The art and craft of creative writing

Outside of business writing and hard journalism lies a world of creative writing. Whether you’re new to the craft, a nonfiction writer looking to experiment, or a casual creative writer, honing your creative writing skills is key to your success.

The art and craft of creative writing

This informal CPD article aims to offer practical advice on what is creative writing, when you might use creative writing skills, what can creative writing lead to, as well as hints and tips for writing creatively.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic or academic forms of literature. Instead, it encompasses a number of different genres and styles across a whole range of fields. Though the definition can sometimes be vague, creative writing can be considered as any type of writing that is original and expressive.

When you might use creative writing skills

Generally, the purpose of creative writing is to produce something which is entertaining, engaging and even personal. Many writers use creative writing as a way of expressing their feelings and thoughts.

We have listed some examples of what typically uses creative writing:

• Poetry
• Plays
• Movie and television scripts
• Fiction (novels, novellas, and short stories)
• Songs
• Speeches
• Memoirs
• Personal essays

Creative writing is used in a vast array of creative avenues that we come across day to day. It is something that is often overlooked, but that definitely doesn’t take away from its importance in society.

What can creative writing lead to?

Getting into the art and craft of creative writing doesn’t have to necessarily be for any purpose other than your own enjoyment. Many people enjoy honing their creative writing skills as a hobby and use it as something to do in their free time. 

However, getting well versed at creative writing does open quite a few doors in regards to your professional career path. As a creative writing graduate you could work to establish yourself as a writer on a self-employed basis, writing your own works which could be published, or writing for others in a freelance capacity.

You could also find opportunities with a range of employers, such as:

• Media organisations
• General businesses - in an administrative or general management position
• Advertising, marketing and public relations agencies, particularly in a copywriting capacity
• Publishing houses or editorial/technical writing service companies
• Primary, secondary, further and higher education institutions
• National government, library or charitable organisations

Whatever you’re hoping to achieve by getting into creative writing, the skills that you learn while doing so are incredibly valuable within modern day job roles.

Hints and tips for writing creatively

If you’re looking to get those creative juices flowing and improve the way you write, we have listed some hints and tips for writing creatively below:

1. Have a point of view - Use your own voice or viewpoint to tell a story that resonates with your audience and helps to connect with them.
2. Read often -  You need to have references to get the hang of writing creatively, and if you aren’t reading often then you’ll find it harder to identify where your interests lie.
3. Know your audience - There is rarely a piece of writing that appeals to all demographics, knowing your audience can help you narrow its tone and scope so that it appeals to your target audience.
4. Keep practising writing - Make the most of the random ideas that pop into your head. Bad ideas can often inspire good ones, and you need to write them down to make use of them. Keep a notepad or download a notes app for an effective way to take note of your ideas.
5. Embrace rewriting - Don’t be afraid to strip away the fluff or eliminate what doesn’t work, a writer rarely ever gets it right in the first draft. Often, only through rewriting will you be able to craft a version that works best.
6. Try a writing course/workshop - Immerse yourself in a writing class that will expose you to a community of writers. They can all aid you in your creative writing process by offering feedback and constructive criticism on certain elements of your writing.

Where to find creative writing and other CPD courses

If you are looking for learning opportunities relevant to your Continuing Professional Development, please have a look through the thousands of training courses, workshops, seminars and events available in the CPD Courses Catalogue. 

All the courses shown on our website have been reviewed and recognised as suitable for any professional development requirements. If you would like to find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our catalogue, you can click on each course and there is an enquiry form that will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

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