2. What is creative writing?
● Creative writing is the process of writing fiction, and is a vital part of modern society
○ There is little if any precise definition for creative writing, most often it refers to any works of creativity or
fiction
○ It is one of the most vital components of books, movies, games, television, and many other things.
○ Without creative writing, our society would hardly resemble what it does today.
3. Writing for Fun vs Writing
Many people’s impression of writing as a
whole is very poor, with most associating it
with school and work. The main reason for this
is people haven’t given creative writing a shot.
While they are similar, there are countless
differences between the two. Writing for fun is
entirely free of the restrictions writing for
school or work imposes on you.
Creative Writing Writing for Work
Stressful
Relaxing
Restrictive
Hobby
Job
Liberating
Fulfilling Putting
words to
paper
Simple
Complex
Boring
Exciting
4. Creative Writing Restrictions
● One of the greatest benefits to writing is the lack of any
restrictions in regards to scope or ideas. In many mediums, the
scope and grandeur of a project is limited by things such as
materials, space and cost. These are not problems faced when
practicing creative writing, as the only limits are time and
creativity.
○ For example, if you wanted to create an exciting battle scene, doing so in a video
medium would be costly and time consuming, while writing such a scene is free
and takes much less time.
○ This means that any idea you can come up with can be put to paper relatively
easily and quickly compared to other forms of artistic expression.
● This also means that your own works are much closer to a
professional book than a home-movie is to a blockbuster.
○ It is much harder to tear apart a bad book than a bad movie or game, helpful if
criticism worries you.
5. The Benefits of Creative Writing
There are countless benefits of writing for your own sake, such as;
● Improved cognitive abilities
○ People who frequently partake in creative writing have been observed
to have better memory, make better decisions, and work faster than
those who do not
● Increase in productivity
○ Experience creatively writing can improve both the speed and quality
of written products for work or school.
● Express ideas in a creative outlet
○ Being able to express one’s ideas is very important, and creative writing
is one of the most healthy mediums for doing so
● Increase in self esteem
○ Being able to create something out of nothing is a great boost to self
esteem
6. Creative writing as a career
● Although a pipe dream for most aspiring writers, there are thousands of people whose job
it is to be a creative writer.
○ While demand is not exceptionally high, there are a multitude of careers that call for creative writing in some
regard
○ Examples include screenwriters, copywriters, social media influencer, editor, and columnist.
● While I would not recommend pursuing a career in writing, it certainly can be done
○ Most make a relatively poor wage, are not in consistent employment, or both
7. Hurdles to overcome
● Many people, when asked why they do not practice creative
writing, cite one of the following reasons
○ “I’m not creative”
○ “I don’t know the rules”
○ “I wouldn’t be good at it”
○ “I’m not a writer”
● The common denominator between all these statement is that
they are are not true for the vast majority of people who believe
them.
○ Everybody has at least some creativity in them. Everyone can tell a story, and
putting it to paper is very easy
○ There are very few rules when it comes to writing, especially so for creative
writing. Unless you plan to publish your works, following the rules is entirely
optional.
○ Nobody is automatically good at anything. Nobody starts a hobby as a
professional, and writing is no different
8. Hurdles to overcome (cont.)
● “I’m not a writer”. While coming into a new hobby with experienced professionals can
be somewhat daunting, you first have to actually realize what the average writer is.
○ The average writer is unsuccessful, likely not published a book, and is only somewhat more skilled than the
average joe.
○ Everyone is a writer, the only difference between people being to what extent.
9. Conclusion
Creative writing is an extremely helpful and beneficial skill, relaxing and enjoyable hobby,
and potentially even a career for some. Even trying it once can give a person a much better
understanding of their affinity for writing instead of dismissing it entirely. I never expected
to enjoy writing, but within 6 months of trying it I had written over 200 pages of my own
story. I used to hate the idea of writing, but now I love it.
10. Work Cited
● Unamed. “10 Jobs for Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree.” Jobscan, 11 Aug. 2023, www.jobscan.co/blog/10-jobs-
graduates-creative-writing-degree/.
● Unnamed. “Psychological Benefits of Creative Writing.” University of Bolton, University of Bolton, 25 Oct. 2022,
www.bolton.ac.uk/blogs/psychological-benefits-of-creative-
writing#:~:text=CREATIVE%20WRITING%20HELPS%20YOU%20TO%20EXPRESS%20YOUR%20FEELINGS%3A&text=So
me%20may%20also%20use%20creative,feelings%20in%20a%20healthy%20way.
● Unnamed. “WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN CREATIVE WRITING?” Northeastern State University, Northeastern State
University, offices.nsuok.edu/careerservices/CareerMajorAdvice/ChoosingaMajororCareerPath/CreativeWriting.aspx. Accessed
19 Oct. 2023.
● Unnamed. “Psychological Benefits of Creative Writing.” University of Bolton, University of Bolton, 25 Oct. 2022,
www.bolton.ac.uk/blogs/psychological-benefits-of-creative-
writing#:~:text=CREATIVE%20WRITING%20HELPS%20YOU%20TO%20EXPRESS%20YOUR%20FEELINGS%3A&text=So
me%20may%20also%20use%20creative,feelings%20in%20a%20healthy%20way.
● Unamed. “10 Jobs for Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree.” Jobscan, 11 Aug. 2023, www.jobscan.co/blog/10-jobs-
graduates-creative-writing-degree/.