creative writing belonging

Imposter Syndrome

Maintaining our sense of belonging in writing and research, barriers and builders in academia..

Posted November 10, 2022 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

• Belonging is important for our mental health, well-being, and satisfaction at work.
• While imposter syndrome is not unique to academia, it is something that many academics will experience at one point or another.
• Working on your perceptions, motivations, opportunities, and competencies can build your sense of belonging.

Belonging is a fundamental human need (Baumeister & Leary, 1995), and while our need to belong might vary for different contexts and situations, generally speaking, it is considered an essential component of mental health, well-being, and satisfaction with work.

Yet, as the Knowledge Retreat explores, the writing and research process can involve challenges and obstacles that might lead academics to question, does my work belong in this space? Or, worse, do I belong in this workplace? These challenges can lead to a low sense of belonging and feelings of imposter syndrome . It may lead some writers and researchers to be stifled in their process or abandon writing and research altogether.

There are known facilitators of belonging that could be applied to the writing and research process as outlined in the integrative framework on belonging (Allen et al., 2021b). These strategies and approaches fall under four domains: perceptions, motivations, opportunities, and competencies. They will be discussed as they relate to writing and research.

Imposter syndrome refers to a pattern of behaviour wherein individuals doubt their skills and achievements, despite their record of success (Mullangi & Jagsi, 2019). Individuals with imposter syndrome tend to attribute their achievements to external factors, such as luck. They experience a constant fear of being exposed as a fraud (Mullangi & Jagsi, 2019).

While imposter syndrome is not unique to academia, it is something that many academics will experience at one point or another. There is an abundance of highly accomplished, more productive, better-cited colleagues to compare yourself to. Bothello and Roulet (2019) urge scholars to remember that their perceptions of success are skewed. Well-published colleagues do not represent the norm. They are simply more visible than others.

Barriers to Belonging

The success of an academic is based largely on their publishing record. Although rejection rates for articles submitted for publication are consistently high (Allen et al., 2020) – ranging between 50 to 90 percent – the experience of rejection still feels discouraging. This “culture of rejection” (Allen et al., 2020, p. 1) adversely affects academics' mental health and productivity and may lead some to question their belonging.

Peer-Review Criticisms

A growing number of academics have pointed to the flaws in the peer-review system (Allen et al., 2022a). One perceived flaw is the occasional harsh criticism and deficit-oriented feedback that academics receive on rejected papers. Reviewers are encouraged to identify what is wrong with a paper, meaning that in most cases, researchers receive only negative feedback (Allen et al., 2022b).

Sometimes reviews are just toxic or abusive. Considering the immense time and effort that goes into research and writing, negative feedback can be crushing. The experience of rejection coupled with negative criticisms can significantly impact the feeling of belonging and contribute to imposter syndrome, particularly for junior academics.

Barriers to Diversity in the Publication Process

The publication process does not benefit all academics equally. Women in academia face inequities concerned with publishing and citations (Allen et al., 2021a). Publishers tend to favour a particular academic voice while presenting challenges for historically marginalised groups.

Although lower-ranking journals are more likely to publish papers from diverse voices, the number of reviewers willing to review for these journals is small (Allen et al., 2022). Some academics feel they will receive less recognition for reviewing lower-ranked journals.

This lack of diversity in published work may lead marginalised groups to question their belonging in the academy. Imposter syndrome has been found to be more present in women and under-represented racial, ethnic, and religious minorities (Chrousos & Mentis, 2020).

Facilitators of Belonging

Perceptions

Senior academics have a role to play in normalising the challenges of the research and writing process. For example, some academics on Twitter and in published literature have advocated to “normalise rejection” (Kelly et al., 2020).

Academics can also share the intricacies of their research and writing process. Writing isn’t always clean and productive – ideas can strike in any form at any time. Hearing about the “realities” of writing may help junior academics overcome perfectionism or imposter syndrome thoughts.

Motivations

Being interested in and passionate about your research is essential. However, motivation can come in many other forms, including the potential impact of your work, incentives from institutions and publishers, awards for writing and research, or meeting personal goals. No matter the source, strong motivation can facilitate a sense of belonging.

Opportunities

Seeking out opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge, and expand your social groups can combat feelings of impostorism or not belonging. Writing groups, research groups, and mentorship or buddy programs provide opportunities for academics to support each other through research and writing challenges.

Competencies

Building or strengthening competencies can help academics ensure that their behaviour is consistent with their peers’. For example, improving research, writing, or editing skills through further learning from webinars, conferences, personal development, or courses may reinforce the feeling that you have the necessary competencies to belong in academia.

Final Thoughts

This post addressed common barriers to belonging in academia and provided strategies to combat them. Ultimately, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and questions of belonging are entirely normal for academics, especially during the stressful research, writing, and publication process, but remember – you do belong here. Further resources can be found at The Knowledge Retreat .

Allen, K., Reardon, J., Lu, Y., Smith, D. V., Rainsford, E., & Walsh, L. (2022a). Towards improving peer review: Crowd-sourced insights from Twitter. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 19(3). https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol19/iss3/02 [Open Access]

Allen, K., Reardon, J., Waters, L., Walsh, L., Weymeyer, M. (2022b). The ecology of peer-review: person-centred, strength-based, and self- determination perspectives. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice. https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol19/iss5/02/ [Open Access]

Allen, K., Butler-Henderson, K., Reupert, A., Longmuir, F., Finefter-Rosenbluh, I., Berger, E., Grove, C., Heffernan, A., Freeman, N., Kewalramani, S., Krebs, S., Dsouza, L., Mackie, G., Chapman, D., & Fleer, M. (2021a). Work like a girl: Redressing gender inequity in academia through systemic solutions. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.3.3 [Open Access]

Allen, K., Kern, M. L., Rozek, C. S., McInerney, D. M., & Slavich, G. M. (2021b). Belonging: a review of conceptual issues, an integrative framework, and directions for future research. Australia Journal of Psychology, 73(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.1883409 [Open Access]

Allen, K., Donoghue, G. M., Pahlevansharif, S., Jimerson, S. R., & Hattie, J. A. (2020). Addressing academic rejection: Recommendations for reform. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.17.5.19 [Open Access]

Bothello, J., & Roulet, T. J. (2019). The imposter syndrome, or the mis-representation of self in academic life. Journal of Management Studies, 56(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12344

Chrousos, G. P., & Mentis, A. A. (2020). Imposter syndrome threatens diversity. Science, 367(6479). doi:10.1126/science.aba8039

Mullangi, S., & Jagsi, R. (2019). Imposter syndrome: Treat the cause, not the symptom. Jama, 322(5). doi:10.1001/jama.2019.9788

Kelly-Ann Allen, Ph.D., FAPS, is a senior lecturer at Monash University, and a Fellow of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Read This Next:

• What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
• What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

Identity Writing Prompts: Explore Themes of Self-Discovery

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

– Unveiling the Layers Within: Dive into Identity Writing Prompts to Uncover Your True Self

– a journey of reflection: write about your background and how it has shaped your identity, a journey of reflection: write about ‍your background and how it ⁤has shaped your ⁣identity, embracing the present: explore identity writing prompts to discover who you are now, – boundaries and beyond: delve into identity writing prompts to explore your limitations and potential, boundaries and beyond: delve into⁣ identity writing prompts to explore your limitations and potential, -​ unmasking your passions: use identity writing ⁤prompts to uncover your true desires, unmasking your passions: use identity writing prompts⁢ to uncover your true desires, – owning your narrative: express yourself freely with identity writing prompts, – embracing ‌authenticity: how identity writing prompts can ⁣help you live your truth, – navigating cultural identity: discovering who⁢ you are through writing‍ prompts, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Identity writing prompts offer⁢ a transformative journey⁢ into the ‍depths of one’s being. With each layer that we uncover, we gain a ‍deeper understanding of ourselves, our values, and our true passions. These prompts act as mirrors, reflecting our innermost thoughts and emotions, enabling us​ to explore and express the multifaceted nature of our identities.

