Most people think creative writing is only fiction and poetry, maybe because that’s the most popular, visible ones out there. Some writers develop preference for one form above others.
This can be good because you become more proficient as you specialize in it.
The downside is that focusing on one form alone might make writing monotonous.
However, in exploring other forms of creative writing, you learn new techniques that can be used to spice up your specific form.
The different forms of creative writing you will come across are:
Free writing:
This is writing without any specific purpose in mind. You simply open a notepad, your phone or Word document and start writing. Here, nothing is off-limits, and you just go on and on.
This is the most creative form of writing. You can begin by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes every day for that purpose.
Journals:
A journal is a written log. Unlike the diary where you record each event that happens in your life chronologically, a journal is for specific themes.
You could keep a gratitude journal, memory journal and a goals journal.
Many writers keep all-purpose journals for everything ranging from free writing, to brainstorming and project planning.
Letters:
Letter writing is useful for effective communication between two or more persons. Despite the age of the internet, letter writing still remains fundamental and requires creativity of words if the reader is to be affected by it.
Memoirs:
Memoirs are non-fictional, first person, written accounts of specific events from one’s life.
Writing a memoir demands creativity, as you have to create an experience your reader can relate with, though you were the one affected by it.
Essays:
Essays are considered as academic writings and not creative writings. However, not all essays are academic-oriented.
There are narrative essays, descriptive essays, persuasive essays, all of which are creative.
Journalism:
Before, journalism was about reporting facts about people and events.
But today, it uses storytelling, and personal opinions of journalists to create compelling articles.
Poetry:
Poetry is a popular but under-appreciated form of creative writing. Its own creativity is visible in its rhythm, rhymes, and word-painted scenes.
Songs:
The lyrics of songs are combinations of writing and music, two major creative forms.
If you play a musical instrument or just love singing, you could try this.
Storytelling:
This is the most popular form of creative writing for fiction and non-fiction writing.
Storytelling has transcended just reader’s enjoyment. It is now being used to pass information, motivate and sell products.
Speeches:
This is a form of persuasive, inspirational, or informative, writing. It entails being able to use words to stir up your listeners or readers (if in written form). The choice of words and flow are birthed from creativity.
Don’t limit yourself only to that form you know and practice. Explore the others listed above.
Give your creativity a room to flourish in.