different techniques used in creative writing

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11 Creative Writing Techniques

Learn how to add pizzazz to any type of writing.

The articles below show you how to use creative writing tools in fiction or non-fiction. Each article features a series of examples so it becomes easier to apply the technique.

List of creative writing techniques

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Personification

Show don’t tell

Repetition in writing

Contrast in writing

The rule of three in writing

Parallelism

1. Metaphors

Learn how to use metaphors and get inspired by these examples …

Learn how to use metaphors >>

Metaphor examples >>

Get inspired by over 10 simile examples by various authors …

Simile examples >>

3. Analogies

Get inspired by these analogy examples …

Analogy examples >>

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Get inspired by these imagery examples …

Imagery examples >>

5. Personification

Learn how to use personification to make your writing sparkle …

Personification examples >>

6. Show don’t tell

Get inspired by these examples of “show, don’t tell” …

Show don’t tell examples >>

7. Repetition in writing

Get inspired by these examples of word repetition …

Examples of repetition in writing >>

8. Contrast in writing

Discover how to use contrast in your writing …

Examples of contrast in writing >>

9. The rule of 3 in writing

Get inspired by these examples of the rule of 3 …

The rule of 3 in writing >>

10. Parallelism in writing

Get inspired by these examples of the parallelism …

Parallelism examples >>

11. Switch the point of view (POV)

Discover how to switch the point of view …

Point of view examples >>

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Creative writing examples

Learn how to inject creativity in any writing.

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8 Creative Writing Tips and Techniques

Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

What is creative writing, forms of creative writing, top 8 creative writing tips, how to get better at creative writing.

Creative writing transcends the realms of technical, business, and academic writing and focuses on elements such as plot, creative development, and narrative structure.

There’s no set formula for creative writing , but there are ways you can improve your writing technique.

If you want to learn more about creative writing , keep reading as we discuss what creative writing is, its various forms, and tips on how to get started.

Creative writing is a style of writing that is focused on expressing the writer’s imagination and creativity.

Creative writing often involves the creation of fictional or nonfictional works that go beyond the formal, professional, and traditional styles of writing. This type of writing allows writers to express themselves in a more personal and original way.

What Do You Do in Creative Writing? 

Creative writing gives writers the opportunity to be original and express themselves. It involves the use of literary techniques and devices to tell a story or to paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

There are many different forms of creative writing, such as novels, poems, screenplays, and even songs.

The main goal of creative writing is to entertain, inspire, or convey an idea or message to the reader. It is a form of self-expression that allows the writer to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

It can also be a way for writers to explore new ideas, to entertain and inspire readers, and to share their perspectives and experiences with others. 

Ultimately, the purpose of creative writing is to connect with the reader on a deep level and to leave a lasting impression.

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Creative writing is an expressive form of writing that takes many forms and styles. Let’s look at a few examples of creative writing forms.

Fiction Writing

Fiction involves the creation of imaginary characters, settings, and plots. You can write fiction in many different genres, such as mystery, romance, fantasy, and more.

You can also write fiction in any length you want. For example, flash fiction is shorter than 1,000 words, while the average novel is around 90,000 words.

Poetry is a type of creative writing that uses expressive language. Poets use techniques such as rhyme, meter, and figurative language to create meaning and convey emotions and ideas.

Poems come in many different forms. You can try writing a haiku, a sonnet, a free-verse poem, or any other poetic structure that appeals to you.

Screenplays

A screenplay tells a story through the medium of film or television. It includes descriptions of characters, settings, and actions, as well as dialogue and stage directions.

A play is meant to be performed on stage. It includes dialogue, stage directions, and descriptions of characters and settings. Plays can be a powerful way to engage the audience’s emotions and imagination to convey complex themes.

Songs are a musical expression of creative writing . Songs can be written in a variety of genres, such as pop, rock, folk, hip-hop, and more. They can be written to express a wide range of emotions and ideas, from love and heartbreak to social and political issues.

Graphic novels

A graphic novel is a type of creative writing that combines text and illustrations to tell a story. It can be a work of fiction or nonfiction and can be written in a variety of genres.

Nonfiction Writing

Creative writing is typically associated with fiction, but there are nonfiction works that fall under the creative categories, too. These nonfiction works deal with real events, people, and ideas. Creative nonfiction can take the form of personal essays, memoirs, biographies, or even news articles.

There’s no scientific formula for creative writing . It all comes down to your own self-expression and the limitlessness of your imagination. However, there are a few creative writing techniques you can use in your next writing.

Here are eight ways you can improve your creative writing skills.

1. Find Inspiration

The first step for any creative writing project is to find your inspiration. This can come from a variety of sources, such as your own life experiences, your interests and passions, or even something as simple as a newspaper article or a conversation with a friend.

Take some time to think about what inspires you, and use that as the foundation for your writing.

2. Read Widely

To be a good creative writer, you need to be a good reader. Reading widely exposes you to different styles, genres, and techniques, and it can help you develop your own voice as a writer.

You’ll get to learn from a variety of authors, and you may discover new ways of structuring a story, creating compelling characters, or using language in a way that resonates with readers.

So read widely, and don’t be afraid to try out new genres or authors.

3. Try Freewriting

Freewriting is a writing exercise in which the writer allows their thoughts and inspiration to flow onto the page without any prescribed structure or editorial oversight.

It involves letting the mind wander and following the impulses of your subconscious, allowing you to tap into your creativity and explore new ideas.

While the first time you try freewriting you may end up with mostly unusable material, with practice, it can help you refine your writing style and unleash your creativity.

4. Write Often

The more you write, the better you’ll be. By writing every day, you’ll develop a habit that will make it easier to sit down and write even when you don’t want to.

Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, use that time to jot down some ideas or work on a scene. 

5. Use Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques writers use to add depth, interest, and emotion to their writing. By using these devices, you can create vivid imagery, convey complex ideas, and engage the reader’s emotions in a way that goes beyond simple storytelling.

For example, you can use descriptive language to paint a picture of a character’s appearance, which allows readers to feel like they are truly immersed in the story. Other literary devices include symbols, allegory, emotional language, metaphors, and similes.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, incorporating these techniques into your writing can help you craft more compelling and engaging stories.

6. Get Feedback

Getting feedback from other people helps you improve your creative writing skills.

Sometimes it feels intimidating to share your work, especially when you’re new to creative writing, but it’s a crucial step to help you progress.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your work and tell you what they think. Alternatively, you can attend a workshop for writers, where you can get more targeted feedback.

You can also join writing communities to meet like-minded creative writers. Spaces such as ProWritingAid’s Community allow writers to come together and support each other in their writing journey. You’ll get access to feedback and constructive criticism on different aspects of your writing, such as plot, character development, setting, and language use.

7. Edit Your Work

The editing process is an essential part of creative writing . Once you’ve finished your first draft, it’s important to continue making changes to your work, whether it’s cutting unnecessary words, reworking a scene, or adding details.

Many successful creative writers suggest editing after you’ve finished writing so it doesn’t interrupt your creative flow.

Editing can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it to produce the best work possible. You can use an editing software like ProWritingAid to show you where you can improve your writing.

ProWritingAid goes beyond just correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues by also showing you style improvement suggestions. Plus, if you’re looking to improve your creative writing skills, you can use ProWritingAid to compare your work to your favorite authors.

8. Have Fun

Creative writing is all about originality and self-expression, so above all, have fun with your writing. It’s easy to get bogged down in the details and to take things too seriously, but it’s important to remember that writing is supposed to be enjoyable. 

So relax, let your creativity flow, and have fun with it.

Creative writing is a form of self-expression that allows you to use your imagination and creativity to share your ideas and thoughts in a unique way.

Venturing into creative writing can be intimidating at first, but remember that you’ll get better with practice.

Take time to read widely, try writing exercises, and gather feedback on your work. Don’t be afraid to join creative writing communities so you can access support in your writing journey. 

And above all, remember: there’s no limit to your creativity. 

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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The Complete Guide to Creative Writing: Master Storytelling, Craft Characters, and Unleash Your Creativity

Ever dreamed of crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to new worlds and stay with them long after the final page?

Do you yearn to breathe life into unforgettable characters and weave intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats? If so, then unlock your inner storyteller with this comprehensive guide to mastering the art of creative writing!

Whether you’re a budding author seeking to lay the groundwork for your first novel or a seasoned writer looking to refine your craft, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to take your storytelling to the next level.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Engage in creative writing exercises to enhance imagination and writing skills
• Develop well-defined characters with authentic personas and meaningful relationships
• To bring the setting to life and set the mood, use specific descriptions and sensory details
• Craft compelling dialogue to reveal subtext, create tension, and develop memorable characters

Understanding the Basics of Creative Writing

To be a successful writer, you need to understand the basics of creative writing. You can improve your imagination and writing skills by doing creative writing exercises .

Try exercises like giving colors personalities or imagining superpowers to boost your creativity .

To improve your writing, focus on using metaphors and literary devices to make it better.

Finding inspiration in everyday life is also crucial for creative writing. To be more creative, you can ask questions and analyze writing . You can also use personal journals to connect with your emotions and experiences .

When you write about things you love, like food or travel, it adds passion and authenticity to your work.

Reading like a writer is important for creative writing. It helps you learn different writing styles, vocabulary, and storytelling.

Elements of Creative Writing

Explore the vibrant characters that bring your creative writing to life. In any story, characters are important. It’s essential to develop them in a captivating way for readers.

Creative writing prompts can help you create characters with interesting traits and quirks.

You can test your characters and their growth by creating various storylines.

Using symbolism in stories adds depth and meaning, helping readers comprehend the work.

Use methods to describe settings and characters in a way that makes them come alive. This will immerse readers in your world.

Research is important in creative writing . It makes your story authentic and credible.

When you include these elements, your writing will be memorable and stand out to readers.

The Art of Character Development

Bring your creations to life with skillful character development. Exploring your characters intricately leads to captivating narratives for your readers.

Here are some key elements to consider when developing your characters:

• Character motivations : Understanding what drives your characters will help you create authentic and relatable personas. Explore their desires, fears, and goals to add depth to their actions and decisions.
• Character arcs : Crafting a well-defined character arc allows your characters to grow and change throughout the story. Consider their starting point, the challenges they face, and how they evolve as a result.
• Character relationships : The dynamics between characters can add richness to your storytelling. Develop meaningful connections, whether they be friendships, rivalries, or romances, that contribute to the overall narrative.
• Character flaws : Imperfections make characters more realistic and relatable. Give your characters flaws that they must grapple with, allowing for personal growth and conflict within the story.
• Character descriptions : Paint a vivid picture of your characters through detailed descriptions. From physical appearances to unique personality traits, these details help readers visualize and connect with your characters.

The Importance of Setting in Creative Writing

Setting is more than just a backdrop; it can be a character in itself. Through thoughtful setting selection and description, you can set the desired tone and atmosphere for your story, be it a murder mystery or tranquility.

The setting enhances your writing’s mood. Whether it’s a dark and foreboding forest or a bright and bustling city, the ambiance of the setting can evoke specific emotions in your readers.

The setting defines both time and place in your story. Specific details like architecture and clothing styles transport readers to different eras and locations.