Embark on this introspective ‍adventure and prepare to explore uncharted territories within your own mind. Let the power of the written word guide you as ‌you peel back the layers and discover the essence ‍of your true ⁢self. Here are some thought-provoking ‌identity writing prompts to ignite‍ your creativity:

• 1.‍ Embracing Diversity: Write about a time when​ you felt truly connected to someone from⁢ a different culture or background. How did this experience shape your understanding of ‌identity and ​broaden your perspective?
• 2. Defining Moments: Describe a significant‌ event or encounter that ⁢changed your perception of yourself. How did this pivotal moment contribute to your growth and transformation?
• 3. Masks and Authenticity: Explore the masks you⁢ wear in ‌different facets of your ​life. Reflect on how these masks influence the way you ⁢perceive yourself and how others perceive you. How does embracing authenticity impact your sense of identity?
• 4.‍ Nature versus Nurture: Examine the interplay between nature and nurture ⁤in shaping your identity. How ⁣have your genetic makeup and life experiences ​molded you ⁢into the person you are today?
• 5. Uncovering Passions: Delve into your ​passions and ‍interests that make ⁤you feel most alive. How do these activities or hobbies reflect your true self and contribute to your sense of identity?

Allow these prompts to guide your introspective writing. Through self-reflection and examination, you⁤ will navigate the intricate layers of your identity, gaining a profound understanding‍ of who you are and what drives you. Embrace this creative process and be open to ‍the revelations that lie within.

As I reflect⁣ on my journey and explore the ⁤path that has led me to where I ​am today, I cannot help but ‌acknowledge the‍ immense impact my background has had on my identity. Born and raised in a ⁢small, close-knit ‌community ⁤nestled in the heart⁤ of the countryside, nature has become an integral part of my upbringing. The ‌vast green fields and towering mountains not only provided a breathtaking backdrop to my childhood ​but also instilled in‍ me a deep sense of appreciation and respect for⁣ the environment.‌ This connection to nature has⁤ significantly shaped my identity by fostering a love⁣ for ⁢outdoor activities and nurturing a strong desire‌ to protect our planet.

Moreover, growing up in a multicultural household has exposed me to a rich tapestry‌ of traditions, ‍languages, and belief systems. My parents, a vibrant fusion of ⁣two distinct cultures, have empowered me to embrace diversity, fostering an open-mindedness and acceptance of ‍others. ‍This exposure has fueled my desire to explore and understand different cultures, constantly seeking out new experiences and ‌perspectives. My background has shown me the​ beauty in embracing different viewpoints, allowing me to build bridges of⁤ understanding and empathy, ultimately shaping ⁤my‍ identity as someone who champions inclusivity.

– Embracing the‌ Present: Explore Identity Writing Prompts to Discover Who You Are⁤ Now

Writing has always been a powerful tool for ⁤self-reflection and self-discovery. As we grow and evolve,⁣ it’s ⁣important to take the time to explore our current identity and⁤ understand who we are in the present moment. This collection of identity writing prompts is designed to guide you on a journey of introspection and⁣ help ‌you uncover new aspects​ of ​yourself. So grab your pen and paper, and let’s ⁣dive in!

1. Reflect on your values: Take a moment to think about what truly matters to you. What are the core principles that guide your decisions ‍and actions? Write ⁣about how these values shape your identity and how they have influenced your choices in different areas of your life.

2. Explore your passions: What makes your heart sing? What activities or hobbies bring you ‌joy and fulfillment? Dive deep into⁤ the things that ignite your passion and⁤ write about how they contribute to your sense⁤ of self. Consider how these passions ‌have evolved over time and how​ they make you ⁢unique.

3. Examine your strengths and weaknesses: We all have strengths that‌ make us shine and weaknesses that challenge us. Reflect on what you excel ‍at and areas where⁣ you could use improvement. How ⁢do these strengths and weaknesses shape your identity? Write about how you navigate through these traits and how they contribute to your growth and personal development.

4. Consider⁣ your relationships: Our relationships play a significant role in shaping our‍ identity. Think about the⁤ people who are important to you – friends, family, mentors – and how they have ⁣influenced the person you are today. Write about the impact these relationships have had on your values, beliefs, and overall sense of self.

5. Embrace ⁤your quirks: We are⁣ all beautifully unique,⁣ with our own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Embrace these quirks and explore how they define who you are. Write about the aspects ​of your personality or behavior that make you stand out, and celebrate the characteristics ‌that make you wonderfully imperfect.

Using these identity writing prompts as a starting point, embark‍ on a journey of self-discovery. Embrace the present​ moment‌ and allow your pen to uncover the depths of⁢ who you are now. Happy writing!

Ready to embark on‌ a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery? Our collection of identity writing prompts is here to challenge and inspire you to‍ push past your boundaries and ⁣unlock your true potential. Through introspective exercises, these prompts will guide you ⁢to explore ⁢the various facets of your identity, helping you‍ gain⁣ a deeper understanding of⁢ yourself and the limitations that may be holding you⁣ back.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just ⁢starting out, consider these prompts​ as doorways into uncharted territories of the self. Use the power of words to delve into your past⁢ experiences, present aspirations, and future dreams, cultivating a stronger sense ​of your individuality. Embrace ‍this opportunity to reflect on your unique qualities, values, and beliefs, while shedding light on areas where personal growth is desired.

• Imagine yourself living your ideal life without any limitations. What does it ⁤look like? How does it feel?
• Write a letter to your younger self, offering advice and reassurance based on​ the person you are today.
• Explore a time when you felt completely out of your comfort zone. How did it shape you?
• Describe⁤ a person or event that ‍significantly influenced ‌your identity and explain why.

Allow these‍ writing prompts to kindle your creativity and ‌curiosity, ​embarking on​ a journey to surpass the limitations that may have held you back. Remember, the possibilities are endless, and your potential⁣ knows no bounds. Discover new perspectives, challenge preconceptions, ⁣and become the architect of your own narrative. Embrace the transformative power of introspection as you expand your horizons and discover the limitless⁢ depth of your identity.

Discovering one’s true⁢ passions can be both exhilarating and challenging. Often, we get so caught up in the expectations and demands of daily‍ life that we lose touch with our ‌authentic selves. ⁢However, with the help of identity writing prompts, a⁣ powerful tool for self-reflection,‌ you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and unmask the⁢ desires that lie hidden within.

Identity writing prompts encourage introspection​ and provide a safe space for exploration. ⁣They allow you to delve deep into your experiences,⁣ values,​ and aspirations, helping you uncover the underlying⁣ motivations that drive you. Embrace this opportunity to reconnect with your passions and gain⁣ a clearer understanding of what truly fulfills you. ⁢Here are a ⁣few ways identity writing prompts can ‍aid in ⁤unmasking your passions:

• Reflection: Identity writing prompts encourage you to reflect upon your life experiences, both past, and present. This reflection can help you identify patterns, ⁢recurring themes, and ​pivotal moments that have shaped your desires and interests.
• Exploration: ‌ Through writing prompts, you can explore various aspects of your identity, including your values, strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities. This exploration opens ​doors to new possibilities and ‌sheds light on previously⁢ overlooked passions.
• Clarity: By engaging in identity writing, you gain clarity about what truly excites and ⁤motivates you. ‍As you consistently explore and ⁢write, you’ll uncover patterns and themes that point you towards your authentic passions, providing a clearer roadmap to follow.
• Growth: Writing prompts allow you to embrace ‍your growth journey and evolve as an individual. As you unmask your passions through writing,⁣ you’ll learn from experiences, refine your⁤ goals, and develop a stronger sense of self.

Unearthing your‌ passions and desires is a beautiful journey of self-discovery. Through the powerful medium ‍of identity writing prompts, you can peel away⁤ the layers and uncover your true essence.⁢ Allow yourself the space and time to engage in this introspective practice, and watch your passions ⁣come⁤ alive.

Owning Your Narrative: Express Yourself Freely with ‌Identity Writing Prompts

Writing is more than just ⁣putting words on paper; it’s a powerful means of self-expression. If you’re looking to explore and embrace your identity through writing, our collection of Identity Writing Prompts ⁣is the perfect tool for you. Designed to ⁢delve deep into ​the⁢ core of ​who you are, these prompts will ‍empower you to unleash your true self on the page.

With Identity Writing Prompts , you have the freedom to share your unique experiences, ⁣thoughts, and emotions, allowing ⁤you to connect ⁣with your inner self in a profound way. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your writing journey, these prompts will challenge you to examine your identity from various perspectives, paving the way ⁤for personal growth,‌ self-discovery, and a stronger‍ sense of self.

