures teaching the various genres of writing with samples by past writers. For instance, for the poetry module the students are taught the various types of poems, they are made to study poems by famed poets, as well as write their own poems as assignments. There is a lot of project work involved to ensure that the budding writer picks up the knack of writing in the varied genres.

Another important aspect of the course is how a creative writing assignment should be submitted to the publisher - book, magazine, or newspaper. They are taught how to approach the publisher/editor, how to prepare cover letters; and some institutes also go a step further teaching verbal presentation skills.

Through the course a lot of case studies are taken up so that the budding writing understands the varied forms creative writing can take, and more importantly the variable styles. While all this is being taught the students are encouraged to develop their own unique style, yet maintaining the prescribed parameters of creative writing in various genres.

Apart for the classroom courses, there are institutes that offer distance or at-home courses, whereby the students need not attend lectures, but are sent course study material and projects/assignments that need to be completed within the set deadline.

If the student successfully completes the course then he/she is awarded a certificate or diploma. This works as an entry point for writers to gain assignments or a well-paying job in creative writing. Creative writing courses also form a part of the degree courses of Journalism and Mass Communication. Some colleges and universities hosts seminars and workshops that specialize in the subject of creative writing.