Techniques for describing the setting include using sensory details, such as sights, sounds, and smells, to paint a vivid picture in your readers’ minds. Using figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, can help create a stronger and more evocative image of the setting.

Crafting Compelling Dialogue

You can create compelling dialogue by using a personal pronoun and a coordinating conjunction. Develop authentic characters by giving each one a unique voice and speech pattern. This will establish their personality and make their dialogue more natural.

Craft compelling conflict by using dialogue to reveal subtext and create tension between characters. Show what’s left unsaid, and build scenes that leave the reader wanting resolution.

Use dialogue to establish unique voices and reflect each character’s personality. This will make them more memorable and relatable.

Remember that dialogue should always move the story forward , reveal character information, and help the reader understand the relationships between characters.

The Role of Conflict in Storytelling

The conflict plays a crucial role in storytelling, shaping the narrative and creating tension for the reader.

There are various types of conflicts in storytelling, such as internal conflicts within a character or external conflicts between characters or with their surroundings.

These conflicts are essential because they contribute to the character’s development by challenging their beliefs, values, and motivations.

Conflict also drives the plot in storytelling, as it presents obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome.

Resolving conflicts in creative writing is important because it allows for character growth and resolution of the story’s central conflict.

To create realistic conflicts, writers must consider the characters’ goals, desires, and fears, ensuring that the conflicts are relatable and believable.

Mastering Show, Don’t Tell

To master creative writing, grasp and apply the ‘show, don’t tell’ rule . By utilizing effective storytelling techniques , you can engage the reader and create immersive experiences that enhance narrative depth.

Showing instead of telling allows you to develop nuanced characters, giving them life and depth through their actions and dialogue. It paints a vivid picture, immersing readers in the story alongside the characters.

By using sensory details and descriptive language, you can transport the reader into the world you’ve created, making the story come alive in their minds.

Creative Writing Styles Examples

Crafting compelling characters and employing various literary devices are crucial components of creative writing styles and techniques.

To enhance your creative writing skills, there are several methods you can explore:

• Descriptive Writing: This style focuses on vividly describing people, places, or things, allowing the reader to visualize the scene without effort.
• Narrative Writing: In this style, writers tell a story, usually in a chronological order, creating engaging plots and characters.
• Poetry: A creative style that uses rhythm, rhyme, and metaphor to convey emotions, ideas, or stories in a condensed and artistic form.
• Expository Writing: This style aims to inform and explain, often found in essays, articles, and non-fiction books, presenting facts and information clearly.
• Dialogue Writing: Writers use this style to bring conversations to life, capturing the voices and interactions of characters in a story.

Writing exercises enhance storytelling skills. Experiment with different techniques, such as stream of consciousness or nonlinear narratives, to add freshness and creativity to your writing.

Understanding story structures , such as the hero’s journey or the three-act structure, can provide a framework for your story and keep readers engaged. Exploring character archetypes can help you create well-rounded and relatable characters.

Lastly, incorporating symbolism in storytelling can add depth and layers of meaning to your work. These techniques elevate your writing and captivate readers.

The Process of Plot Development

Developing a solid plot for your story requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the narrative structure. To truly captivate your audience, consider the following:

• Developing Conflict : Introduce opposing forces or goals that create tension and drive the story forward. Explore internal conflicts within your characters, adding depth to their journey.
• Creating Suspense : Strategically reveal information to keep the reader guessing and engaged. Utilize cliffhangers and foreshadowing to maintain a sense of anticipation.
• Plot Twists : Surprise your readers with unexpected turns that challenge their assumptions. Ensure that plot twists are believable and enhance the overall story.
• Character Arcs : Develop multidimensional characters who undergo personal growth and transformation. Show how their experiences and actions shape their journey throughout the plot.

Techniques for Creating Suspense and Tension

Foreshadowing and cliffhangers create suspense, keeping readers engaged and on edge.

One technique for building anticipation is creating conflict within your story. Introduce opposing goals or conflicting characters that will keep the protagonist’s desires from being easily achieved.

Another technique is manipulating pacing. Alternate between fast-paced and slower-paced chapters to keep the tension mounting.

Craft immersive experiences for your readers by engaging all their senses and creating a vivid world they can get lost in.

Use language strategically to convey the desired tone and atmosphere. Choose words that evoke emotion and heighten tension in your writing.

The Power of Perspective in Creative Writing

When writing creatively, you can explore the power of perspective by viewing the world through multiple lenses and weaving together different narratives.

• Narrative perspective: The way a story is told can greatly impact the reader’s experience. By experimenting with different narrative perspectives, such as first-person, second-person, and third-person, you can shape the reader’s perception of the events and characters in your story.
• Shifting viewpoints: Switching between different characters’ perspectives allows you to delve into their unique thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This adds depth to your story and helps the reader develop a more comprehensive understanding of the narrative.
• Character perception: Each character in your story will have their own perception of the world around them. Exploring how different characters interpret events and interact with each other can create rich and dynamic relationships within your story.
• Emotional interpretation: Perspective plays a crucial role in how emotions are conveyed in your writing. By adopting different viewpoints, you can explore how emotions are experienced and expressed by different characters, adding complexity and authenticity to your story.
• Reader engagement: The power of perspective lies in its ability to engage and captivate readers. By offering diverse viewpoints and allowing readers to see the world through different eyes, you can create a more immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.

Exploring Different Genres in Creative Writing

How can you effectively explore different genres in your creative writing? To expand your repertoire, consider delving into genre exploration. For instance, historical fiction allows you to transport readers to different time periods, bringing history to life through compelling characters and narratives.

Engaging in writing exercises like flash fiction can help you develop concise storytelling skills while experimenting with different themes and genres. Using creative writing prompts, such as fantasy worldbuilding, can spark your imagination and enable you to construct intricate and immersive fictional worlds.

If you’re interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche, try your hand at character analysis in a psychological thriller.

Don’t shy away from craft techniques like experimental poetry, where you can push the boundaries of language and form to create unique and thought-provoking pieces.

Utilizing Imagery and Symbolism

Immerse readers in powerful imagery to enhance the symbolism in your writing. Use descriptive language for an immersive experience.

Experiment with symbolism analysis by incorporating symbolic elements that represent deeper meanings or themes in your writing. Engage in creative writing exercises that challenge you to incorporate symbolism and imagery in unique and thought-provoking ways.

Expand your repertoire of literary tools by using metaphorical expressions that add layers of meaning to your writing.

Remember to write with sensory details, appealing to your readers’ senses and making your writing come alive in their minds.

Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

When you find yourself stuck, creative prompts can serve as a catalyst to generate ideas and inspiration.

Overcoming perfectionism is crucial; allow yourself to write freely and without judgment.

Sometimes, changing environments can provide a fresh perspective and stimulate your creativity.

Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you relax and focus your mind.

Seeking feedback and collaboration can also be beneficial; join writing groups or share your work with trusted individuals for constructive criticism and support.

Revision Editing and Proofreading Techniques for Creative Writing

To improve your creative writing, start by revising, editing, and proofreading your work using various techniques. Here are some revision and editing strategies to enhance your writing:

• Experiment with different revision techniques to refine your work and make it stronger.
• Try reading your work aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or errors.
• Use the ‘cut and paste’ method to rearrange scenes or paragraphs for better flow.
• Take a break from your manuscript and come back to it with fresh eyes.
• Seek collaborative feedback to gain different perspectives and improve your writing.
• Join writing groups or workshops to receive constructive criticism and suggestions.
• Work with skilled editors or writing coaches who can provide valuable insights.
• Value the importance of collaboration in refining and perfecting your work.
• Develop a distinctive voice to captivate readers and create a memorable reading experience.
• Ensure your characters’ voices reflect their background, beliefs, and values.
• Pay attention to word choice and language to create a unique and engaging voice.
• Aim for an emotional and storytelling drive in your writing.

The Role of Feedback in Creative Writing

Feedback techniques play a crucial role in honing your writing abilities. When giving constructive criticism, focus on providing specific, actionable suggestions aligned with the writer’s goals.

It does not tell the recipient ‘you are bad’ or ‘I am better’. Rather, it is driven by an ethos of ‘let’s make this stronger, together’. https://www.nownovel.com/blog/constructive-writing-feedback/

Start with positive elements before addressing areas that need improvement.

By incorporating the peer review process, you can receive valuable insights from fellow writers. Receiving feedback gracefully is essential.

Assess the tone of the feedback, ignore mean-spirited comments, and detach yourself from the feedback by pretending it’s for another author. Look for supporting statements and examples that can help you grow as a writer.

Clearly state the type of feedback you’re seeking upfront and disregard feedback that doesn’t align with your specific needs.

Incorporating feedback effectively is the key to enhancing your creative writing skills.

Understanding the Publishing Process

Understanding the publishing process is vital. Here are key points to consider:

• The publishing industry in the digital age : The rise of digital platforms has changed the way books are published and consumed. E-books and self-publishing have gained popularity, offering authors more control over their work. Traditional publishing still has its advantages, such as wider distribution and professional editing.
• The role of literary agents in the publishing process : Literary agents act as intermediaries between authors and publishers, helping authors find the right publishing opportunities. They negotiate contracts, provide editorial guidance, and help build the author’s career.
• Challenges faced by first-time authors in getting published : Competition is fierce, and publishers receive countless submissions. Building a strong author platform and networking can increase chances of getting noticed. Rejection is common, but persistence is key.
• The future of book publishing in a changing market : Technology will continue to shape the industry, with the rise of audiobooks and immersive reading experiences. Self-publishing will continue to grow, giving authors more opportunities to get their work out there. Adapting to changing reader preferences and embracing new technologies will be crucial for success.

The Impact of Digital Media on Creative Writing

While digital media has transformed the landscape of creative writing, it has also presented new opportunities and challenges for writers like you.

One major impact is the emergence of online communities, where writers can connect, share ideas, and receive feedback on their work. These communities provide a supportive environment for writers to grow and improve their craft.

Interactive storytelling has become more prevalent , allowing readers to actively engage with the narrative and shape the outcome. Digital storytelling platforms have also revolutionized the way stories are told, with multimedia elements enhancing the reader’s experience.

Writing in the digital age has opened up online publishing opportunities, giving writers the chance to reach a global audience and showcase their work in new and exciting ways.

Exploring Careers in Creative Writing

If you’re passionate about creative writing, there are various career paths you can explore. Here are some options to consider:

• Fiction Writer : Understanding the basics of storytelling, character development, and the importance of setting. Crafting compelling dialogue and narrative arcs to engage readers.
• Screenwriter : Learning the art of visual storytelling and scriptwriting. Developing strong characters and creating captivating dialogue for film or television.
• Playwright : Mastering the techniques of dramatic writing and stagecraft. Creating dialogue that brings characters to life on the stage.

Exploring these careers in creative writing will allow you to express your creativity, engage with audiences, and bring your stories to life in various mediums.

Books for Improving Your Creative Writing Skills

Check out these recommended books that cover a wide range of topics to help you become a better writer.

Whether you want to understand character development, craft compelling dialogue, explore different genres, overcome writer’s block, or learn effective revision techniques, these books have got you covered.