• Reflect on pivotal life experiences that shaped your identity
• Explore the intersectionality of your various social identities
• Examine the challenges you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned
• Imagine alternate realities where your identity is different and reflect ⁤on the ⁤implications
• Describe the people or communities that have influenced your sense of self

Our Identity Writing Prompts are not ​just about writing; they’re about‍ taking control of your narrative and expressing yourself freely. So, grab a pen and paper or open a blank document and let your genuine⁢ voice be heard. Dive deep into your thoughts, embrace‌ your identity, and let your unique story unfold.

Embrace the power of authenticity and discover how identity writing ⁢prompts can truly help you live your truth. In a world where societal norms​ often​ dictate our behaviors and⁣ perceptions, it becomes crucial to delve deep⁣ within ourselves⁢ to reconnect with our authentic selves. Identity writing prompts serve as a‍ catalyst for this introspective journey, offering an‌ opportunity to reflect on our unique experiences, beliefs, and values.

Through identity writing prompts, we can tap into the core of our being, shedding societal expectations and embracing our true passions, desires, and aspirations. These prompts aim to unleash the authentic voice that often remains dormant within us, allowing us to express our thoughts ​and emotions freely without judgment⁢ or inhibition. By ⁣exploring various aspects of our identity,⁢ including cultural background, personal interests, dreams, and personal growth, ‌we gain⁣ a better understanding of ourselves and develop a stronger sense of ‍self-awareness.

Unleash⁣ the power of authenticity with​ these benefits of practicing identity⁢ writing prompts:

• Self-Reflection: Engaging in identity writing prompts ‌promotes⁣ deep self-reflection, helping you‌ to decipher your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Personal Growth: By exploring and embracing‌ your true identity through writing, you ⁣create space for‍ personal growth and development.
• Empowerment: Authenticity empowers⁤ you to break⁣ free from societal constraints, enables you to stand tall in your ⁢values, and fosters self-confidence.
• Uncovering Hidden Passions: Through identity writing prompts, you might ⁣uncover hidden passions or rediscover forgotten dreams, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Unlocking your authentic self through identity writing prompts opens the door to living a life that ⁢is truly aligned​ with who you are. Embrace the transformational power of‌ authenticity and embark on a journey of self-discovery today!

Exploring⁣ cultural identity can be a deeply personal ⁣and⁢ enlightening experience. Writing prompts provide​ a powerful tool for delving into this journey of self-discovery. As‌ we navigate through the ​intricate tapestry of our cultural heritage, writing allows us to explore our thoughts, ​emotions, and experiences with vulnerability and authenticity.

Through writing prompts, you can unravel the complexities of your cultural identity, uncovering hidden layers and gaining⁣ a deeper understanding of who you truly are. These prompts serve as a guide, igniting introspection and encouraging you to reflect on various aspects of your heritage, traditions, and upbringing. They invite⁢ you to examine the influences that have shaped you and the‌ impact your cultural identity has on your life.

By engaging in this creative process, you can embark on‌ a journey of self-discovery and self-expression, gaining insights into your‍ values,‌ beliefs, and unique perspective. Writing prompts help you:

• Connect with your roots: Reflect on the cultural practices, rituals, and traditions that define your identity.
• Explore⁤ personal experiences: Dive into cherished memories, stories, ⁣and encounters‌ that have shaped your cultural identity.
• Examine challenges and growth: Unveil ‍the obstacles you’ve faced and how they have influenced your sense of self.
• Embrace diversity: Celebrate the ⁢richness of your cultural background and the diverse perspectives it offers.

Dive into the thought-provoking writing prompts provided in this section, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, ⁣unearthing the unique facets of your cultural identity.

Q: What are ⁢identity writing prompts? A: Identity writing prompts are specific ​topics or questions designed to get you thinking about and exploring different aspects of your identity and self-discovery through writing.

Q: How can ​identity writing prompts help in self-discovery? A: Identity writing prompts serve as a catalyst for self-reflection and exploration. By delving into these prompts, you can gain a deeper understanding of your values, beliefs, experiences, and the various aspects that make up your ⁤unique identity.

Q: How can I use these writing prompts effectively? A: To make the ​most of identity‌ writing prompts, find a quiet and ​comfortable space where you ⁢can freely express your thoughts. Set aside dedicated time for introspection and use the prompts as guides to delve into different aspects of yourself. Let your thoughts flow naturally and don’t hold ​back.

Q: Can anyone benefit from using these prompts? A: Absolutely! Identity writing prompts can⁤ be useful for everyone, regardless of age, background, or writing experience. Whether you’re embarking on‌ a journey of self-discovery or simply want to gain‌ a better understanding of yourself, these ⁢prompts can prove to be invaluable tools.

Q: What are some examples of identity writing prompts? A: Here are a few examples of identity writing​ prompts: 1. Reflect on a moment or an experience that shaped your ‌identity. 2. How do you define success and ⁢how does it relate to your identity? 3. Explore a personal belief or value that has evolved over time. 4. Write about a‌ role ‌model ‍or someone ⁢who has had a ​significant impact on your sense of⁢ self. 5. Describe a time when you were faced with a challenge⁣ that forced you to reassess or reevaluate your identity.

Q: Can identity writing prompts assist with⁢ self-growth? A: Yes,‍ identity writing prompts can aid in self-growth by promoting ⁤introspection, fostering self-awareness,⁤ and encouraging you to explore untapped dimensions of your identity. By engaging in this process regularly, you can gain a deeper understanding​ of yourself and subsequently make more informed decisions about personal ‍growth ⁣and development.

Q: Are identity writing prompts only for personal use or can they be used in a group‍ setting? A: While identity‍ writing prompts ​are often used for personal reflection, they can also be utilized effectively in group settings. Sharing ⁣and discussing your thoughts and experiences with others can provide unique perspectives‍ and further enrich your self-discovery​ process.

Q: How often should one engage in⁣ using ⁢identity writing prompts? A: The frequency of using identity writing prompts can vary depending on your personal preferences and goals. ‌Some individuals may find ⁣it beneficial to engage in this practice regularly, perhaps once⁣ a week or even daily, while others might prefer ​a more sporadic approach. Choose a frequency that feels comfortable for you and supports ‍your self-exploration journey.

Q: Can identity​ writing⁤ prompts be utilized for different forms of writing? A: Absolutely! Identity writing prompts can​ be adapted to various forms of writing, such as journaling, personal essays, poetry, ‌or even fiction. The prompts provide ‌a starting point to explore your identity, and the choice of‌ writing style is entirely up to you.

Q: ⁤Can ​identity writing prompts be used as a therapeutic tool? A: Yes, identity writing prompts can be a valuable therapeutic tool. Writing ‌about your identity and⁢ engaging in self-reflection can help uncover and process emotions, allowing for personal⁣ growth and healing. However, if you require professional support, it’s always advisable to consult a trained therapist or counselor.

In conclusion, identity writing prompts offer invaluable opportunities for self-exploration and ‌personal ⁣growth. By delving into these themes, we can better understand​ ourselves, our values, and our place in ‌the world.

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How Having a Writing Community Stimulates Creativity

Mary gannon and kevin larimer on finding your people.

Whether it’s found in crowded rooms or email folders, Twitter threads or Facebook group chats, community is as deeply necessary to a writer as reading. It is a source of assistance, understanding, and camaraderie. It is an exchange of ideas, a wellspring of inspiration, and sometimes, quite literally, a lifeline. But community is also give-and-take; it’s collaborative, mutual, organic. This idea of community —and the notion of being a good literary citizen within that community—is tossed around so often that we can lose track of exactly what we mean when we use those words. So let’s take a moment.

For most of us, two opposing forces are exerting pressure within our minds as writers. Not quite seismic in strength, they nevertheless result in a paradox that each of us must resolve in our own way. We can all agree that in order to write, one must work, at least the majority of the time, in relative solitude. Editing, revising, and publishing are collaborative, no doubt, and even some kinds of writing (such as the exquisite corpse, in which a poem or story is collectively assembled) are accomplished with others, but for the most part it’s you, and you alone, using the tools of your trade: your intellect and your emotions, your eyes and your fingers. You might be writing by candlelight in a remote cabin somewhere in the Adirondacks, or behind the closed door of your pantry turned office in the middle of the night, or on the couch while the baby takes her afternoon nap.

Even if you’re writing in a crowded Starbucks, finishing the fourth tercet of your villanelle while the barista yells out the name of the person whose Triple Venti Half Sweet Non-Fat Caramel Macchiato is ready, you’re still acquiescing to the seclusion your writing requires, albeit in a very modern setting: At its core, this is between you and the words on the page or the screen, no one else, at least in the first stages of drafting a piece of writing. And of course there is something very, very exciting about that: You are the author of that world.

