Discover 10 Creative Writing Tips Every Student Must Know

The likes of Kurt Vonnegut are some of the writers that have mastered creative writing. However, with the right creative writing techniques, you can be an expert on the subject as well. In this article, you’ll learn from some of the best custom essay writing experts in the game. 

You might need to learn creative writing tips for various reasons, including a class assignment. Luckily, some of our top creative writing talents have compiled their most valuable advice on the subject. Here, you’ll learn the definition of creative writing, the various types of creative writing, how to write a short story, and the notorious mistakes to avoid. 

You can get more inspiration from the creative writing examples in our academic essay archive. What’s more, you can always request online assignment help from one of our creative writers. 

Without further ado, let’s explore the world of creative writing.

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a form of writing that imaginatively expresses your thought and ideas.

Writing a page-turning piece requires a lot of skill and a good amount of persistence. Creative writing goes out-of-bound technical types of literature writing; that’s why creative writing isn’t so hard after all.

Out-of-bound means that as the writer, you have the liberty to decide whether Cinderella gets to stay in her ball gown longer than when the clock strikes midnight.

Penning a creative piece is a form of expression; it requires a lot of creativity. If you had set aside some creativity for a rainy day, you’re going to need it for this storm.

Therefore, if you had set aside some creativity for a rainy day, you’ll need it; the storm’s here.

Creative Writing Vs. Technical Writing

Both these forms of writing are essential as they set out to communicate. It is good, nonetheless, to note the difference as they serve different purposes. We would like you to come out of this having learned as much as need be, including this.

We want you to learn as much as you can. To begin with, here’s a comparison table of the two.

Can Creative Writing Be Non-Fiction?

Of course, it can! Sounds contradictory, right? Let us help correct that. The beauty of creativity can shine bright in all places, including factual writing. There is no rule that states non-fiction should be boring.

What is Creative Non-fiction?

Also known as narrative or literary non-fiction, creative non-fiction falls as part of the categories of creative writing.

Non-fiction writing is where factual matters are presented in a storytelling style that is much more creative and engaging to the reader.

While writing this type of a creative piece, ensure that what you say is real. Also, your creativity should complement and not exaggerate your message. Otherwise, there is a difference between ‘true events’ and ‘based on true events.’

Other Types of Creative Writing Include

• Fiction
• Poetry

What is Creative Fiction?

Here is where you come in guns blazing, enriched with creativity, ready to nourish the reader with your imagination. Given that you’ve invented the entire story, the scope of your writing isn’t limited. Perhaps in your version of Cinderella, she has golden wings and flies away from her three-eyed, evil stepmother. See the beauty of creative fiction writing!

What is Creative Poetry?

Picture this; beauty and emotional intensity expressed in unique styles and rhythms apart from writing. Now, that’s the definition of creative poetry.

Do you remember the bit where Prince charming goes looking for Cinderella everywhere in town using the glass slipper she left behind? I bet you do. In prose, that could read;

‘Prince Charming went looking for Cinderella all through the town using the glass slipper she left behind.’

Whereas in poetry, this happens:

‘Prince charming went charging down,

To knock in all the doors in town.

In every house, the tension grew,

Who was the owner of the glass shoe?’ 

In the poem, the sentences are much shorter to make a stanza and create a rhythm. There is also a rhyme scheme at the finishing words. Besides, the poem is much more fun to read. Wouldn’t you say?

Having these three types of creative writing in mind, we are ready to get started!

How to Get Started

After learning the nitty-gritty details of creative writing, it is time we get started, but how?

Here are three ways that will get you started in the right direction.

1. Know the Types of Creative Writing

Luckily we are halfway there! If you move your eyes just a few sentences above, you will see the types of creative writing we have gone through briefly.

• Creative non-fiction
• Creative fiction
• Creative poetry

Ring a bell? It is essential to know and understand each one of these types of creative writing. As such, you can specialize in the one you’re most comfortable writing. Otherwise, you will just be all over the place writing from any type without really having perfected any in particular. You’ll be like a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Luckily, you can aim to be an exception. With time, research, and practice, you can master various creative writing techniques and become an expert. You ever heard of Kurt Vonnegut? He’s an American writer who published fourteen novels, three collections of short stories, five plays, and five non-fiction works. Quite impressive, don’t you think?