These books offer valuable insights, practical tips, and techniques to help you improve your creative writing skills. So, whether you’re struggling with character development, dialogue, finding your writing style, or just need some inspiration, pick up one of these books and take your writing to the next level. Don’t let writer’s block hold you back—unlock your creativity and unleash your potential with these essential resources.

Further reading

Once you have finished reading the recommended books, you can delve deeper into the world of creative writing with these additional resources.

Here are some further resources to help you enhance your writing skills:

• Online writing communities : Joining online writing communities can provide you with valuable feedback, support, and inspiration from fellow writers.
• Creative writing workshops : Participating in creative writing workshops can help you refine your craft, learn new techniques, and receive expert guidance.
• Writing prompts : Utilize writing prompts to spark your creativity and challenge yourself to write in different styles and genres.

These resources won’t only expand your knowledge of creative writing but also provide you with opportunities to connect with other writers and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.

Keep exploring and honing your skills to become the best writer you can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i find inspiration for my creative writing.

Try unconventional sources like nature or everyday objects. Use visual prompts to spark your imagination. Draw inspiration from your travel experiences, music, and childhood memories.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid in Creative Writing?

When writing creatively, be mindful of common misconceptions, such as overusing cliches. Don’t neglect character development, maintain consistent pacing, and execute dialogue effectively. Avoid these mistakes to enhance your creative writing skills.

How Do I Develop a Unique Writing Style?

To develop a unique writing style, experiment with structure, explore different genres, embrace personal experiences, incorporate vivid imagery, and balance dialogue and narrative. These techniques will help you to stand out and create a distinct voice in your writing.

What Are Some Effective Strategies for Self-Editing and Revising My Work?

To effectively self-edit and revise your work , use proofreading techniques, seek peer feedback, utilize grammar checkers, follow an editing checklist, and employ revision strategies. These methods will help refine and improve your writing.

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Eduardo Carvalho

Eduardo has been teaching creative writing since 2020 at a Brazilian publishing house and created the Driven Writer website to help more people with writing tips. He has written the novel Over the river with a releasing date somewhere in 2024.

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Related articles, 5 tips for crafting sensory imagery in creative writing, other stories, 8 creative writing exercises to conquer writer’s block and write captivating stories, how to polish your prose.

Elements of Creative Writing

J.D. Schraffenberger, University of Northern Iowa

Rachel Morgan, University of Northern Iowa

Grant Tracey, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright Year: 2023

ISBN 13: 9780915996179

Publisher: University of Northern Iowa

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Robert Moreira, Lecturer III, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 3/21/24

Unlike Starkey's CREATIVE WRITING: FOUR GENRES IN BRIEF, this textbook does not include a section on drama. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Unlike Starkey's CREATIVE WRITING: FOUR GENRES IN BRIEF, this textbook does not include a section on drama.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

As far as I can tell, content is accurate, error free and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book is relevant and up-to-date.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clear and easy to understand.

Consistency rating: 5

I would agree that the text is consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 5

Text is modular, yes, but I would like to see the addition of a section on dramatic writing.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Topics are presented in logical, clear fashion.

Interface rating: 5

Navigation is good.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical issues that I could see.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

I'd like to see more diverse creative writing examples.

As I stated above, textbook is good except that it does not include a section on dramatic writing.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter One: One Great Way to Write a Short Story
• Chapter Two: Plotting
• Chapter Three: Counterpointed Plotting
• Chapter Four: Show and Tell
• Chapter Five: Characterization and Method Writing
• Chapter Six: Character and Dialouge
• Chapter Seven: Setting, Stillness, and Voice
• Chapter Eight: Point of View
• Chapter Nine: Learning the Unwritten Rules
• Chapter One: A Poetry State of Mind
• Chapter Two: The Architecture of a Poem
• Chapter Three: Sound
• Chapter Four: Inspiration and Risk
• Chapter Five: Endings and Beginnings
• Chapter Six: Figurative Language
• Chapter Seven: Forms, Forms, Forms
• Chapter Eight: Go to the Image
• Chapter Nine: The Difficult Simplicity of Short Poems and Killing Darlings

Creative Nonfiction

• Chapter One: Creative Nonfiction and the Essay
• Chapter Two: Truth and Memory, Truth in Memory
• Chapter Three: Research and History
• Chapter Four: Writing Environments
• Chapter Five: Notes on Style
• Chapter Seven: Imagery and the Senses
• Chapter Eight: Writing the Body
• Chapter Nine: Forms

Back Matter

• Contributors
• North American Review Staff

Ancillary Material

• University of Northern Iowa

About the Book

This free and open access textbook introduces new writers to some basic elements of the craft of creative writing in the genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The authors—Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Grant Tracey—are editors of the North American Review, the oldest and one of the most well-regarded literary magazines in the United States. They’ve selected nearly all of the readings and examples (more than 60) from writing that has appeared in NAR pages over the years. Because they had a hand in publishing these pieces originally, their perspective as editors permeates this book. As such, they hope that even seasoned writers might gain insight into the aesthetics of the magazine as they analyze and discuss some reasons this work is so remarkable—and therefore teachable. This project was supported by NAR staff and funded via the UNI Textbook Equity Mini-Grant Program.

About the Contributors

J.D. Schraffenberger  is a professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of two books of poems,  Saint Joe's Passion  and  The Waxen Poor , and co-author with Martín Espada and Lauren Schmidt of  The Necessary Poetics of Atheism . His other work has appeared in  Best of Brevity ,  Best Creative Nonfiction ,  Notre Dame Review ,  Poetry East ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Rachel Morgan   is an instructor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. She is the author of the chapbook  Honey & Blood , Blood & Honey . Her work is included in the anthology  Fracture: Essays, Poems, and Stories on Fracking in American  and has appeared in the  Journal of American Medical Association ,  Boulevard ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Grant Tracey   author of three novels in the Hayden Fuller Mysteries ; the chapbook  Winsome  featuring cab driver Eddie Sands; and the story collection  Final Stanzas , is fiction editor of the  North American Review  and an English professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where he teaches film, modern drama, and creative writing. Nominated four times for a Pushcart Prize, he has published nearly fifty short stories and three previous collections. He has acted in over forty community theater productions and has published critical work on Samuel Fuller and James Cagney. He lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Oct 26, 2021

5 Writing Techniques Every Writer Should Try on for Size

Looking for some fresh writing techniques to build your skills or help you push through writer’s block ? Here are 5 techniques that you can apply to any piece of fiction you’re working on. Why not try them on for size and see which ones fit!

1. Keeping the narrative grounded in action

When we think of ‘good writing,’ many of us imagine florid prose that lifts the soul and rises to the level of poetry. But, while we all love a stunning turn of phrase, this approach often leads to writing that isn’t anchored in the moment — that feels baggy, slow, and directionless. To keep your writing engaging and immediate, bear these two basic writing rules in mind.

Show, Don’t Tell

Whenever you feel the urge to describe something, find a way to do this through action. For example, if you were describing a character’s clothes, you could write:

Norah was cold. She wore an ankle-length fur coat with three golden buttons.

However, taking these two sentences to describe Norah’s coat creates five seconds during which the reader is taken out of the narrative. Instead, you could keep the action going by using the show, don’t tell technique :

Norah shivered. As she strode across the Stortorvet , she pulled up the collar of her floor-length fur coat, scrabbling to fasten its three shining gold buttons.

In this second version, we get the same information but, instead of a static mental image of a coat, we can also see the action of the scene. By turning your descriptions into actions, you can help keep the story moving. After all, when people read your book, they should be thinking what happens next?, not I wonder what this looks like.

FREE COURSE

Show, Don't Tell

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Avoid passive voice, embrace active voice

The best way to describe passive and active voice is with a couple of examples:

Passive: I was hurt by his comments. Active: His comments hurt me. Passive: The boy scouts were inspired by the astronaut’s bravery Active: The astronaut’s bravery inspired the boy scouts.

Writing in passive voice is often baggier: you use more words to express the same idea. It’s not particularly efficient. Not only that, passive voice also creates an awkward sense of distance between the characters involved in an action and the action itself. As ‘good practice’, aim to write actively for extra impact and engagement.

🚨 For more on this topic, check out our post on passive vs active voice . 🚨

2. Activating the senses

One writing technique that can breathe new life into your work is focusing on the oft-neglected senses. Readers are used to knowing how things look and sound (“he had dark, beady eyes like a hawk; his voice was deep and peppy like a tuba in an oompah band”) but you can often add greater dimension to your writing by evoking smells, tastes, and tactile sensations.

We rarely mention how something smells unless it’s exceptionally pleasant or foul — but our noses can remember things our eyes have long forgotten. In writing, a carefully invoked smell can summon a reader’s own sense-memory: the smell of freshly buttered popcorn can take you to the lobby of a movie theater; a whiff of bodily fluids masked by disinfectant can transport you to a hospital.

Example: Perfume by Patrick Suskind

In the period of which we speak, there reigned in the cities a stench barely conceivable to us modern men and women. The streets stank of manure, the courtyards of urine, the stairwells stank of moldering wood and rat droppings, the kitchens of spoiled cabbage and mutton fat; the unaired parlors stank of stale dust, the bedrooms of greasy sheets, damp featherbeds, and the pungently sweet aroma of chamber pots. 

Like smell, tastes can have the effect of transporting the reader. Famously, in Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past, our narrator savors a freshly baked madeleine that unlocks a trove of childhood memories. In much the same way, you can tap into your reader’s shared experience of taste — both delicious and repulsive — to evoke a sensory response that draws them into your character’s headspace.

Example: Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

“Wow,” I said. And I meant it. I had never thought of a tomato as a fruit — the ones I had known were mostly white in the center and rock hard. But this was so luscious, so tart I thought it victorious. So — some tomatoes tasted like water, and some tasted like summer lightning.”

Tactile Imagery

Writing using the sense of touch is about much more than describing the feeling of sand through your fingers or a silk scarf on your shoulders. Though textures are crucial to building a full descriptive picture, touch also encompasses sensations we usually think of as beneath the skin, like sweltering in the heat, prickling with fear, or writhing in agony. Get it right, and tactile imagery can move readers to have a physical experience that’s completely immersive. 

Example: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

“When the heat was unbearable I took a bucket and poured sea water on myself; sometimes the water was so warm it felt like syrup.”

3. Choosing a unique viewpoint

The underlying action of any scene can be presented in countless ways, depending on who’s observing it. Suppose in your story a doctor is examining their patient. First, let’s describe it from the doctor’s point of view:

Dr Hartmann slid the stethoscope across Ronny’s chest — a safecracker listening for one of a thousand possible clues that would unlock her patient’s condition. 

And once again from the patient’s perspective:

Ronny winced as the cold steel of the stethoscope ran over his sternum. The doctor’s head was cocked at an angle, eyes vacantly fixed in the middle distance.

In both versions, the action of the scene is identical, but the reader’s impression of the doctor completely changes depending on the viewpoint. In the first, the doctor is a cool professional; in the second, they’re inscrutable — a dispassionate mechanic going through the motions.

Before you draft any book, chapter, or scene, you should always ask yourself, whose story is this, and whose eyes should we see it through? In most modern narratives, the viewpoint character and the protagonist are one and the same — but there are plenty of great reasons to choose another viewpoint character (whether that’s for a single chapter or the entire book).