Writing is a solitary act, but as writers, as creative people, we also crave feedback, we want company (as long as it comes at the right time), we want validation, and we want to feel like we’re not alone in our compulsions. It is our very solitude that fuels our desire for solidarity, for community. At some point in your life, you first felt the excitement—mixed with the relief—of realizing that you were talking to someone who understands a little something about your life as a writer, with all of its demands, routines, superstitions, eccentricities, confusions, and wonders. Isn’t that a tremendous feeling? Maybe not as great as the realization or confirmation that you’ve just written a truly great poem, or the thrill of typing the final period of your novel, but still worth chasing.

First, it’s helpful to attempt a deeper understanding of why community is important to us.

One could say that by virtue of being a writer you are automatically a member of the community of writers in this country. But this loose affiliation, awesome in a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon sort of way, is pretty limited. If you’ve ever felt like a stranger walking the aisles of a huge bookfair—like the annual one organized by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, held in a different city each year and typically attended by more than ten thousand people—you know that it can be exciting, but perhaps not as personally rewarding as we need it to be. (Are we the only ones who feel a little anxious walking into a massive crowd of people who comprise our “community” at its most general level?)

Still, it is important to recognize our community on that scale for two reasons. It affirms our commitment to writing (See, I’m not crazy, look at all these other fools blindly pursuing a dream that rarely pays dividends!) and it shows us the size and strength of the infrastructure that exists to support writers: how many resources, activities, and energies are devoted to writing and the various industries that have grown up to celebrate, support, and capitalize on it.

Just by virtue of being a published author one can join the Authors Guild, “a professional organization dedicated to supporting and protecting the writing life for all working and aspiring authors.” There is certainly a degree of validation—perhaps a sense that you’ve “arrived,” not to mention benefits such as contract reviews and legal advice—that comes from being a card-carrying member of such an organization; the Authors Guild represents community in a broad sense of the term. As does a subscription to a trade magazine or literary journal. It feels like you’re participating in—and caring about and supporting—a shared project of literary expression. It would be difficult to overestimate the power and importance of such a feeling. If you’re surrounded by family members who don’t read books for personal enjoyment, or who don’t value “clarity of thought and feeling,” as Tracy Kidder and Richard Todd put it, you know how important it is to get that magazine in the mail every two months, or to visit the website that’s devoted to the work of writers just like you, who hold it as one of life’s principal values.

But these days, when so much of our “social activity” is accomplished by tapping a heart or a thumbs-up icon (which is not to say that plenty of writers aren’t able to cultivate meaningful followings on social media, where real expressions of emotion, reasoned opinions, and constructive criticism are possible, if not common), writers are more hungry than ever for in-person interactions and a sense of community that is marked by an actual conversation or collaboration and is punctuated by a handshake or even—come on, let’s admit it, we all need one once in a while—a hug.

Whether it’s a huge industry event or a more intimate gathering of friendly writers, community is a feeling that you are among your people. Maybe it’s a group of literary essayists who grew up in the same relatively underserved area of Oklahoma talking about the geography of memory, or it’s fiction writers in Alaska who want to address the issue of climate change through their work, or it’s essayists who gather to discuss markets for their writing, or poets who meet to talk about prison writing and the language of incarceration. Or it’s an open mic held in the back room of a hotel bar every other Tuesday evening. Or a writing group that shares work online every week and meets in person every month for a submission party. From community you can get a sense of belonging, but you can also clarify your sense of self. You can get motivation from community, accountability, support. You can feel recognized, and you can feel a part of something larger than yourself.

Community is also an important part of the creative process because it stimulates us and our thinking, sometimes pushing us further and deeper into our projects. In his book Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation , Steven Johnson explains how everything that happens in your brain is, technically speaking, a network, and that good ideas have signature patterns in the networks that make them:

“To make your mind more innovative, you have to place it inside environments that share that same network signature: networks of ideas or people that mimic the neural networks of a mind exploring the boundaries of the adjacent possible. Certain environments enhance the brain’s natural capacity to make new links of association.”

We would argue that a healthy, stimulating community is the perfect example of an environment that promotes creative thinking. Like an organic, flesh-and-blood version of the commonplace book, a community allows for connections among writers and their ideas and observations. To say nothing of the emotional support, educational exploration, and camaraderie that community can provide.

For some writers, that feeling of validation, of support and community, can fill a void created by generations of marginalization, by institutional racism and the failure of social, political, and literary institutions to acknowledge and extend their missions and services to underserved communities. In recent decades there have been a number of literary organizations that have been formed with the express goal or mission of providing support and a sense of community for specific, historically underrepresented groups of writers such as African American poets (Cave Canem), Asian American writers (Kundiman and the Asian American Writers’ Workshop), Latinx writers (CantoMundo), Arab American writers (Radius of Arab American Writers, or RAWI), queer writers (Lambda Literary Foundation), and disabled writers (Zoeglossia). These organizations and many more like them—see the list of 15 National Organizations Serving Writers and Writing at the back of this book—host readings and organize retreats, sponsor literary prizes, maintain websites that offer valuable information, and/or offer other literary activities that can be life-changing.

Poet and attorney Reginald Dwayne Betts saw the retreat sponsored by Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 “to remedy the under-representation and isolation of African American poets in the literary landscape,” as a kind of home. “Cave Canem opened up the space to think about who I was, and for me that meant it gave me permission to chase the thing that might make me weep. And what is writing, if not this?” he writes. The retreats organized by Kundiman, a nonprofit founded in 2004 to provide “a safe yet rigorous space where Asian American poets can explore, through art, the unique challenges that face the new and ever changing diaspora,” fostered a similar feeling of belonging in Duy Doan, winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets prize for We Play a Game . “I would never be able to overemphasize the positive impact that the Kundiman retreats have had on me—writing, musing, connecting with other Asian–Pacific Islander American writers, being taken in by a richly talented and generous community,” he writes.

The point is, community means different things to different people, but for everyone it’s a vital source of some key ingredients of the writing life. It’s easy enough to say that writing is all about placing yourself in a chair and grinding it out, you and the words, applying pressure to the rock until diamonds appear in the dust. Solitary seduction, suffering, and success. And it is that—until it isn’t. Then there is a need to share, commiserate, question, discover, inspire, and be inspired with others. When you find the right people, it’s a beautiful, necessary miracle: Your world opens up, the universe expands, and guess what? You’re no longer alone.

__________________________________

From The Poets & Writers Complete Guide to Being a Writer by Kevin Larimer and Mary Gannon. Copyright © April 7th, 2020. Reprinted by permission of Avid Reader Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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32 Writing Prompts about Belonging

Humans have this super strong need to feel like they fit in, wherever they are in the world.

This feeling of belonging has been a huge theme in stories forever, from old legends to fancy books we read today. Even though we’re all so connected online these days, feeling like we truly belong to something real is more important than ever.

It can be about family , friends , a community , or whatever makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

So, we put together some writing prompts to get you thinking about this whole belonging thing in a new way.

Let’s explore what it really means to belong!

Writing Prompts about Belonging

• You finally get the chance to visit the place where your family originated. Despite knowing the language and a bit about the culture , something feels off. Write about your conflicting emotions as you try to find a sense of belonging in a place both foreign and familiar.
• A shapeshifter finds it difficult to belong in any one community. They are too much of an outsider in every form. Explore how they try to navigate this loneliness and where they might search for acceptance.
• Imagine you’re a newly adopted puppy in a home with multiple established pets . The other animals are friendly, but you can’t shake the feeling of being an outsider. Write a story about how you find your place in the pack.
• A new student at school always sits alone, never engaging with anyone. They seem withdrawn and out of place. Explore this character ’s inner struggle and what it might take for them to feel connected to their new school environment.
• You attend a close-knit family reunion for the first time. Everyone seems to know each other well while you’re clearly the newcomer— a feeling highlighted by shared stories you weren’t part of. Describe this experience and how you try to make a connection.
• Imagine your favorite character from a book, TV show, or film suddenly placed in an entirely different setting . They’ve been plucked from a place they belonged and thrust into an unfamiliar world. Write their story of finding acceptance, or lack thereof, in this new environment.