After knowing all these types of creative writing to the letter, now what?

2. Pick Out Your Type of Creative Writing

The best way to pick out a favorite type is to experiment with the literary devices of each one; that way, you will learn which comes most naturally to you. It doesn’t have to be the most popular one. Pick that which you enjoy most; chewing on a marshmallow versus tough game meat, which will it be?

Now, after you have picked a type you feel comfy you want to specialize in,

3. Start Writing your Creative Essay

The best way to improve your creative writing skills is to get started.

Make sure to make the writing regular, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an outstanding creative writer. As you do this, ensure that what you consider best work today is even better tomorrow. That way, you will be moving on up instead of staying stagnant.

Even with all these guidelines, mistakes are sometimes inescapable. Do not despair. We have compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing a creative essay.

How to Write a Compelling Creative Essay?

First and foremost, what type of creative writing would you like your short story to assume? Is it non-fiction, fiction, or poetry? We hope you’ve chosen your favorite option.

Determine What Makes It a Short Story

Here are some guidelines that will help you determine what makes a short story:

 Many short stories range from 2,000 to 5,000 words.

 Micro short stories may be less than 500 words.

 A short story classically goes up to 8,000 words.

 On some occasions, there are ‘longer short stories’ that go to as many words as 20,000.

 Exceeding this turns it into a novella that begins at around 30,000 words.

Recognize the Process for Writing a Great Short Story

The secret of writing a great short story is in the word ‘short.’ Having that in mind, instead of structuring in detail: your beginning, middle, and end, making detailed character profiles and plotting each event to the letter; all you need is a big event, two at most, and a well-developed main character.

Let’s get on with the steps.

1. Make It Significant

Short stories are loved because they make a quick read, and depending on how well thought out they are, they may leave a lasting impression on the reader. Having said that, what impact do you want to leave your reader with at the end of the day?

After thinking of the story, you want to tell, focus on how.

2. Begin with A Hook

This is very important because when it comes to writing a short story, the word-space is limited. As such, there’s not much time to beat around the bush. So, begin with a sentence that immediately captivates the reader and prompts questions that will lead to curiosity to go on reading. For example:

“For some reason, the Tuareg believe that both the document and the treasure are cursed. No one can handle it but the tree planting woman”.

The reader will have a series of questions to wonder about here like, “Who is the tree planting woman, why is she called that and why is she the only one who can handle the curse?” that will prompt him to want to read further and know.

3. Have A Strong Ending

There is nothing worse disappointing as a very captivating story with a poor finish. Therefore, revise your account in the reader’s shoes then think about how the reader would want it to end. With this, you can choose to go with what is most impactful or that which would be most realistic to happen to the characters. Example:

“She stood with her head against the cool window, looking outside. A sob caught in her throat. ‘Will I ever see my baby again?’” (Winter’s Secret by Lyn Cote).

You are now set to begin and end successfully in your short story creative writing venture.

Creative Writing Tips for Academic Essays

We have finally arrived at the long-awaited moment. Without further ado, let us crack on to the tips and tricks that will turn you into that outstanding creative writer you have always wanted to be.

1. Just Write, Don’t Overthink it

This is not as obvious as it sounds, or maybe it is. The biggest enemy to beginning something is procrastination. You want to start writing, go ahead, and write.

2. Research Widely

This point cannot be emphasized more than it already has. Read as often and as much as you can, and don’t get tired. Great reading habits promote even greater creative writing techniques.

3. Observe your Surroundings for Inspiration

The best, most natural way to acquire inspiration is through observation. This includes the people and happenings that surround you.

Also, to remember something that inspired you during your observation time, have a notebook with you to note down these inspirations or even better, a camera to capture the moments.

4. Have a dictionary available

This is an excellent addition to have during your creative writing exercises because it will help make your vocabulary vast without making it complicated. A thesaurus will also come in handy to check for synonymous words.

5. Proofread your work

Carrying out this task will save you from submitting half-baked work. Proofreading helps you fix up the nooks and crannies that are spelling and grammatical errors taking your writing to a level of excellence.

6. Quit Being Too Hard On Yourself

Becoming a great writer isn’t a one-day thing. As such, you should give yourself credit for the literary devices you’ve learned so far.  When your article tastes less mellow than vanilla, it is okay, so encourage yourself to do better tomorrow. 