🚨 Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide to point of view ! 🚨

Lend your protagonist an air of mystery

Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is famously told from the POV of Nick Carraway, who recollects the summer he moved to New York and befriended Jay Gatsby. A mysterious millionaire on the Long Island social scene, Gatsby’s secrets and intentions are gradually revealed to the reader as Nick tells his friend’s story.

For the most part incidental to the events of the novel, Nick is an outsider and a voyeur — yet, as a character himself, his bias filters and colors our perception of the other characters and their actions. Knowing this, the reader never truly feels that they understand Gatsby. This lends an air of mystery to the protagonist and throws a dark veil over the narrative — one which would dissolve if Gatsby himself were the POV character. 

Ease your readers into a new world

Quite often, viewpoint characters are designed to be “reader proxies”: characters with whom readers will naturally identify. This can be useful if your story takes place in a setting that most people are unfamiliar with. 

For example, if your story is set in the secretive environment of a Navy submarine, you might wish to tell it from the viewpoint of a new recruit. Aligning the viewpoint character with the reader can help ease your audience into an unfamiliar world by giving you plenty of opportunities to insert exposition into your story in an engaging way, such as through dialogue or a special device like a manual. 

Throw readers in at the deep end

That said, good writing isn’t always about making things easy. Readers are pretty adept at playing catch-up, so often enjoy being plunged into a new environment rather than led from the safety of the sidelines. 

Sometimes, a viewpoint character who’s thoroughly embedded in their community or a veteran in their industry, for example, can provide an illuminating perspective — even if it means initially throwing readers in at the deep end.

What’s great about these characters is that their insight allows you to observe the shifts, nuances, and finer details of your setting. This is particularly useful when your story explores a community whose secrets are only known to insiders — like a high school or the Hollywood elite. 

Provide an illuminating point of contrast

Though Nick Carraway is an outsider in that he isn’t central to the events of the novel, he isn’t a true outsider because he doesn’t think or behave so differently from the other characters. If Fitzgerald had wanted to create an obvious contrast between the narrator and the protagonist, he might have had the mechanic George Wilson narrate The Great Gatsby — a POV that would have elicited a very different response from readers. 

For a POV character to provide a point of contrast, they don’t have to exist in an entirely separate circle. If you’re writing a historical romance set in a society governed by convention, for example, a viewpoint character who recognizes the snobbery of the company they keep (think Lizzie Bennet from Pride and Prejudice ) can prevent the reader from becoming too enmeshed in its way of thinking — adding an element of social commentary or even satire to your writing. 

4. Experimenting with different forms

Writers choose all sorts of different ways to deliver a narrative — poems, screenplays, novels, essays — but no matter what business you’re in, crossing boundaries and experimenting with the formal structure of your writing is always a great way to keep things fresh. 

Though a medium like a letter or a newspaper clipping may seem restrictive — due to the added constraints of formatting, and perhaps tone — experimenting with form is a writing technique that has the potential to unlock boundless creativity.

Epistolary narratives

In an epistolary narrative, the story is told in the form of letters. It can be written by a single character to someone whose responses aren’t heard or sent between two or more characters, whose points of view are all represented. 

The effect of an epistolary narrative is an intimate kind of voyeurism — because of the style’s inherent authenticity, we feel as though we’re peering into the personal life of the letter-writer. This brings us closer to the character and creates a sort of conspiratorial relationship. 

One classic book that does this particularly well is Dangerous Liaisons . Composed of letters passed between two former lovers, the epistolary form transforms the reader into an accomplice in their games of seduction. 

Emails and instant messaging

The way we communicate with each other is constantly changing — indeed, most of the letters we receive these days go straight in the trash. So some more recent epistolary narratives reflect this change by swapping letters out for emails. 

The email exchanges scattered throughout Sally Rooney’s novels work as letters would to bring us closer to the characters and give us insight into their relationships — we learn what they choose to share with the people in their lives, and what they don’t. 

Instant messaging can feel even more authentic to a modern audience. In the 2019 novel Queenie , the protagonist assembles a trio of friends in a group chat from which we’re given regular snippets. Not only does this form sharpen the voices of the characters, but the messages feel so familiar to the modern reader that the group dynamic is instantly credible. 

Logs and other formal documents

When experimenting with form, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. As long as it helps to tell the story, anything is valid — be it a doctor’s report, a questionnaire, an interrogation, or a ship’s log. 

You might write your whole narrative in one form, as Joyce Carol Oates does in “...& Answers”. Structured like a therapy session, Oates puts her twist on a question and answer dialogue by making it one-sided: the reader is left to speculate about what the other person in the conversation is saying.

Featuring a mix of forms in your writing can also be an interesting way to experiment. Bram Stoker’s Dracula , for example, relies on newspaper clippings, a ship's log, a medical journal, telegrams, and diary entries to build a cumulative picture of events. His use of form lends credence to an otherwise improbable story.

5. Compressing everything into a short timespan

No matter which form you choose from your arsenal, something every writer dreads is a loose and meandering middle: a narrative that loses tension. To avoid this common faux pas, heed the advice of two short fiction masters, Ernest Hemingway and Kurt Vonnegut, and restrict your narrative to as short a timeframe as possible. This gold label writing technique should help you add momentum to repetitive and rudderless work. 

Get in late, leave early

Kurt Vonnegut's golden rule of writing is that every story should start as close to the end as possible. So as not to cut out the meatiest part of the narrative, you might interpret this to mean in the middle of the action — or in medias res . By skipping over the inciting incident, and folding any necessary exposition into the rising action, you cut down your story’s timespan and keep your writing snappy. 

Another story structure that kicks off with rising action is The Fichtean Curve . This structure sees the protagonist come up against several obstacles in anticipation of the climax; exposition is seamlessly folded into the action, and everything is left unresolved until the very end — when you tie things up and make a swift exit. 

Hemingway’s iceberg theory

Writers who try to restrict their word count or timeframe will soon find that a lot of what they previously would have said upfront, now needs to be implied. The idea that the reader might have to infer some of your story’s details is exactly what Hemingway was getting at with his “Iceberg Theory” — which posits that you should only provide readers with the most essential element of your narrative.

While it’s great to know the ins and outs of your characters’ elaborate backstories, and have far-reaching plans for their futures, in this current work readers only need to know the here and now. So try to keep most of what you know about a character’s past and future to yourself, including only what’s directly relevant. By doing so, not only do you keep some plot in the bank for a sequel, you also hold the interest of your readers by drip-feeding insights. 

🚨 To learn how to turn unused plot into its own narrative, check out our post on how to write a series ! 🚨

And with that, we’re going to round off this list. Hopefully, one of those five writing techniques will help you to refresh your prose, and maybe even perfect a long-languishing piece. If all goes well, then you might end up with something you’d like to publish!

Be sure to check out our self-editing tips , then take a look at these publishing resources:

• How to publish a short story
• How to publish a book
• How to self-publish a book

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Exploring the Different Types of Creative Writing

• on Sep 26, 2022
• in Writing Tips
• Last update: November 16th, 2023

Writing comes in all forms and sizes. But in order for a work to be considered creative writing, it must come from a place of imagination and emotion. 

This is something many people pursuing a  creative writing degree online  at first struggle to get a handle on. Take for example what Franz Kafa said about creative writing, “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” 

Many authors who choose to follow Kafka’s advice—to write “mercilessly” and from the soul—find it comforting that their writing doesn’t have to conform to one style. But this variety of types and forms might leave some writers a bit confused. 

That’s why, in this article, we are going to walk you through the most popular types of creative writing, with some great examples from authors who absolutely rocked their respective forms.   

In this article:

• Creative Writing Definition
• Creative Writing Techniques
• Free Writing
• Journal Diaries
• Personal Essays
• Short Fiction
• Novels/Novellas

What Is Creative Writing?

Think of creative writing as a form of artistic expression. Authors bring this expression to life using their imagination, personal writing style, and personality.

Creative writing is also different from straightforward academic or technical writing. For instance, an economics book like Khalid Ikram’s The Political Economy of Reforms in Egypt is an academic monograph. This means that readers would rightfully expect it to contain analytic rather than creative writing.   

So what are some elements that make a written piece more creative than analytic?

Popular Techniques Used in Creative Writing

Despite the fact that creative writing can be “freer” and less traditional than academic writing, it is likely to contain one or more of the following six elements:

1. Literary Devices

Many creative writers use literary devices to convey the meaning and themes of their work. Some common literary devices are allegories , metaphors and similes , foreshadowing , and imagery . These all serve to make the writing more vivid and descriptive .

2. Narrative

Authors often use this technique to engage readers through storytelling. Narrative isn’t limited to novels and short stories; poems, autobiographies, and essays can be considered narratives if they tell a story. This can be fiction (as in novels) or nonfiction (as in memoirs and essays).

3. Point of View

All creative writing must have a point of view; that’s what makes it imaginative and original. The point of view is the perspective from which the author writes a particular piece. Depending on the type of work, the point of view can be first person, third person omniscient, third person limited , mixed (using third- and first-person writing), or—very rarely—second person.

4. Characterization

Characterization is the process by which authors bring their characters to life by assigning them physical descriptions, personality traits, points of view, background and history, and actions. Characterization is key in creative writing because it helps drive the plot forward. 

5. Dialogue

An important element used in many creative writing works is dialogue . Assigning 

dialogue to characters is a way for authors to show their characters’ different traits without explicitly listing them. 

Dialogue also immerses readers in the narrative’s action by highlighting the emotions and tensions between characters. Like characterization, it also helps drive the plot forward.  

6. Plot 

The plot is the sequence of events that make up a narrative and establish the themes and conflicts of a work . Plots will usually include an exp osi tion (the introduction), rising action (the complications), climax (the peak in action and excitement), falling action (the revelations and slowing down of events), and denouement (the conclusion). 

The Main Types of Creative Writing (With Examples)

What’s great about creative writing is that there are so many types to choose from. In this section, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of creative writing, along with some examples. 

Type 1: Free writing 

Free writing, also known as stream-of-consciousness writing, is a technique that allows words and images to spill onto the page without giving thought to logic, sequence, or grammar. Although authors often use it as an exercise to get rid of the infamous writer’s block , free writing is also useful within a larger work. 

For instance, let’s take a look at this excerpt from Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved.  

Beloved by Toni Morrison [an excerpt]

the air is heavy I am not dead I am not there is a house there is what she whispered to me I am where she told me I am not dead I sit the sun closes my eyes when I open them I see the face I lost Sethe’s is the face that left me Sethe sees me see her and I see the smile her smiling face is the place for me it is the face I lost she is my face smiling at me

Note how the author uses free writing to convey the character’s disjointed and agitated thoughts. Even punctuation has been set aside here, adding to the rush of the character’s fear and confusion. The imagery is powerful (“the sun closes my eyes”; “her smiling face is the place for me”) and relies on repetitions like “I am not dead” and “I see” to immerse the readers in the character’s disturbed mental state. 

Type 2: Journals and Diaries 

A journal is a written account of an author’s experiences, activities, and feelings. A diary is an example of a journal, in which an author documents his/her life frequently. 

Journals and diaries can be considered creative writing, particularly if they offer more than just a log of events. For instance, if a diary entry discusses how the writer ran into an old friend, it might include details of the writer’s emotions and probably use literary devices to convey these feelings.   