• An elderly person moves into an assisted living facility. It’s a difficult adjustment as they long for their home and independence. Write about their journey toward establishing a sense of belonging within this new community.
• On a crowded subway train, you notice a teenager with unique style and dyed hair clearly feeling uncomfortable. Most passengers give them strange looks or ignore them entirely. Write about a moment of connection and belonging you could offer this person.
• Imagine you’ve always been a bit of a loner and somewhat of a social outcast. One day, a group of people who seem even more eccentric than you reach out and invite you into their circle. Explore the conflict between your desire for belonging and your fear of not fully fitting in with their unusual group.
• A young person on the autism spectrum deeply desires friendship and connection. Social situations are complex and overwhelming for them. Write a story focusing on this experience and the challenges faced in trying to build meaningful relationships .
• You’ve recently joined a sports team known for a close-knit group of players. As you try to become part of their inner circle, you realize some of their traditions and behaviors are morally questionable. Write about the struggle between your desire to belong and your discomfort with the group’s actions.
• After a tragic accident, an orphaned child is taken in by distant relatives they’ve never met. They are safe and cared for, yet a fundamental sense of belonging eludes them. Explore this emotional landscape and how they might begin to forge a connection within this new family.

• You arrive as the new employee at a workplace with a distinct culture and established hierarchies. You desperately want to make a good impression and become part of the team. Write about the challenges you face, the compromises you consider, and how you attempt to find your place.
• Imagine a world where everyone is assigned a social score based on popularity, looks, and conformity. A low score means being ostracized and denied opportunities. Explore the life of an individual struggling against this system who values individuality and rejects rigid social hierarchies.
• A character moves to a country where they don’t speak the language fluently and struggle with cultural differences. This experience fuels a profound feeling of isolation . Write about their journey toward finding pockets of belonging and building a sense of community in a foreign place.
• You stumble upon a hidden online forum dedicated to an obscure topic you’re passionate about. For the first time, you feel totally understood by a group of people. Explore your excitement at discovering this community, the potential pitfalls of online groups, and what true belonging feels like to you.
• Picture a close-knit community shaken by a divisive scandal. Suddenly, neighbours turn suspicious, friendships shatter, and lifelong residents feel like outsiders in their own town. Tell a story about a person trying to find belonging and restore a sense of unity in this fractured environment.
• You’ve discovered you have a long-lost sibling . Eagerly, you reach out and begin building a relationship with them. However, you find they have vastly different beliefs, values, and a lifestyle that clashes with your own. Explore the complex desire for familial connection and the question of whether belonging is possible with someone so fundamentally different.

• Imagine a beloved pet, used to constant attention and love , experiences a decline in affection when their owner brings a new baby into the home. Write from the pet’s perspective, describing their feelings of displacement and the struggle to find their place in a changing household.
• Imagine a highly intelligent and ambitious individual forced by circumstances to live and work in an environment where their talents are unappreciated and their aspirations mocked. Write about the internal conflict between their thirst for belonging and the desire to embrace their true potential, even if it means isolation.
• A character who deeply loves nature finds themself transplanted to a bustling megacity where concrete and crowds dominate. The absence of natural spaces creates a constant ache for something missing. Write about the struggle to satisfy a longing for a connection to the natural world in an overwhelmingly urban environment.
• You’ve always been part of a religious community, where you found comfort , tradition, and a sense of place. However, as you grow older, your faith wavers and doubts emerge. Write about the painful process of leaving a community that was once home and the search for belonging in a new, uncertain belief system.
• As a member of a marginalized group, you’ve often felt invisible or misunderstood within the larger society. Then, you discover a welcoming community of individuals who share your identity and experiences. Explore the powerful feeling of finally being seen and the complexity of belonging to a group defined by a shared struggle.
• A group of childhood friends, once inseparable, have drifted apart after years of changed interests and different life paths. One friend decides to organize a reunion. Write about the awkwardness, the nostalgia , and the yearning to recapture a sense of belonging that might no longer exist.

• You’re a passionate advocate for a cause considered fringe or unpopular by most. Your unwavering belief in this cause often leads to social exclusion. Write about your determination to find a community of like-minded individuals and the challenges of belonging to a group that wider society marginalizes.
• A talented athlete suffers a career-ending injury . Their entire identity and sense of belonging hinged on their athletic achievements. Explore the emotional process of rediscovering themselves and finding a new path where they can feel they belong.
• Imagine a world where everyone’s deepest fears and insecurities are visible for all to see. A character with a particularly shameful or troubling fear desperately tries to hide it in a society where belonging relies on full transparency. Write about their struggle to feel accepted.
• An elderly person who has always been independent and self-sufficient is diagnosed with a condition that requires increased care. They must now rely on others, which challenges their sense of belonging and place in the world. Explore their journey of accepting help and finding new ways to contribute and feel valued.
• While volunteering at a community event, you encounter a refugee from a war -torn country who has recently resettled in your area. They appear isolated and disconnected. Write about how you try to bridge the divide and create a small sense of belonging for them in an unfamiliar environment.
• You’ve recently undergone a major physical transformation, such as significant weight loss or a gender transitioning process. These changes alter the way others perceive you and challenge your own long-held self-image. Explore this shifting sense of identity and the process of finding belonging in a newly transformed body.
• Within a tight-knit group of friends, a new person appears, quickly becoming popular and disrupting the established dynamic. While you want to welcome them, you feel a sense of unease and the fear of losing your place within the group. Write about the conflict between wanting to be inclusive and the desire to protect your own sense of belonging.

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The Belonging Project: Creative Writing

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More Than Me by Caleb Broce (downloads a Word document)

Angry by Caleb Broce (downloads a Word document)

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Familial Fear of My Queerness (Downloads a Word document)

Just a Chair but Much More than a Seat by Dr. Mark Felts (Downloads a Word Document)

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Five Ways to improve CREATIVE WRITING for Paper One, Section Two

There is no other way to describe Paper One, Section Two but as the bane of every HSC student’s existence. Yes, this section requires you to compose an imaginative text that demonstrates what you have learnt about belonging and/or non-belonging. It is essentially a living hell, but don’t be disheartened. Use the ten tips in this guide to help you prepare and compose a response that doesn’t sound suspiciously like Mean Girls or another popular film or book your marker would be aware of.

One: Write What You Know

Use the experiences you have had, the people you know, events you have been to or things you have observed as your starting point. Good writers use the emotions they have felt or ways they have responded or reacted to different situations as the basis for their writing. This is not suggesting that you write a story about a year 12 student who doesn’t belong because that is what you know, but rather that you use the emotions that student might have felt or the responses that student might have and transfer them to a different context or exotic setting, such as a remote tribal village or a time in the past.

Two: Make it believable

If you are writing from the perspective of a middle aged man, they are not going to be saying like, totally, awesome, omg, lol or any other derivative of those words. The events and the way the characters behave and respond to events must be believable given the context you are writing in. If you plan to write about some remote tribe or time from the past, do a little bit of background research so that if the question in your HSC exam allows you to use this story, you at least know about the context and what things could occur/how people would behave in this context.

Three: Get creative with your form

Unless the question specifically states that you have to write a short story/narrative, you do not have to write a narrative. Many students may find it easier to write a narrative as they would have practiced these and are familiar with the structure, however, writing in another form such as diary entries or a letter can really make you stand out from the crowd. For the conventions and features of diary entries, letters, feature articles, conversations, speeches and drama scripts click here to go to through to the resources page.

Four: Avoid clichés

The marker would have read a million stories about school students who struggle because they are bullied and don’t belong by the time they get to yours. You spend 40% of your English course learning about belonging, so you should be able to come up with more creative and insightful ideas about belonging to write about. Don’t just copy a film or book you have watched/read and change a few details-try and use your imagination and use the common feelings that arise when you belong or don’t belong to write something original.

Five: Don’t make it blatantly obvious you are writing about belonging

The markers comments always say that the best responses are ones which don’t automatically scream belonging. Explore the concept implicitly through relationships between people and other people or places and other ideas such as culture and identity. Avoid statements such as “I felt I belonged” or “I hated not belonging” and try instead to use other words that communicate these ideas e.g “I felt safe, like nothing could bring me down” or “I was sick of feeling isolated and like nobody in the group wanted to let me in.” In the planning stage, set out which aspects of belonging you are going to explore and how you will make these implicit throughout your response.

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Creative Writing: Visual stimulus belonging

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by csimmondswhiteboard in Education , Secondary English

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banksy , belonging , creative writing , english , gordon bennett , shaun tan , stimulus

Students choose one of the following images as the foundation or inspiration for a creative writing piece that relates to belonging.

