Creative writing is one of the most freeing art forms as it’s a reflection of you. However, it can be intimidating to let all your thoughts out on a page, but no need to fear, we have a few tips to help you find your voice through writing.
Read, Read, Read
Influences are an important part of any creative process. Whether people admit it or not, everyone utilizes certain aspects of creative pieces they admire. Reading other works helps you build your vocabulary, and create reference points for inspiration. Writers don’t develop their style without understanding others. Creative writing draws inspiration from everywhere, so just read anything whether it be the newspaper, a novel, or even your twitter feed.
Imaginative Language
Word choice is where you can be imaginative while writing. It’s also where you can really grab the reader’s attention, which is the ultimate goal of writing. When creative writing, the language you use creates the imagery in the reader’s head. However, don’t get hung up on trying to sound overly-sophisticated, or flexing your vocabulary. You don’t want to confuse the reader, but enhance imagery in certain places by using interesting words. For example, when describing a clear day, “serene” may create a more powerful image than “clear”.
Find your writing getaway
Creative writing is all about letting the ideas flow comfortably, so your work space should reflect that. No one likes working in a space that is uncomfortable, or just drab. Find a space where you feel at ease mentally, and where there are no boundaries on your thoughts.
Look For Inspiration Everywhere
The best writers build up a mental database of characters, settings, and personalities they encounter on a day-to-day basis. They use these as reference points to model situations and characters in their writing. Moreover, real-life inspiration is unlimited. There is no shortage of experiences that you can use as inspiration for stories, poems, essays, etc. At the end of the day, creative writing is a reflection of you, and your experiences
Listen In School
This may seem pretty simple and straightforward, but it can not be underestimated as an asset to your writing. The wealth of knowledge and anecdotes teachers provide only serve to improve you as a communicator both verbally and non verbally. You learn new ways of thinking that inevitably make their way into your story structures and vocabulary.