It’s almost impossible to read the word “diary” and not think of Anne Frank. Let’s look at this excerpt from her work The Diary of a Young Girl . 

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl [an excerpt]

Saturday, 20 June, 1942: I haven’t written for a few days, because I wanted first of all to think about my diary. It’s an odd idea for someone like me to keep a diary; not only because I have never done so before, but because it seems to me that neither I—nor for that matter anyone else—will be interested in the unbosomings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. Still, what does that matter? I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart. 

In the extract above, Anne adopts a reflective tone. She uses the rhetorical question “what does that matter?” to illustrate how she arrived at the conclusion that this diary will help bring out what is “buried deep in her heart.” 

In this way, the diary serves as a log of events that happened in Anne’s life, but also as a space for Anne to reflect on them, and to explore her resulting emotions. 

Type 3: Memoir

Although they might seem similar at first, memoirs and diaries are two different creative writing types. While diaries offer a log of events recorded at frequent intervals, memoirs allow the writer to select key moments and scenes that help shed light on the writer’s life.  

Let’s examine this excerpt from the memoir of Roxanne Gay, author of Bad Feminist .

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxanne Gay:

I ate and ate and ate in the hopes that if I made myself big, my body would be safe. I buried the girl I was because she ran into all kinds of trouble. I tried to erase every memory of her, but she is still there, somewhere . . . I was trapped in my body, one that I barely recognized or understood, but at least I was safe.

Roxanne Gay offers readers a powerful work on anxiety, food, and body image by taking them on a journey through her past . Using evocative imagery in the excerpt above (“I buried the girl I was”; “I was trapped in my body”) the author shares her psychological trauma and resulting tumultuous relationship with food. 

As with most memoirs—and diaries—this one is intimate, allowing readers into the dark crevices of the author’s mind. However, unlike a diary, this memoir does not provide an account of the writer’s day-to-day life, but rather focuses on certain events—big and small—that the author feels made her who she is today. 

Type 4: Letters

Unlike diary and journal entries—which usually don’t have a specific recipient—letters address one target reader. Many famous authors have had collections of their letters published, revealing a side of them that isn’t visible in other works. 

Letter writing uncovers the nature of the relationship between sender and recipient, and can include elements of creative writing such as imagery, opinion, humor, and feeling. 

Here is an excerpt from a letter by Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood . 

Too Brief a Treat: The Letters of Truman Capote , edited by Gerald Clarke 

Dear Bob;  Have come, am here, am slowly freezing to death; my fingers are pencils of ice. But really, all told, I think this is quite a place, at least so far. The company is fairly good… I have a bedroom in the mansion (there are bats circulating in some of the rooms, and Leo keeps his light on all night, for the wind blows eerily, doors creak, and the faint cheep cheep of the bats cry in the towers above: no kidding. 

In his letter to editor and friend Robert “Bob” Linscott, Truman paints a scene of his new setting . He uses hyperbole (“freezing to death”) and a powerful metaphor (“my fingers are pencils of ice”) to convey the discomforting cold weather. Truman also uses sound imagery (“doors creak”; “wind blows eerily”; “cheep cheep of the bats”) to communicate the creepy, sinister mood to his reader. 

Type 5: Personal Essays

Many of us don’t normally think of essays as creative writing, but that’s probably because our minds go to academic research essays. However, there are many types of essays that require creative rather than analytic writing, including discursive essays, descriptive essays, and personal essays. 

A personal essay, also known as a narrative essay, is a piece of nonfiction work that offers readers a story drawn from the author’s personal experience. This is different from a memoir, in which the primary focus is on the author and their multiple experiences. 

A personal essay, on the other hand, focuses on a message or theme , and the author’s personal experience is there to communicate that theme using memorable characters and setting , as well as engaging events . These, of course, all have to be true, otherwise the personal essay would turn into a fictional short story. 

Here is an excerpt from a personal essay by writers Chantha Nguon and Kim Green.

The Gradual Extinction of Softness by Chantha Nguon and Kim Green

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge informed the Cambodian people that we had no history, but we knew it was a lie. Cambodia has a rich past, a mosaic of flavors from near and far: South Indian traders gave us Buddhism and spicy curries; China brought rice noodles and astrology; and French colonizers passed on a love of strong coffee, flan, and a light, crusty baguette. We lifted the best tastes from everywhere and added our own.

The opening of this paragraph establishes the author’s strong and unwavering opinion : “we knew it was a lie.” Instead of providing a history of Cambodia, she demonstrates the country’s rich past by discussing its diverse “flavors”: “spicy curries”; “strong coffee”; “light, crusty baguette”, etc. 

Using gustatory imagery , which conveys a sense of taste , the authors reveal their personal version of what makes Cambodia wonderful. The writer communicates the essay’s theme of food and memories through a story of her childhood. 

Type 6: Poetry 

Robert Frost once wrote: “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Good poetry is effective because it uses the power of imagery to convey what it is to be human. Every word in a poem counts, and the best poems are those that evoke the reader’s emotions without unpacking too much. 

As one of the most diverse types of creative writing, poetry can come in many forms. Some poets prefer to write in the more traditional forms such as sonnets , villanelles , and haikus , where you have particular structures, rhyme, and rhythm to follow. And others prefer the freedom of free verse and blackout poetry . 

Let’s take a look at this excerpt from Maya Angelou’s powerful lyric poem , “Still I Rise.”

“Still I Rise” from And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems by Maya Angelou

Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.

Packed with powerful language, this excerpt from Angelou’s poem gives us absolute 

chills! The refrain “I rise” is repeated 7 times in these two verses alone, 

hammering home the idea that the speaker cannot be defeated. 

The imagery, repetition, and rhyme scheme all work together to convey the emotions of pride and resilience. Both verses also rely heavily on metaphors (“I’m a black ocean”; “I am the dream and the hope of the slave”) to convey the speaker’s power. She is not like an ocean or a dream; she is both, and she is unstoppable. 

Type 7: Song Lyrics 

Song lyrics are in many ways similar to poems, except that lyrics are meant to be sung . They are a form of creative writing that allows writers to surpass the rules of grammar and punctuation in favor of creating rhyme and rhythm . This means that the creativity of a  song lyricist is free from the traditional restrictions of language. 

Type 8: Scripts 

Scriptwriting is a form of creative writing that relies heavily on character dialogue , stage directions , and setting . Scripts are written for films and TV shows (known as screenplays and teleplays), stage plays, commercials, and radio and podcast programs. 

Like song lyrics, scripts are written with the intention of reaching a non-reading audience. In other words, scriptwriters must bear in mind how their writing will be 1) interpreted by other storytellers , such as directors, designers, etc., and 2) performed by actors.   

Let’s examine the iconic opening scene from the screenplay of the film Forrest Gump . 

Forrest Gump , screenplay by Eric Roth [an excerpt]

THE MAN Hello, I’m Forrest. I’m Forrest Gump.  She nods, not much interested. He takes an old candy kiss out of his pocket. Offering it to her:  FORREST (cont’d) Do you want a chocolate? She shakes “no.” He unwraps it, popping it in his mouth.  FORREST (cont’d) I could eat about a million and a half of these. Mama said, “Life was just a box of chocolates. You never know what you gonna get.”

From the dialogue and stage directions in this opening scene, the audience can see that there is something innocent, kind-hearted, and simple about the character Forrest Gump. This is conveyed through the way he introduces himself with a slight repetition (“I’m Forrest. I’m Forrest Gump.”) to a complete stranger, and the way he quotes his mother to her. 

Moreover, the action of  Forrest “popping” the candy in his mouth is almost childlike , and that the stranger is reluctant to communicate with him foreshadows the fact that the people Forrest meets are initially suspicious of him and his innocence. Thus, the pauses and silences in the scene are just as important to the work as what is explicitly said. 

Type 9: Short Fiction

Short fiction is a form of creative fiction writing that typically falls between 5,000 to 10,000 words ; however, there is definitely room to go lower than 5,000 words, depending on the topic. 

For instance, flash fiction is a form of short fiction that can be 1,000 words or less. In the case of flash fiction, the author unpacks the “skeleton” of a story in as few words as possible. For instance, legend has it that Ernest Hemingway wrote a 6-word “story”:

For sale: baby shoes, never worn. 

 In just six words, the reader is led to understand that this is a story of death and loss. 

Nevertheless, the average short story is usually structured around the following elements: characterization , setting , plot , and conflict . Many fiction authors start out writing short fiction because it enables them to nail all the essential elements, which they can then expand upon in longer works. 

Let’s look at an excerpt from Janet Frame’s short story, “The Bath”

“The Bath” by Janet Frame [an excerpt]

She leaned forward, feeling the pain in her back and shoulder. She grasped the rim of the bath but her fingers slithered from it almost at once. She would not pancic, she told herself; she would try gradually, carefully, to get out. Again she leaned forward; again her grip loosened as if iron hands had deliberately uncurled her stiffened blue fingers from their trembling hold. Her heart began to beat faster, her breath came more quickly, her mouth was dry. She moistened her lips. If I shout for help, she thought, no-one will hear me. No-one in the world will hear me. No-one will know I’m in the bath and can’t get out. 

In this paragraph, there is an image of a frail, old woman, physically unable to get out of her bathtub. The diction , or word choice, serves to convey the woman’s sense of fear and helplessness. For instance, words like “grasped,” “slithered,” “uncurled,” and “stiffened,” demonstrate the immense effort it takes for her to try to get out.

 The image of her “moistening” her lips illustrates that fear has turned her mouth dry. And the repetition of “no-one” in the last few sentences highlights the woman’s loneliness and entrapment —two of the story’s main themes. Indeed, the bath symbolizes the unavoidable obstacles brought about by old age. 

Type 10: Novellas / Novels

Novels are one of the most popular forms of creative writing. Though they vary in length, depending on the subject, they’re generally considered a long form of fiction , typically divided into chapters . 

Novellas, on the other hand, are shorter than novels but longer than short stories. Like short stories, novels, and novellas contain characters , plot , dialogue , and setting ; however, their longer forms allow writers a chance to delve much deeper into those elements. 

Type 11: Speeches 

Speeches are a form of writing similar to essays in that both forms are non-fiction , and both usually entail a discussion of the writer’s personal experiences and include engaging events and a particular theme.  

However, speeches differ from essays in that the former are meant to be recited (usually in front of an audience), and tend to be persuasive and inspirational. For instance, think of the purpose of graduation speeches and political speeches: they aim to inspire and move listeners. 

One of the most well-known speeches from the 20th century is Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”. Let’s examine the excerpt below:

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King [an excerpt]

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

What immediately catches the eye (and ear) in this paragraph is the speaker’s usage of anaphora : the repetition of the phrase “now is the time” serves to emphasize the urgency of the matter being discussed (i.e. the prevalence of racial injustice). 

The speaker’s repetition of the pronoun “our” is an appeal to his audience’s emotions and their sense of unity. Both he and they are in this together, and thus he is motivating them to take on the challenge as one. 

