Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A Movie Trailer

I Wrote Fiction: On Creative Writing


When I hear about creative writing, I feel as though lighting had struck and stones would turn into toads or diamonds, just like the fairy tale I read when I was youngest.

Creative writing is sort of happy-ending fairy tales and sad fiction stories that trigger blood out of flesh and broken bones.

Of course, the mechanics of writing can be taught, but creating something is another story. You cannot teach someone how to be an artist, but you can always help someone write better.

What is Creative Writing?

From an ordinary writer's point of view - creative writing is the art of writing embodied in various genres of literature: poems, fiction and nonfiction, among others.

It deals with writing and more than just writing, because it is creating something beautiful. It is more than just words, but using correct metaphors, nurturing a style; and maybe... the urge of a writing vocation that assumes hard labor. Money? Never.

Many writers aspire to be creative writers and we don't know if we are one. Time will judge. And maybe, some mark in the core of the writer's being and an endowment can answer for that.

"An odd feeling," other writers say.

You cannot boast "Hey, I'm a creative writer!" Other writers will surely laugh at you because the term itself connotes pride. If others will say "He/She is a creative writer," be thankful then. But try not to say, "I am a creative writer." However, you may say "I'm into creative writing." This can be an attempt and can give some confidence.

Try to ask a poet how he/she writes.

Ask a fiction story writer how he creates his characters.

Ask a dramatist.

Ask a feature writer (creative nonfiction with a sense of style, etc.).

Or read the scribble of someone who did not study writing, but can express words in paper; beautifully; after a series of attempts.

Paul Horgan says in his book Approaches to Writing, "Some masterpieces are born of observations; others of intuition. The first will ordinarily tell about the author; the second, about everyone else."

Creative Writing is a task of life and more than just writing. It must embody learning logs and give the readers value for their reading time, at least some kind of pleasure, meekness or motivation.

Paul Horgan adds "We begin to create when we see everyone else in ourselves."

"In writing, there are two levels of professionalism: one the lower - is based on ambition driven by competitiveness; the other is based solely on fulfilling a vision in word and overall design, without regard to what anyone else is writing or publishing."

/rosalinda flores on ezine articles.com

How To Choose A Topic For Creative Writing


Being creative is a gift to all. You have to feel, in what aspect you could be special and do it with fun.

A creative topic for an essay is just writing something special or unique. Of course, there are literary canons and Shakespeare and James Joyce and more, but then, you have to find your own voice. Don't fake it or be clichéd. Everyday events can help and the more it comes original, the better.

Creative Writing is never easy. It will mangle your brain and cut your heart piece by piece. Creative writers, wouldn't announce that laurel on their heads because can you imagine what kind of person is the one who hallucinates; make-up stories, and talk in paper? That is half-awake and half-dreaming; besides writing is subjective. Sometimes writing is a thankless job, too, however noble. But then again, no one can stop the creative writer, he/she will write.   No one can stop him at a gun point or by lacerating his neck vein by vein. Not being able to write is death for a writer.

Practice on these activities:

1. You can try journal writing, free writing, brainstorming, clustering, or listing, among others, to fish for ideas. Your everyday experiences and activities could be writing prompts.

2. Write a poem or a story as a writing exercise like exploring about your house or your travel. Use metaphors. Don't worry about the thought, yet. Have fun while doing it.

3. Interview someone or write about yourself answering questions. Figure out surprises.

4. Introduce some people. Make pictures of them in words.

5. Of course, remember the unforgettable experiences carved in your memory.

6. Ponder on meanings: Life and Death

7. How To Cook the Best Recipe in Town

8. Get some new words, maybe 10-20, string them all into a short essay. Develop.

9. Change point of views.

10. Enumerate: What Are Fascinating and What Are Growls

All topics can be topics for creative writing. Everything is free. In fact, it is a feast of ideas. You only have to know how to write them freely. Creative nonfiction, though, is a mix of reportage (objectivity) and the art of fiction (fiction story) that is from the writer's original voice and style.

Way back, years ago, part of a writing exam I flanked was about rewriting the letters of one Philippine National hero in my own voice.

I didn't get it. I remember I tried to fake it because I just couldn't be so intimate with my topic. I didn't know much about him (sorry). I crammed, and my language was still inadequate. I just couldn't feel I'm into writing something creative because I didn't like to do it, but just forced myself.

Looking back, I have learned what creativity means. It is a gift, and nothing should be in between (merit or no merit) you and what you write. Yes, it could even be scary or harrowing, but nirvana, too.

Thank you, God for letting us write.

/rosalinda flores on ezine articles.com

My Poems Are You And Me. A blessed day!


Geisha | Spiritual Handpan