Creative writing:

Ever wondered why you are unable to pen down the thoughts that crossed your mind or the interesting incident which you wanted to convey others in writing? It’s always easy to narrate a story in words by mouth whereas it’s highly difficult to bring about the story on a paper. Now, that’s because we normally do not indulge ourselves in writing and it is difficult to set all our ideas/imagination down on the paper. That’s why when we put down our pen to paper we realize that something is amiss. The term ‘Creative Writing’ brings to our mind a vague question as to what is there so creative about writing. Since creative writing requires lots of imagination, observation and the ability to portray or picturize anything and everything around us, it could, therefore, be defined as having the innate ability of creating an imaginative and original literary production.

Writing is all about escapism, original thoughts or views and strange situations. There are few essential elements that make writing powerful. Making time to write is one key element in creative writing. Writing everyday, anything that comes to your mind, would enable to reach the ultimatum. Writing about what you observe and something that you enjoy with a sense of humor will be a real success.   Also, be assured that your writing is more important than your daily chores. Building confidence is another main factor required for creative writing. Lack of confidence is a major obstacle for an amateur. To overcome writer’s block you need to free yourself, take a break, find some time for yourself. More often, being alone in a quiet atmosphere can help kick start your creative side and you will get inspired to write. There is no easy way around all this but then if you really want to write, you have to get on with it and accomplish it. Remember, even the most famous authors had to start somewhere.

As a beginner, it’s advisable to start small and begin with, say, poetry or a short story in order to ascertain and develop your skills. This also lets you see the areas where development is required.  Let imagination rule your pen and let the ideas flow freely into the paper. This is the first step towards creative writing. Anything can trigger your imagination. It could be a picture, a word or a thought-provoking question. However, you should also be in a position to judge when not to use a liberal sprinkling of words and when to use your imaginative power. This will make your work of art an enjoyable experience for the readers and yourself. A creative writer must possess confidence of style, flamboyance and courage for writing. He must also be practical and realistic, able to conceive themes, ideate subjects and above all convince the world around of his work.

Always try to get ideas once you have decided to be a writer. You could easily get ideas by watching the world go by. You should as well have an eye on the media. Listening radio, reading newspapers and watching television really helps. These are real good sources in providing lots of ideas. Once you get ideas to write, the focus should be on the next level i.e. writing aurally and visually. A phrase that sounded wonderful in your mind looks dull and lifeless in paper. Writing should stimulate the reader’s senses. They should be able to feel the message you are trying to convey through your writing. Reader identification, the vital ingredient in Creative Writing should be brought out in what you write. Originality and realism, when brought in together, paves way for creativity; thereby gaining the reader identification, which brings life to your otherwise dull work.

Creative writing is a fun and exciting activity. When you enjoy your writing and present your work, the readers will also enjoy your work.  A well-moulded writer can end up writing all the different genres of the literary world. An appropriately trained person can endear himself to millions of readers with his writing skills and ability to lend color to his ideas.