Moreover, the use of figurative language is abundant here and can be found in similar inspirational and motivational styles of creative writing. The imagery created by the metaphor and alliteration in “the d ark and d esolate valley of segregation,” and its juxtaposition with “sunlit path of racial justice,” together aim to convey the speaker’s main message. Segregation has brought nothing but darkness and ruin to American society, but there is hope and light on the path toward racial equality.

Final Thoughts

Creative writing acts as a medium for artistic expression. It can come in a variety of forms, from screenplays and speeches to poetry and flash fiction. But what groups all of these different types of creative writing under the “creative” umbrella, regardless of form, is their display of a writer’s imagination, creativity, and linguistic prowess. 

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I appreciate you offering such a thought-provoking perspective. It should be useful for academic writing in addition to creative writing, in my opinion. Each method you listed is pertinent and appropriate.

You’re absolutely right! Many of these writing methods can be applied to both creative and academic writing, enhancing the depth and effectiveness of communication.

Robert smith enago

Thank you for sharing this enlightening blog post on the various types of creative writing. Your exploration of different writing methods and styles provides an inspiring perspective on the boundless possibilities within the realm of creativity.

It is remarkable to see how creative writing encompasses an array of forms, each with its unique allure and artistic essence. From poetry, fiction, and drama to screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and even songwriting, each avenue offers writers a chance to express their thoughts, emotions, and imagination in captivating ways.

We truly appreciate your kind words! Creative writing is indeed a vast and fascinating world with endless opportunities for self-expression 🙂

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When You Write

Essential Creative Writing Tips and Techniques

Creative writing has no written formula and no immutable laws, you just need a good imagination and good writing skills.

And you’re good to go!

Creative writing presents us with fewer tethers than other forms of writing. This means that we have more liberty when we want to express our imagination artistically.  

With all this freedom, defining and serving creative writing techniques is a bit hard, and some tips are frowned upon as they seem to infringe upon the liberties of some creative writers.

Still, some writers need guidance.

So, I have taken it upon myself to be this guide and dish out much-needed tips and discuss some creative writing techniques.

If you’ve been looking for guidance and insight, here’s a no-frills article full of practical tips on creative writing for you.

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is writing that uses imagination , creativity, and mastery of the art of writing to evoke emotion in a reader.

It could be a fictional story, a nonfiction piece, or movie script, a play, a poem, et cetera. Creative writing oftentimes springs up from experimentation and good, imaginative use of knowledge and ideas.

One of the things that make creative writing different from other forms of writing is the underlying message or theme. Unlike other forms of writing, creative writing sometimes hides a message under the entertaining, saddening, or horrifying part of the written content.

Other archetypal elements of creative writing include creating an emotional connection with the reader (and sometimes evoking a response), having a deliberate point of view, using a narrative structure, and use of imaginative and descriptive language.

What Isn’t Creative Writing?

Whatever lacks the elements I just listed isn’t creative writing. Written pieces such as company reports, statements, and other professional communications aren’t regarded as creative writing.

Similarly, personal documents and communications such as emails, social media content, and personal communications all fit in the non-creative writing category.

In addition to that, research papers and pieces that are in the “Academic Writing” category do not qualify as creative writing.

Most often the type of content that I have listed is devoid of deliberate themes. Often, these types of pieces have goals similar to those prevalent in creative writing, but they’re presented differently.

But—as a reminder to myself or you, the reader—I would like to say that they’re blurred boundaries in some forms of content. For example, we can’t outrightly classify content such as blog posts as creative writing non-creative. Blog content belongs to a broader category that is as flexible as creative writing itself.

Therefore, you would have to analyze the elements of each blog post to see if they fit a particular category.

Forms of Creative Writing

Given the freedom that creative writing gets, it is just right that it takes many forms.

Here are some of the forms of creative writing:

This is one of the most popular forms of creative writing. Novels are also the first thing people think about when it comes to books (apart from academicians who are religiously into textbooks).

Novels are extended fictional works in prose that usually (or always?) come in the form of a story.

Most of them are in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 words, but some are told in less than 50,000 and others extend beyond 150,000.

Pieces that are too short to qualify as novels and too long to qualify as short stories automatically qualify as novellas and novelettes.

Novellas often fall in the range of 10,000-40,000 words, while novelettes generally have a word count of 7,500-19,000 words.

Word count boundaries are usually varied—and they are oftentimes at the discretion of the publisher or competition organizers.

Short Fiction

Short stories as the name suggests are on the other end (the shorter word count end) of the fiction word count spectrum. 

Short stories generally fall between 2,500 and 7,500 words but sometimes extend to 10,000 words.

Unlike novels, short stories tell stories with fewer characters, details, and backstories, among other deficiencies.

Then there are other forms of short fiction told in 1,000 words, and they’re called flash fiction and micro-fiction.

The unrestricted and spontaneous nature of poetry embodies the artistic multifariousness of creative writing.

Poetry is as emotional as it is rebellious—and word counts and rhyming rarely matter for poems, i.e., those in the free verse category.

There are different types of poems such as sonnets, haikus, sestinas, limericks, and free verses.

The spontaneous nature of poetry does connote lawlessness. The thing is, the different types of poetry originated from different cultures around the world and many come with rules.

However, for most of these types of poetry, the rules are adaptable. A few types such as haikus have specific rules on the number of lines or structure.

Plus, just because there aren’t many rules governing the structure, content, and length of poetry it doesn’t mean that you can brush aside the use of perfect grammar, the importance of POV, the need for a theme, and the need to evoke the reader’s emotions.

TV scripts, stage play scripts, and screenplays

This category comprises stage plays and scripts for films, television programs, and other types of video content.

A majority of content in this category has a lot in common with novels and short stories. Although different scripts have different formatting requirements, they carry a message or central theme and try to appeal to their audience’s emotions.

In a way, these scripts depart from the highly descriptive nature of novels and short stories.  There’s much more dialogue in scripts with a bit of stage or scene directions in stage plays screenplays.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative writing doesn’t always have to be works of fiction, some nonfiction also qualifies as creative writing.

Here are some of the works that can be called creative nonfiction:

• Lyric essays
• Autobiographies
• Humor Writing
• Literary Journalism

Tips and Techniques for Creative Writing

1. read widely and learn from other writers.

You can improve by focusing on looking at your writing only. If you want to be a good creative writer, you have to read.

When you read other people’s work, you discover other writing styles and get inspired in the process.

There are lots of reading resources on creative writing out there. You can find books, essays, blog articles, and video content covering different aspects of creative writing.

Some works will comprise fiction and nonfiction pieces (novels, short stories, poetry, lyrical essays. Et cetera) while others seek to cover interviews and personal essays that talk about the authors’ creative processes.

2. Benefit from Your Imagination

A wild imagination represents superiority for creative writers, especially fiction writers.

This is the only time you’re allowed to play god!

By using a crazy imagination you can conceive an exciting story, build a unique world, and come up with convincing, never-imagined-before characters.

Heck! You can even create your own language!

Be as imaginative as you can be, even going into a trance, and create a creative piece using your own rules!

3. Focus on Understanding and Improving Yourself as a Writer

You cannot improve something you don’t fully understand; therefore, you have to understand your strengths and weaknesses as a writer to become a better writer.

I wrote an article on this, explaining some general strengths and weaknesses that writers have.  As a creative writer, you have to identify problem areas such as bad sense of rhythm, dodgy flow, lack of creativity, et cetera.

As a creative writer, there are things you must have in your armory, such as a rich and relevant vocabulary, organized writing, and a unique writing style (which also happens to be the next tip on the list).

4. Develop or Discover a Unique Writing Style

Creative writers are better off seeking inspiration from other creative writers while trying to follow their path.

In short: study other writers, but develop your writing style. Take a look at all the best, and you’ll discover that most of them developed a unique style.

So, have your writing style. And, it should fit the niche you want to specialize in—if it’s horror, a befitting style. You could also focus on developing vibrant writing full of eccentric characters.

Likewise, you could become a writer who always writes in a specific POV.

5. Create Space for Creative Writing and Stick to a routine

Writing routinely and total focus are tremendously important for creative writers. If you’re a spontaneous writer who scarcely writes and only writes whenever they feel like it, you’re bound to fail as a writer!

You need to have a schedule and some working space. The ideas might come spontaneously and anywhere, but it’s hard to write without proper planning and a distraction-free setting.

It’s unproductive trying to squeeze writing into your day.

When you start writing routinely, in a ‘comfortable’ place, creative writing becomes natural. Even when you’re out of ideas experiencing writer’s block, you have to practice the habit of writing stuff daily—just write some fluff if you’re bored.

6. Know your audience

“Why do you write?”

The most popular answer to the question is, “because I love it!”

But if the question was rephrased and we asked “why do you publish your works?” the previous answer would be ‘half true.’

You write because it’s the love of your life and you publish for your audience. So, creative writing isn’t always about you, but your fans too.

You have to know what your readers are like. Even when you haven’t published a single piece, it’s easy to research readers’ interests using web-based analytics resources.

Armed with this knowledge, you can craft a piece that strikes a chord with your target audience, with a high potential of becoming a bestseller.

7. Always Start and End Strong

Our English teacher constantly reminded us that when she was going through our essays, she started with the introduction and summary before moving to the body.

“They’re the most important parts of your essay.” She’d always say.

Later, I found out that this applied to almost every form of writing.  

Your readers want your piece to either start with a bang or catch their attention. Once the reader feels underwhelmed, they won’t read all the way through.

Strong endings are just as important, but it doesn’t mean that you always have to end on a happy note. You can close on a sad note or give them a cliffhanger. 

As long as you effectively use your imagination and the end doesn’t turn out to be a clichéd one.

The Best Books on Creative Writing

• 1. Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell
• 2. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
• 3. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
• 4. On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

Final Words

Writing—whatever form it takes—isn’t a simple chore, but as hard as it is, it is also fun!

The goal is always to become a better writer and learn different techniques that will make our content impactful.

Every writer should fear stagnation and continue learning. Utilize today’s easy access to resources, read, ask for help, and let your wild imagination run loose.

While there’s no fixed formula in creative writing, tips from experienced writers will help you improve in some areas.

So, always be inquisitive and reach out to other writers.

Crafting an original work of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction takes time, practice, and persistence.

Recommended Reading...

Crafting compelling game stories: a guide to video game writing, how to write a murder mystery: figuring out whodunit, good story starters for your next bestseller, 100 fluff prompts that will inspire creativity.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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© 2024 When You Write

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31 Stylistic Devices for Creative Writers

Today’s guest post is by Rose Scott:

Without figurative language , writing would be plain and shallow. The more stylistic devices you know, the more unique your writing can be. If writing is your passion, you probably already know a dozen or so stylistic devices, but I’m betting there are a few on this list you’ve never heard of.

Take a look at this comprehensive list of stylistic devices and see if any might work in your current WIP (work in progress). Of course, you want to be reasonable and not go overboard with forced prose. But I’m sure you can find great places to utilize these wonderful literary techniques.

1. Adnomination

Repetition of words with the same root. The difference lies in one sound or letter. A nice euphony can be achieved by using this poetic device.

Examples: “Nobody loves no one.” (Chris Isaak). Someone, somewhere, wants something.

2. Allegory

Representation of ideas through a certain form (character, event, etc.). Allegory can convey hidden meanings through symbolic figures, actions, and imagery.

Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell is all about the Russian Revolution. And characters stand for working and upper classes, military forces, and political leaders.

3. Alliteration

The repeated sound of the first consonant in a series of words, or the repetition of the same sounds of the same kind at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables of a phrase.

Examples: A lazy lying lion. Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers. Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

4. Allusion

Reference to a myth, character, literary work, work of art, or an event.

Example: I feel like I’m going down the rabbit hole (an allusion to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll).

5. Anaphora

Word repetition at the beginnings of sentences in order to give emphasis to them.

Example: “Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.” (Martin Luther King)

Opposite: Epiphora. Word repetition at the end of sentences.

Example: “And that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Abraham Lincoln)

6. Antithesis

Emphasizing contrast between two things or fictional characters.

Example: “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing; a confusion of the real with the ideal never goes unpunished.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

7. Apostrophe

Directed speech to someone who is not present or to an object.

Example: “Work on, my medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught.” (William Shakespeare)

8. Assonance

Repetition of vowels in order to create internal rhyming.

Example: “Hear the mellow wedding bells.” (Edgar Allan Poe)

Related: Consonance. Repetition of consonants.

9. Cataphora

Mentioning of the person or object further in the discourse.

Examples: I met him yesterday, your boyfriend who was wearing the cool hat. If you want some, here’s some cheese. After he had received his orders, the soldier left the barracks.

Arranging text in such a manner that tension gradually ascends.

Example. He was a not bad listener, a good speaker and an amazing performer.

Opposite: Anticlimax. Tension descends.

11. Charactonym (or Speaking Name)

Giving fictional characters names that describe them.

Example: Scrooge, Snow White.

12. Ellipsis

Word or phrase omission.

Example: I speak lots of languages, but you only speak two (languages).

13. Euphemism

Replacing offensive or combinations of words with lighter equivalents.

Example: Visually challenged (blind); meet one’s maker (die)

Opposite: Dysphemism . Replacing a neutral word with a harsher word.

14. Epigram

Memorable and brief saying, usually satirical.

Example: “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” (Virginia Woolf)

15. Hyperbole

Exaggeration of the statement.

Example: If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times.

Opposite: Litotes. Understatement.

Asking a question and answering it right away.

Example: Are you going to leave now? I don’t think so.

There are three types of irony:

• Verbal (Antiphrasis) – using words to express something different from their literal meaning for ironic effect (”I’m so excited to burn the midnight oil and write my academic paper all week long”).
• Situational – result differs from the expectation (Bruce Robertson, a character of Filth, is a policeman. Nonetheless, he does drugs, resorts to violence and abuse, and so on).
• Dramatic – situation is understandable for the audience but not the fictional character/actor (audience sees that the fictional characters/actors will be killed now, though the characters don’t expect it).

Describing people/objects by enumerating their traits.

Example: Lock, stock, and barrel (gun); heart and soul (entirety)

18. Metalepsis

Referencing one thing through the means of another thing, which is related to the first one.

Example: “Stop judging people so strictly—you live in a glass house too.” (A hint at the proverb: people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.)

19. Metaphor

Comparing two different things that have some characteristics in common.

Example: “Love is clockworks and cold steel.” (U2)

20. Metonymy

Giving a thing another name that is associated with it.

Example: The heir to the crown was Richard. (the crown stands for authority)

21. Onomatopoeia

Imitating sounds in writing.

Example: oink, ticktock, tweet tweet

22. Oxymoron

Combining contradictory traits.

Example: Living dead; terribly good; real magic

23. Parallelism

Arranging a sentence in such a manner that it has parallel structure.

Example: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Opposite: Chiasmus . An inverted parallelism.

Examples: “To stop, too fearful, and too faint to go.” (Oliver Goldsmith); “My job is not to represent Washington to you but to represent you to Washington.” (Barack Obama)

24. Parenthesis

Interrupting a sentence by inserting extra information enclosed in brackets, commas, or dashes.

Example: Our family (my mother, sister, and grandfather) had a barbeque this past weekend.

25. Personification

Attributing human characteristics to nonhumans.

Example: Practically all animals in fairy tales act like human beings. They speak and have traits that are typical of people.

A kind of wordplay. Here are a few types of puns:

• Antanaclasis – repetition of the same word or phrase, but with a different meaning (“Cats like Felix like Felix.”—“Felix” catfood slogan).
• Malapropism – usage of the incorrect word instead of the word with a similar sound (“optical delusion” instead of “optical illusion”).
• Paradox – self-contradictory fact; however, it can be partially true (“I can resist anything but temptation.”—Oscar Wilde).
• Paraprosdokian – arranging a sentence in such a manner so the last part is unexpected (You’re never too old to learn something stupid).
• Polyptoton – repetition of the words with the same root (“The things you  own  end up  owning  you.”—Chuck Palahniuk).

27. Rhetorical question

Questioning without expecting the answer.

Example: Why not? Are you kidding me?

Direct comparison.

Example: “Your heart is like an ocean, mysterious and dark.” (Bob Dylan)

29. Synecdoche

Generalization or specification based on a definite part/trait of the object.

Example: He just got new wheels. (car)

30. Tautology

Saying the same thing twice in different ways.

Example: first priority; I personally; repeat again

31. Zeugma (or Syllepsis)

Applying a word to a few other words in the sentence in order to give different meaning.

Example: Give neither counsel nor salt till you are asked for it.

Quite a huge list, right? With all these stylistic devices, your writing can potentially be so much more attractive. If you find it difficult to memorize them all, here’s what I recommend you do: make flashcards. Write a stylistic device on one side of the flashcard and its meaning on the other side, then work on memorizing a few a day. Voila! Enjoy your learning and writing.

Feature photo by Heather Wilson Smith

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12 Comments

great post! thanks Rose, for a super stellar list of dynamic devices! i’ve saved the list for future and fair-constant reference. there’s always something good on this blog! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Oh man, it’s like Christmas has come early. I love posts like this – and I’ll both share it *and* copy it to my desktop ha!

Items I didn’t know about but immediately fell in love with: adnomination, anaphora, hypophora (I hadn’t realised, but I do this all of the time, which now seems pretty annoying!), and zeugma. Thank you once again!

Glad you enjoyed this post! Have a happy Christmas!

Thanks much for you “31 Stylistic Devices … …” I was in the process of writing a transcript when I sort of stumbled across the need to correctly define a scenario.

I did a quick surf, directly asking for what I wanted, this popped up. I scanned your list and had the “Eureka!” moment. “METAPHOR!”

It’s really great of you also sharing without obligation. We do a lot of that in our realm of things.

Okay! Thanks again! Please, have a great weekend!

P.S. For you Ms. Lakin. Thanks for making this site available! Please, have a great weekend, as well!

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you are getting some benefit from the blog’s content!

Do you have a list of stylised paragraphs? Not just the main 4 (descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive), but other types of paragraphs that apply rhetorical ornaments and devices.

Forgot to say thank you for this lovely and informative post.

Wow this post has boost my understanding of the analysing the prose techniques in a book. Thank u very much

I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into constructing this list. I especially enjoy how you introduced me to unfamiliar and complex stylistic devices. I will attempt to incorporate these techniques in my future writing. Synecdoche is a wonderful device that I have not heard of before, I’ll have to steal it :P. Is there any way I can contact you? I would love to have a nerdy conversation about English!

Sincerely, Jenny Wales

It was interesting when you talked about how parallelism arranges sentences so their structure is parallel to each other. I’ve been wanting to find some poetry online to help me sort through my emotions from a loved one’s death last month. Thanks for teaching me these writing devices to look out for so I can understand the poems as effectively as possible.

Hi Rose I like your terms and I am using it on my writing my thesis on stylistics.

Actually, there are 32 stylistic devices in your list, since there are two no. 17.

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Creative Writing Ideas Techniques: 10 Tips to Improve Your Writing Skills

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 9, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing , Creativity

Creative writing is an art form that allows individuals to express themselves through their writing. It is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas uniquely and creatively.

However, coming up with new and exciting ideas for creative writing can be challenging. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting, having a toolbox of techniques and ideas to draw from can help you develop your skills and take your writing to the next level.

Many techniques and strategies can be used to generate creative writing ideas.

One approach is focusing on a character and building a story around them. Another technique is to use visuals or prompts as a starting point for your writing.

Additionally, brainstorming and freewriting can help you generate ideas and get your creative juices flowing. By incorporating these techniques and others, you can develop your unique writing style and voice.

Creative Writing Basics

As a creative writer, it is essential to master the basics of craft, structure, and literary devices. These three elements are the foundation of any successful piece of writing, whether it is a novel, short story, or poem.

This section will explore these elements in-depth and provide tips and exercises to help you improve your creative writing skills.

Craft refers to the technical skills involved in writing, such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. It also includes creating vivid descriptions, believable characters, and engaging dialogue.

To improve your craft, it is essential to practice regularly and seek feedback from other writers or writing groups. You can also read books on writing to learn about different techniques and approaches.

Structure refers to writing organization, including its plot, point of view, and setting.

A well-structured story has a clear beginning, middle, and end; each scene or chapter should move the plot forward.

Choosing the right point of view and setting is essential to convey the story’s emotions and perspective effectively. To improve your structure, you can use outlines, storyboards, or other planning tools to help you map your story’s structure before you begin writing.

Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques writers use to create meaning and impact.

These include metaphors, similes, imagery, and symbolism. Using literary devices can help create a more vivid and engaging story that resonates with readers. To improve your use of literary devices, you can study examples from other writers or experiment with different techniques in your writing.

In conclusion, mastering the basics of craft, structure, and literary devices is essential for any creative writer. By practicing regularly and seeking feedback from others, you can improve your writing skills and create stories that captivate readers.

Generating Ideas

In creative writing, generating ideas is one of the most important steps. Without a good idea, it can be difficult to get started and keep going. Fortunately, many techniques can help you develop great ideas for your writing. Here are a few techniques to consider:

Creative Writing Prompts

One of the easiest ways to generate ideas is to use creative writing prompts. These are short, simple ideas or phrases that can be used as a starting point for your writing. You can find creative writing prompts online or in books or come up with your own.

Some popular prompts include:

• Write a story about a character who falls in love with someone unexpectedly.
• Describe a place you’ve never been to before.
• Write a story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world.

Observation

Another way to generate ideas is to observe the world around you. Pay attention to the people, places, and things you encounter daily. Take notes on interesting details or observations that you can use in your writing. For example, if you notice a couple having an argument in a coffee shop, you could use that as inspiration for a scene in a romance novel.

Freewriting

Freewriting is a technique that involves writing without stopping for a set period. The goal is to write whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. This can help you get past writer’s block and generate new ideas. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. You might be surprised at what you come up with!

Reading is a great way to get inspired and generate new ideas. When you read, pay attention to the writing techniques that the author uses. Take notes on interesting phrases, descriptions, or characterizations that you can use in your writing. You can also use reading to spark your imagination. For example, if you’re writing a nonfiction essay about love, you could read a romance novel to get ideas.

Research is another way to generate ideas for your writing. Look up information on topics that interest you, and take notes on interesting facts or details you can use in your writing. You can also use research to spark your imagination. For example, if you’re writing a nonfiction essay about love, you could research the history of marriage to get ideas.