I’ve added reasons as to why these texts in particular are good visual stimulus to use for belonging.  Feel free to add to the list.

Side note: This is a great activity to use in conjunction with creative writing: getting more descriptive .

‘No body understands’ from Shaun Tan’s picture book The Red Tree’ is appropriate stimulus for a creative writing piece as it has a presents a clear message for students to interpret and draw upon.  The picture alludes to loneliness, confusion, and the unknown.  

But I Always Wanted to be One of the Good Guys -Gordon Bennett 1990

‘But I always wanted to be one of the good guys’ by Gordon Bennett allows students to explore the notions of belonging, and not belonging and cultural identity in their creative piece.  Although the picture is complex, students can draw from multiple images and ideas, for example the large “I AM,’ the binary opposition between “I am light, I am dark,” the title of the picture, and the representations of childhood and conflict.

Car by Banksy

Banksy’s work ‘Car’ is appropriate stimulus material as students have the opportunity to explore issues of adolescent belonging or not belonging, and concepts that relate belonging to nation, identity, acceptance and freedom.

Students responses should be assessed in accordance with the HSC rubric for section II of paper 2, which I’ve included below.

In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:

• express understanding of belonging in the context of your studies
• organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and context

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What Does It Take to Build a Culture of Belonging?

• Julia Taylor Kennedy
• Pooja Jain-Link

Four concrete actions leaders can take.

To impose the changes needed to achieve promises of racial justice, equity, and inclusion, organizations require all hands on deck — at levels of the company. But widespread support on any effort can be difficult to garner, especially when it comes to DE&I work. An essential part of this is to create a culture where every employee, regardless of their background, feels they belong.

Based on research by Coqual, it is said someone belongs at work when they are seen for their unique contributions, connected to their coworkers, supported in their daily work and career development, and proud of their organization’s values and purpose. While a lack of belonging is the challenge, especially for people of color, building it is a crucial strategy for healing — and for galvanizing support of all DE&I work. As organizations map ways to meet their commitments to racial equity and justice, closing these belonging gaps will help them join employees in a common mission — and to retain and engage employees of all backgrounds.

As we continue to adjust to Covid-19’s disruptions and see Black Americans killed by police , hate crimes against Asian Americans surge , and people in Georgia fight for equal voting rights , the question of what “belonging” means in American society is reaching into the workplace as it never has before. CEOs, corporate boards, investors, consumers, and employees continue to demand action against racial injustice and movement toward more-equitable workplaces — ones where all employees belong, regardless of their racial or ethnic identities. Against this backdrop, business leaders no longer require a “business case” for a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I); they are well aware. Now they need corporate leaders and advisers to help them keep the ambitious promises they made over the course of the past year.

• Julia Taylor Kennedy is executive vice president at Coqual , a global nonprofit think tank dedicated to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the lead researcher of Coqual’s four-part study, The Power of Belonging . She also co-led research on Coqual’s Being Black in Corporate America and The Sponsor Dividend , along with several other studies. Taylor Kennedy works with Coqual’s advisory clients to design and implement leadership development programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Pooja Jain-Link is executive vice president at Coqual and secondary lead researcher on Coqual’s four-part study, The Power of Belonging. She co-led, with Taylor Kennedy, research on Coqual’s Being Black in Corporate America and Wonder Women in STEM and the Companies that Champion Them , along with several other studies. Jain-Link also works with Coqual’s advisory clients on strategic action planning, culture audits, and other diagnostics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Articles on Creative writing

Displaying 1 - 20 of 46 articles.

UK’s creative industries bring in more revenue than cars, oil and gas – so why is arts education facing cuts?

Adam Behr , Newcastle University

An ode to the social realism of ‘boring’ lyrics – from The Kinks to The Streets

Glenn Fosbraey , University of Winchester

How to write a love song – three tips for beginners from a songwriting expert

‘ Cli-fi ’ might not save the world, but writing it could help with your  eco-anxiety

Rachel Hennessy , The University of Melbourne ; Alex Cothren , Flinders University , and Amy T Matthews , Flinders University

I research the therapeutic qualities of writing about art – here are three steps for trying it yourself

Patrick Wright , The Open University

Creative writing can help improve one’s health: a South African study shows how

Dawn Garisch , University of Cape Town and Steve Reid , University of Cape Town

Boxing empowered me to express my trauma – now, I help other abuse survivors do the same, combining it with creative writing

Donna Lyon , The University of Melbourne

How a poet and professor promotes racial understanding with lessons from history

Quraysh Ali Lansana , Oklahoma State University

How to understand your grief through writing

Catherine Cole , Liverpool John Moores University

Write what you know: the COVID experience is a rich resource for year 12 English exams

Janet Dutton , Macquarie University

5 ways to teach the link between grammar and imagination for better creative writing

Brett Healey , Curtin University

Writing can improve mental health – here’s how

Christina Thatcher , Cardiff Metropolitan University

In an AI world we need to teach students how to work with robot writers

Lucinda McKnight , Deakin University

To succeed in an AI world, students must learn the human traits of writing

‘Lit therapy’ in the classroom: writing about trauma can be valuable, if done right

Yannick Thoraval , RMIT University

Too many adjectives, not enough ideas: how NAPLAN forces us to teach bad writing

What my students taught me about reading: old books hold new insights for the digital generation

Kate Flaherty , Australian National University

Life sentences – what creative writing by prisoners tells us about the inside

Dr Michael X. Savvas , Flinders University

Frozen in time, the casts of Indigenous Australians who performed in ‘human zoos’ are chilling

Katherine Johnson , University of Tasmania

‘I’m in another world’: writing without rules lets kids find their voice, just like professional authors

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Major code BA5232

College of Arts and Sciences   English Department   Ellis 201 Athens, OH 45701 Fax: 740.593.2832 [email protected] www.ohio.edu/cas/english/

Dr. Carey Snyder , contact person [email protected]

Program Overview

In the English – Creative Writing major, you will engage with genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from the inside out, by generating and revising your own work as well as exploring closely how published work uses the techniques of craft. All creative writing students participate in workshops led by nationally recognized writers which focus on understanding and constructing different literary forms; to achieve these goals, workshops emphasize the study of texts by established writers as well as students’ experimentation with their own creative process. The major is also flexible enough to match your own interests and goals: you can fulfill up to 12 of the required hours in the major with courses focusing on literature, rhetoric, or literary theory, or by combining these with apprenticeship or internship experiences. To ensure a solid foundation in the skills and knowledge that employers and graduate schools expect from any English graduate, the English – Creative Writing major includes the English Core in analysis, research, and literary history. 

Admissions Information

Freshman/first-year admission.

Enrollment in an English major entails no requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

For students currently enrolled at Ohio University, transferring into an English major requires a 2.0 GPA. Students choosing to transfer into the English  – Creative Writing major should contact the director of undergraduate studies in the English department for assistance. Students who wish to add an English major in addition to another major program should seek assistance from the director of undergraduate studies; students with a second major outside the College of Arts and Sciences will be responsible for meeting the degree requirements of both the English – Creative Writing major and the College of Arts and Sciences.

External Transfer Admission

For students currently enrolled at institutions other than Ohio University, transferring into an English major entails no requirements beyond University admission requirements. Students should contact the director of undergraduate studies in the English Department for assistance.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

After a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and analytical reading as well as multiple genres of writing, English – Creative Writing students enjoy the same wide variety of opportunity upon graduation that other English majors have. Many of our graduates go on to graduate programs, not only M.A. or M.F.A. programs in Creative Writing but also programs in Information Science or Education. Others work in publishing, web content development, grant-writing and community organizing, advertising, or other creative industries. Having invested in developing their own creativity as well as in the well-rounded education that this degree requires, English – Creative Writing students can face the unexpected challenges of the 21 st -century job market with confidence.

Potential employers for those who hold a degree in Creative Writing include, but are certainly not limited to, newspaper and magazine organizations, the entertainment industry, government agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private K-12 schools, publishing companies, marketing agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, etc.

Browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake , OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.

Requirements

Universitywide graduation requirements.

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – Universitywide    page.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements   .

English Hours Requirement

For a B.A. degree with a major in English - Creative Writing , a student must complete a total of 42 semester credit hours in ENG coursework.