Having said this, never be afraid to step off the ledge and experiment while you make mistakes that you will learn to correct.

7. Captivate Your Readers

From the very beginning, make sure to keep your readers hooked to your work to the end. In the first place, they are reading your article out of free-will. Well, unless you hire someone to hold them at gunpoint (Worst idea ever!)

On another very minimal note, not many readers apply the “read-the-first-fifty-pages-before-judging rule.” For that reason, You’re left are left with one option - captivating the audience from the very beginning.

8. Breath Life to Your Characters

Envision this as though you are introducing two of your friends to one another – Character A and the reader. How will you create an impression without really making the description blunt and obvious?

Through dialogue! Dialogue makes the reader know about your characters through their responses, accents, verbal habits, and so on.

9. Show More Than Tell

Creative writing requires description. That is a significant point of storytelling anyway. It, however, can grow tedious to the reader when the story gets too wordy. Contradicting, right? Let us get to the bottom of it using an example:

Telling: “Agatha loved sunny days.”

Showing: “On such days, Agatha would let out her mat, to bask under the sun.”

10. Keep Polishing

Here is where the editing begins. More than just proofreading for spelling and grammatical errors, editing involves noting down what to change, what to leave out, and what to fine-tune.

This is a crucial part and will take your creative writing to the top. Therefore, don’t give in when it gets tough, especially when you’ve to get rid of some of your most favorite sections in the project.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit our assignment help site for creative writing examples. Ultimately, you’ll get an even broader perspective as you apply these tips. Additionally, our essay writing gurus are ready to assist you with your creative writing on the go, anytime you need help.

How about we apply all that we have learned in a small exercise? We are going to look at how you can write a short story using the above guidelines and tips. 

Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Common Creative Writing Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes may be expected, but that is not to mean they are unavoidable. All you have to do is recognize them and rectify them when necessary.

Here are some common mistakes to look out for:

1. Using Complicated Language

It is very tempting to want to use big words and less common descriptions to be unique, but this can hurt more than build up your work. Remember, you are writing to a vast audience, thus, make your language as simple as possible. It is equally rewarding, mainly because the reader doesn’t struggle much to understand what you are putting across.

2. Failing to Research Widely

This goes hand in hand with research. Think about it. How will you know what’s required of you if you don’t do your homework accordingly? How will you know the dos and don’ts of the type of creative writing you pick, having only a blurry understanding of it? Do you see why we need to read vastly?

This is not to mean that you read then copy, which brings us to our next point.

3. Plagiarizing your Essay

Have you ever found yourself wanting to experiment with a new flavor of ice cream? Well, vanilla is quite exceptional, and it’s familiar too. Although new flavors are refreshing, endearing, and unique, experimentation can be risky. Why not just settle on vanilla instead?

Plagiarism works in a similar way to that analogy. After your research, the ideas you may have to seem too farfetched or shallow and uncommon, and you feel like you have nothing more to offer, so the next seemingly best thing is to copy and paste works you have come across and present them as your own.

Not a good idea, this is illegal.

Besides what you have in your mind, nothing is considered new under the sun. Let the world savor it.

4. Using Another Person’s Writing Voice

This can happen to you subconsciously. Have you ever noticed how, after watching a movie by one of your favorite actors, their accent is left lingering in your mind? The same thing can happen when reading other people’s works. Sometimes, because of how captivating their writing voice is, you desire your writing to sound the same, especially if this particular person is your favorite author.

Regardless of how good their writing voice is, yours is equally as good. Perhaps even better. You wouldn’t want to become a creative writer bestseller with a footnote that reads, ‘sounds like so and so’ would you?

Need Homework Help with Creative Writing?

There you have it. That’s some of the best advice you can get regarding creative writing. Wait. Did you enjoy our creative writing exercises? Also, do the creative writing prompts in our resource center resemble anything you’ve come across?

We know that creative writing can be a pain, especially if you haven’t learned the various creative writing techniques, including literary devices. However, this is what our essay writing service specializes in. As such, we can help you with any of your creative writing needs anytime.

Order your custom essay now, and we’ll deliver it to your mail in just a few hours!