Character Development

One of the most important aspects of creative writing is character development. Characters are the driving force behind any story, and their actions and motivations are what keep readers engaged. Here are a few techniques to help you develop compelling characters:

Understanding Your Characters

Before you start writing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your characters. This means knowing their backstory, their motivations, and their personality traits.

One way to do this is by creating a character profile including their age, occupation, hobbies, and fears. This will help you create a fully realized character that feels real.

Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can be a great way to develop your characters. For example, you could write a scene where your character faces a difficult decision. This will help you understand your character’s thoughts and values. You could also try writing a scene from your character’s past to explore their backstory.

Like any skill, character development takes practice. One way to improve is by writing character sketches. These short scenes focus on a specific aspect of your character, such as their relationship with another character or their reaction to a specific event.

By writing these sketches, you’ll better understand your character and how they fit into your story.

Overall, character development is a crucial part of creative writing. By understanding your characters, using writing prompts, and practicing, you can create compelling characters that will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end.

Narrative Techniques

Narrative techniques are the tools that writers use to tell a story effectively. They can help to create a sense of atmosphere, convey emotions, and develop characters. In this section, we will discuss some of the most important narrative techniques that writers use.

Point of View

The point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. It can be first person, second person, or third person. The First-person point of view uses “I” or “we” to tell the story. The second-person point of view uses “you” to address the reader directly. The third-person point of view uses “he,” “she,” or “they” to describe the characters.

The point of view can affect the reader’s understanding of the story and their relationship with the characters.

The setting is the time and place in which the story takes place. It can be used to create a sense of atmosphere and convey the story’s mood.

The setting can also affect the characters and their actions. For example, a story set in a dark, eerie forest will have a different feel than one set in a bright, sunny meadow.

Emotions are an important part of any story. They can help to create tension and conflict, and they can also help to develop the characters. Writers can use descriptive language and imagery to convey emotions and create a sense of empathy with the characters.

Perspective

Perspective refers to how the story is told. It can be objective or subjective. An objective perspective is when the narrator is neutral and does not take sides.

A subjective perspective is when the narrator has a specific point of view and may be biased. Perspective can affect the reader’s understanding of the story and their relationship with the characters.

Storytelling

Storytelling is how the story is told. It can be linear or non-linear. Linear storytelling is when the story is told in chronological order. Non-linear storytelling is when the story is told out of order. Storytelling can affect the reader’s understanding of the story and their relationship with the characters.

Metaphors are comparisons between two things that are not alike. They can be used to create imagery and to convey emotions. Metaphors can help to make the story more vivid and memorable.

Narrative techniques are essential for writers to tell a story effectively.

The point of view, setting, emotions, perspective, storytelling, and metaphors are all important elements that can help to create a compelling story. Using these techniques, writers can create an atmosphere, convey emotions, and develop characters that readers will remember.

Genre-specific Techniques

Regarding creative writing, different genres require different techniques to make the story stand out. Here are some genre-specific techniques to help you write your next masterpiece.

Romance novels require strong character development and emotional depth. To create a compelling romance story, consider the following techniques:

• Develop relatable characters with vulnerabilities and flaws
• Use vivid sensory details to bring scenes to life
• Build tension and conflict between characters
• Use dialogue to reveal character personalities and motivations
• Create a satisfying resolution that leaves readers feeling fulfilled

Nonfiction writing requires extensive research and a clear, concise writing style. To make your nonfiction work stand out, consider the following techniques:

• Use storytelling techniques to make the information engaging and memorable
• Use clear, concise language to convey complex ideas
• Use concrete examples and evidence to support your arguments
• Use formatting techniques such as headings, bullet points, and tables to organize information
• Use a strong voice and point of view to connect with readers

Fantasy writing requires world-building and a vivid imagination. To create a captivating fantasy story, consider the following techniques:

• Create a unique and believable world with its own rules and customs
• Develop complex characters with their motivations and backstories
• Use vivid sensory details to bring the world to life
• Use magic and supernatural elements to create a sense of wonder and awe
• Use themes that resonate with readers, such as the battle between good and evil

Mystery writing requires a strong plot and attention to detail. To write a compelling mystery story, consider the following techniques:

• Create a complex and intriguing plot with unexpected twists and turns
• Develop a strong protagonist with a unique perspective and backstory
• Use vivid sensory details to create a sense of atmosphere and tension
• Use foreshadowing and clues to keep readers engaged and guessing
• Create a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends and surprises readers

Sci-fi writing requires a strong imagination and attention to scientific detail. To create a captivating sci-fi story, consider the following techniques:

• Create a unique and believable world with its own scientific rules and technology
• Use themes that resonate with readers, such as the impact of technology on society
• Use scientific concepts and theories to create a sense of wonder and awe

Fairy tale writing requires a sense of magic and whimsy. To create a captivating fairy tale story, consider the following techniques:

• Create a unique and fantastical world with its own rules and customs
• Develop archetypal characters such as heroes, villains, and mentors
• Use vivid sensory details to create a sense of enchantment and wonder
• Use themes that resonate with readers, such as the power of love and the battle between good and evil
• Use magical elements such as spells and curses to create a sense of danger and suspense

Dramatic writing requires a strong plot and emotional depth. To write a compelling dramatic story, consider the following techniques:

• Use themes that resonate with readers, such as the struggle for power and the search for identity

Improving Your Writing

Improving your writing is a continuous process that requires dedication and practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, new techniques and ideas exist to explore.

This section will discuss some effective ways to improve your writing skills.

Writing Techniques

Writing techniques are essential tools that can help you enhance your writing skills. Some of the most effective writing techniques include:

• Brainstorming : This technique involves generating ideas and concepts about a specific topic. Brainstorming can help you develop new and creative ideas for your writing.
• Outlining : Outlining is organizing your ideas and thoughts before you start writing. It can help you create a clear structure for your writing and make the writing process more efficient.
• Drafting : Drafting involves writing a rough version of your work. It can help you identify areas that need improvement and refine your writing.
• Editing : Editing involves reviewing and revising your work to improve its quality. It can help you identify errors and inconsistencies and refine your writing.

Observation is an important skill that can help you improve your writing. Observing the world around you can help you develop new ideas and perspectives for your writing. Some effective ways to observe include:

• People-watching : Observing people and their behavior can help you develop realistic and relatable characters in your writing.
• Nature-watching : Observing nature can help you develop vivid descriptions and settings in your writing.

Freewriting is a technique that involves writing continuously for a set amount of time without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Freewriting can help you generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block.

Reading is an essential part of improving your writing skills. Reading can help you better understand different writing styles and techniques. Some effective ways to read include:

• Reading widely : Reading a variety of genres and styles can help you develop a diverse range of writing skills.
• Analyzing literature : Analyzing literature can help you understand the techniques and styles used by other writers and apply them to your writing.

There are many resources available to help you improve your writing skills. Some of the most effective resources include:

• Writing courses : Writing courses can help you develop new skills and techniques for your writing.
• Writing groups : Writing groups can provide feedback and support for your writing.
• Writing books : Writing books can provide valuable insights and techniques for improving your writing.

By utilizing these techniques and resources, you can improve your writing skills and develop your unique writing style.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common problem that many writers face. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but there are several techniques that you can use to overcome it.

One way to overcome writer’s block is to change your environment. Sometimes, being in the same place for too long can stifle creativity. Try a new location, such as a coffee shop or a park, to get a fresh perspective.

If you can’t physically change your environment, try changing your workspace’s lighting, music, or scents.

Another technique to overcome writer’s block is approaching your writing differently. If you’re stuck on a particular scene or character, try writing from a different character’s point of view or in a different tense. This can help you see your writing in a new light and develop fresh ideas.

In addition to changing your environment and perspective, several other techniques can help you overcome writer’s block. These include:

• Freewriting: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar or structure.
• Outlining: Create an outline of your story or essay to help you organize your thoughts and break down your writing into manageable chunks.
• Brainstorming: Write down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how silly or impractical it may seem. This can help you generate new ideas and get unstuck.

Using these techniques, you can overcome writer’s block and return to writing with renewed creativity and confidence.

Publishing and Community

Publishing and community are two essential aspects of creative writing that every writer should consider. While publishing is about sharing your writing with the world, the community is about finding an audience and connecting with other writers.

This section explores how to publish your writing and build a community around your work.

The publishing industry is vast, and there are many genres to choose from regarding creative writing. Every genre has its unique audience and publishing opportunities, from romance to horror to science fiction.

For example, if you’re interested in writing romance novels, you might consider submitting your work to Harlequin, one of the largest publishers of romance novels.

Novels are one of the most popular forms of creative writing, and many publishing opportunities are available for aspiring novelists.

Some publishers specialize in specific genres, while others accept a wide range of fiction. Before submitting your work, research the publisher’s submission guidelines to ensure that your manuscript meets their requirements.

Short Stories

Short stories are a great way to hone your writing skills and build a portfolio of published work. Many literary magazines and journals accept short story submissions, and there are also many online platforms where you can publish your work.

If you’re interested in publishing your short stories, research the submission guidelines for each publication to ensure that your work is a good fit.

Playwriting is a unique form of creative writing that requires a different set of skills than other forms of writing. If you’re interested in writing plays, there are many opportunities to have your work produced and published.

Some theaters accept unsolicited submissions, while others only accept submissions through agents. Research the submission guidelines for each theater before submitting your work.

Personal Essays

Personal essays are a popular form of creative nonfiction, allowing writers to share their experiences and insights.

Many literary magazines and online publications accept personal essay submissions, and there are also many opportunities to publish personal essays in anthologies and collections. If you’re interested in publishing your essays, research the submission guidelines for each publication to ensure that your work is a good fit.

Blogging is a popular way for writers to share their work and connect with readers. Whether you’re interested in starting your blog or contributing to an existing blog, there are many opportunities to publish your writing online. If you’re interested in blogging, research the platform’s guidelines and audience to ensure your content is a good fit.

Building a community around your writing is essential for finding an audience and connecting with other writers. There are many ways to build a writing community, from attending workshops and conferences to joining online writing groups.

Connecting with other writers allows you to receive feedback on your work, share resources and ideas, and find support and encouragement throughout your writing journey.

In conclusion, creative writing is a valuable skill that can be developed through various techniques and approaches. As we have seen, there are many different ways to approach creative writing, from using similes and imagery to exploring different points of view and narrative structures.

One key aspect of successful creative writing is originality. By exploring new ideas and perspectives, writers can develop unique stories that stand out. Additionally, turning points and resolutions can add depth and meaning to a story, helping to engage readers and keep them interested.

Another important factor to consider is the writing style. Whether you prefer the concise, straightforward prose of Ernest Hemingway or the more elaborate language of a crime novel, developing your unique writing style can help you stand out as a writer.

Of course, it’s also important to remember that creative writing should be fun! Whether you’re exploring funny story ideas or delving into more serious themes, writing should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

If you struggle to develop ideas for your next writing project, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for inspiration. You can also explore literature, movies, video games, and other sources for creative writing ideas and techniques.

Ultimately, the key to successful creative writing is to stay true to your voice and vision. You can develop your skills and boost your confidence as a writer with practice and perseverance. So go forth and write, and see where your imagination takes you!