Intercultural Foundations

Complete the following course:

• ENG 1100 - Crossing Cultures with Text Credit Hours: 3

Literary Reading

Complete one of the following courses:

• ENG 2010 - Introduction to Prose Fiction and Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2020 - Introduction to Poetry and Drama Credit Hours: 3

British or American Literature I

• ENG 2510 - British Literature I Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2530 - American Literature I Credit Hours: 3

British or American Literature II

• ENG 2520 - British Literature II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2540 - American Literature II Credit Hours: 3

Intercultural Breadth

Complete one course from the following:

• ENG 3240 - Jewish American Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3250 - Women’s Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3260 - Queer Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3270 - Queer Rhetorics and Writing Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3370 - Black Literature to 1930 Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3380 - Ethnic American Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3390 - Black Literature from 1930 to the Present Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3450 - Intercultural Adaptations: Answering the Anglo-American Literary Canon Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3550 - Global Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3850 - Writing About Culture and Society Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4660 - International Authors Credit Hours: 3

Writing and Research

• ENG 3070J - Writing and Research in English Studies Credit Hours: 3

Senior Seminar

• ENG 4600 - Topics in English Studies Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4640 - British Authors Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4650 - American Authors Credit Hours: 3

Creative Writing Workshops

Complete three of the following workshops with at least one intermediate or advanced workshop:

• ENG 3610 - Creative Writing: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3620 - Creative Writing: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3630 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Intermediate:

• ENG 3950 - Creative Writing Workshop: Nonfiction II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3960 - Creative Writing Workshop: Fiction II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3970 - Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4860 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4870 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4880 - Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Creative Writing Form and Theory

• ENG 4810 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4820 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4830 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Major Electives

Complete three additional ENG courses for at least nine hours excluding ENG 2800   , ENG 3***J, ENG 4510   , ENG 4520   , ENG 4911   , and ENG 4912   . Six hours may be at the 2000-level or higher; three hours must be at the 3000-level or higher.

Creative Writing Programs Online

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15 colleges and schools

350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

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Online Undergraduate and Graduate Creative Writing Programs

Do you want to learn how to tell stories or create art through your words? If you want to write poetry, script plays, or write novels, Liberty has creative writing programs that can help you learn the skills you need. You can start with the basics and develop your skills under the teaching and mentorship of teachers who know their craft. But what program is right for you?

Associate Degrees

Liberty’s 100% online Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Creative Writing offers you the opportunity to enhance your writing skills as you prepare for a future career or a bachelor’s degree.

Apply Now   Request Info  

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of science in creative writing – christian literature, bachelor of science in creative writing – english.

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – English offers you the chance to develop a deep understanding of the English language.

Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – Journalism

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – Journalism allows you to develop investigative and reporting abilities and build your portfolio. 

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing offers you advanced training in composition and literature, creative writing, and modern grammar.

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing – Christian Literature can help you hone your writing and critical thinking skills as you explore the works of some of the greatest Christian writers in history.

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing – Creative Writing degree offers advanced training in grammar, technical writing, and storytelling.

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing – Journalism offers you a journalism education that can teach you to write compelling stories and help you pursue exciting writing opportunities.

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Composition will guide you through the fundamentals of writing and grammar and help prepare you to teach composition at the collegiate level.

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Writing can help you craft effective communication using digital media, traditional publishing, and cutting-edge technology as you master advanced grammar and composition.

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Writing – Research Administration and Sponsored Programs blends studies in writing with practical business applications, which can help you become a more marketable job candidate.

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing is designed to help you build on your writing skills with specific workshops dedicated to the craft of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, or screenwriting.

Creative Writing

Master’s Degrees

Composition

Professional Writing

Professional Writing – Research Administration and Sponsored Programs

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Writing – Research Administration and Sponsored Programs blends studies in writing with practical business applications, which can help you become a more marketable job candidate.

Creative Writing – Christian Literature

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – Christian Literature allows you to study prominent authors and works of Christian literature of the past and present. 

Creative Writing – English

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – English offers you the chance to develop a deep understanding of the English language.

Creative Writing – Journalism

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – Journalism allows you to develop investigative and reporting abilities and build your portfolio. 

English and Writing

English and Writing – Christian Literature

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing – Christian Literature can help you hone your writing and critical thinking skills as you explore the works of some of the greatest Christian writers in history.

English and Writing – Creative Writing

English and Writing – Journalism

Associate of Arts in Creative Writing

Apply Now Request Information  

Apply Now Request Information    

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – English offers you the chance to develop a deep understanding of the English language while sharpening your writing skills.

Bachelor of Science in English and Writing – Creative Writing

Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English and Writing – Creative Writing  offers you advanced training in composition and literature, creative writing, and modern grammar.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Liberty’s 100% online Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing can help you learn new concepts, grow your understanding, and hone your writing skills to their highest form.

Which kind of creative writing program fits my needs?

• If you don’t have a degree and aren’t ready to commit to a bachelor’s – Liberty’s online Associate of Arts in Creative Writing gives you an entry point into creative writing. Designed as a halfway step to a bachelor’s degree, our A.A. in Creative Writing will cover foundational courses and training that can help you get started while opening the door to a more in-depth Bachelor of Science in English and Writing – Creative Writing after you graduate. 
• If you want a full bachelor’s degree focused on creative writing and English language – Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in English and Writing – Creative Writing is designed to equip you with a thorough background in English language studies to support your creative writing skills. The skills you learn in this program can also help you pursue teaching or roles in communication and writing for business. 
• If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want a career in writing – Liberty’s online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing could be the best choice for you. The M.F.A. in Creative Writing is designed to help you refine your craft and gain a mastery in your writing discipline. And because an M.F.A. is considered a terminal degree, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can open the door to university teaching. 

Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing An exciting part of our creative writing programs is that you will have the opportunity to take courses that were created in partnership with #1 New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist Karen Kingsbury. Kingsbury has contributed course content to the degrees above, providing firsthand training in all areas of interest. We are proud to partner with her through our Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing .

Potential Career Options with a Creative Writing Degree

• Book and magazine writer
• Business communications specialist
• Creative writing instructor
• Professional blogger
• Public relations
• Publications editor
• Screenwriter
• Social media coordinator
• Website copy editor and writer
• Writing manager

What Are the Benefits of Studying Creative Writing at Liberty University?

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online creative writing degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Liberty University’s state-of-the-art online learning environment offers you a wide variety of learning methods, including simulations, recorded lectures, and digital collaboration tools that will help you engage with your studies and learn practical teaching skills.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• You can complete your online creative writing program in less time than you think, due to our 8-week format and 8 start times per year.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

For undergraduate programs:

• Tuition discounts –  $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a  First Responder (less than $565 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

For graduate programs:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

Why Liberty

Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself.

Scholarships

When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down.

For residential students

Online Discounts

At Liberty University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it's our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a Liberty education can be an affordable one.

For online students

Academic Excellence

Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ Creators Explain That Ambiguous ‘Fairytale’ Ending

Spoiler Alert

A Gentleman in Moscow

[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for the  A Gentleman in Moscow finale.]

A Gentleman in Moscow ‘s series finale honored its source material with an ambiguous ending. The episode, which aired on Sunday, May 19 on Showtime , revealed what happened after Count Alexander Rostov ( Ewan McGregor ), Anna ( Mary Elizabeth Winstead ), Sofia ( Beau Gadsdon ), and the rest of their friends at the Hotel Metropol launched their plan to get Sofia out of Russia. This also led to Rostov walking out of the hotel’s front doors — an act that’s been paired with the threat of death for decades as he carried out his house arrest in the high-end hotel.

After much planning, Sofia’s school trip became the catalyst for her escape in Season 1 Episode 8, “Adieu.” While some roadblocks set her back and threatened her safe departure, the plan worked out in the end. The signal — every phone in the Metropol lobby going off in quick succession — was delivered and the Count knew his daughter was safe. (Sofia was the daughter of Nina, Alexander’s niece-like companion who grew up at the Metropol. The count took Sofia in as his own after Nina’s presumed death, and Anna became her de facto mother.)

Sofia’s journey out of Moscow is the only one we see onscreen. Count Rostov, Anna, and Mishka’s ( Fehinti Balogun ) journeys after leaving the hotel for the last time were not shown. And like in Amor Towles ‘ best-selling book of the same name, we never find out what really happened to the Count and Anna in the end. We did, however, see the couple one last time in the final frame.

The final moments of  A Gentleman in Moscow show what appears to be one of Sofia’s memories, filmed just like the memory flashbacks from the Count’s point of view that viewers saw all season. Only this time, there are a few hints that indicate this is only a figment of Sofia’s imagination, not something that actually happens. In Towles’ book, there’s a brief passage hinting that Alexander made it back to his ancestral home and met Anna there. Sofia’s imagination in the finale takes things a step further by actually showing the Count and Anna together working peacefully outside of a small cottage.

We know this to be a fantasy because of the black apples (a reference to the family legend the Count would tell his hotel friends) and Sofia’s narration. The apple story said that a person could start their life anew if they were to find these “apples as black as coal.” A grown Sofia is heard saying that she never saw Alexander and Anna again after escaping to America.

Alexander, Anna, and Sofia plan Sofia’s escape to America (Ben Blackall / Paramount+ With Showtime)

“I discovered that Papa had escaped the hotel, but what happened after remains a mystery,” Sofia says. “I like to imagine [Alexander and Anna] finally free, living out the rest of their lives together. They gave me the greatest gift of life. I’ll keep them in my heart. Always.”

The ending was meant to be ambiguous like the book.

“It was about for us, allowing space for the viewer to perhaps decide for themselves what happened and giving them some ownership in that moment rather than trying to be too polemic or didactic about it,” showrunner and executive producer Ben Vanstone tells TV Insider. “We wanted to give some room so people could go away and be left thinking about the story a little bit rather than just necessarily getting everything they want.”

Why Ewan McGregor & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Wanted to Do 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Together

Director Sam Miller says they wanted a “fairytale” feel for the final moments, even though it’s not an explicitly happy ending.

“The key to that was Sofia’s imagination, playing into how Sofia might have imagined the story to have ended,” Miller explains. “That’s what gives it its slight fairytale quality.”

The creative team set out to recreate the feeling of reading Towles’ book when creating this series.

“I think what we wanted to do with the ending was try and capture the same feeling you have in the book. For me, it’s about the emotion of that moment rather than necessarily what happens,” Vanstone explains, adding that his personal experience reading the book produced that same feeling of wonder and ambiguity, but he also walked away feeling that the story was still complete regardless of it ending with a mystery.

“You finish it and it’s not entirely clear. You kind of get a sense of it,” Vanstone says. “And it also is a sum of more than its parts when it all comes together at that end point. It reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitude as well in some ways, that sort of ending where it’s sort of a magic to it. So it’s all about capturing that.”

It is satisfying to see the POV memory motifs flipped into Sofia’s imagination. Those flashbacks were used as a plot device to show Alexander’s painful memories as he reflected on his life during imprisonment. In the final moments, we get to see him happy with the love of his life as they watch their daughter walk towards them. It’s a fantasy, but one worth showing. Miller explains how this memory flashback idea took root, saying it was something they got “very excited” about “very early in the development” of the limited series.

“We got very excited by the idea that the Count is reaching for his memories,” Miller explains. “One thing you do as soon as you’re cut off from your day-to-day, as soon as you’re encased like that, is you start to analyze what’s happened to you and look at all the things in your past. So we were trying to find a filming style that wasn’t too narratively driven, but could summon the feelings and the emotions that you have when you think about yourself as 6 years old or 10 years old or 18 years old.”

“So we try to make them very emotional and very subjective, so they’re all shot from the Count’s point of view,” he continues. “I think it gives them a real special place within the drama in a sense because it’s not telling you the story’s moving on, but it’s giving you real insight into what the Count’s experiencing and how he feels about himself and how he tries to work out what’s going on.”

Towles says it’s “a great example of how they’ve taken the written word and reinterpreted it for the visual medium.”

“As the writer, I couldn’t create that experience,” Towles tells TV Insider. “When you see those flashbacks, because they’re from the Count’s point of view, it’s like when we have a dream or when we have a memory, we don’t see ourselves in the dream or the memory. We see what we’re watching. And so for the viewer, you’re going to have this feeling of being in his position in this dreamlike moment, and that’s a visual experience that I couldn’t create in writing. The two art forms have their different advantages, and you’re trying to use the advantage of one to amplify the strengths of the other.”

“I think it was all there in the novel as well that you would get a sense of the Count’s previous life and his backstory, but we had to find a way to present that visually,” adds Vanstone. “So again, it’s about taking the novel and what’s there and making it work for television.”

A Gentleman in Moscow , Season 1 Available now, Paramount+

A Gentleman in Moscow where to stream

Amor Towles

Beau gadsdon, ewan mcgregor, mary elizabeth winstead.

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'A Gentleman in Moscow' Review — Ewan McGregor Effortlessly Charms From a Gilded Cage

• Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead's chemistry shines in A Gentleman in Moscow as Alexander navigates relationships in his gilded cage.
• The storytelling cleverly deploys nonlinear narrative and amusing dialogue to engage the viewer.
• A slow start evolves into a compelling historical epic within the Metropol's walls.

Based on Amor Towles ’ critically acclaimed novel by the same name, A Gentleman in Moscow is Showtime’s next great historical drama. While the mention of “Moscow” in the title might make the mind’s eye wander down snowy streets in the shadow of Saint Basil's Cathedral, A Gentleman in Moscow is far removed from the sprawl of a struggling society and is instead a far more quaint tale , set within the confines of a grandiose hotel-turned-prison cell.

Like the gilt Fabergé egg that adorns the poster for the series, Count Alexander Rostov’s ( Ewan McGregor ) existence is a reminder of the opulence of bygone days—an ostentatious relic. He serves no real purpose in the grand scheme of things, except to be watched within his gilded cage, and kept account of by authorities, much like the dwindling few eggs that sit in collections around the world. And much like the Fabergé egg, Alexander’s life is inextricably linked to the tragic downfall of the Romanov family and the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 that followed.

The series starts swiftly, with the Bolshevik tribunal sentencing the Count to a lifetime of confinement within the walls of the Metropol Hotel. He is spared a far worse sentencing ( death ) due to the poem that he allegedly penned, which critiqued the upper class and questioned the purpose of the royal family. These are, of course, ideals that the Bolsheviks agree with, even if they are being echoed by a Count who benefited from the institutions he criticized. As with Towles’ novel, much of the Count’s life before the revolution is shown through fragmented flashbacks dotted throughout the series, as well as through illuminating conversations with his compatriots — or, rather, comrades, Mishka ( Fehinti Balogun ) and Prince Nikolai Petrov ( Paul Ready ).

A Gentleman in Moscow

A Russian aristocrat is spared from death and placed on house arrest while the Bolshevik Revolution plays out before him.

Release Date March 29, 2024

Cast Leah Harvey, Anastasia Hille, Beau Gadsdon, Bjrn Hlynur Haraldsson, Paul Ready, Johnny Harris, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Main Genre Drama

Genres Drama

‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ Breathes New Life Into Its Characters

With Ben Vanstone as the guiding hand for the series, A Gentleman in Moscow was smartly adapted from page to screen. Rather than embracing the novel's insular storytelling, with the Count as the sole protagonist, Vanstone has widened the narrative to bring more life to the surrounding characters — particularly the women who come in and out of his life, and the gilded doors of the Metropol. It would have been very easy to frame Anna Urbanova ( Mary Elizabeth Winstead ) as little more than the Count’s on-again-off-again girlfriend. Her life outside of Alexander doesn’t matter on the page; she only exists when she is with him or on his mind. Perhaps with a different creative team, that would have been exactly how she was portrayed, but Vanstone veered far away from playing straight into that trope. Instead, Anna’s life outside of Alexander is given depth . Her career as an actress is a vital subplot that weaves through each episode, headed towards a larger plot point. While she and the Count do fall into bed on numerous occasions, it’s always handled tastefully and shown as a relationship that she holds the reins to. Courting a criminal comes at great personal risk to her budding career, which makes the shifted narrative all the more vital.

A Gentleman in Moscow marks the third time that McGregor and Winstead have shared the screen following their performances in Fargo and Birds of Prey , and their real-life chemistry beautifully carries through into the relationship between Alexander and Anna. They play off each other naturally, and their performances are just as electric, regardless of whether Anna is keeping his delusions of grandeur in check or he’s sprawled out naked on the ground with nothing more than a towel to hide the… Fabergé eggs. McGregor and Winstead's dynamic is half the fun of A Gentleman in Moscow . It’s refreshing to have even more historical romances to talk about around the watercooler — and audiences will be raving about this series given its weekly release schedule.

While Alexander’s relationship with Anna is at the heart of A Gentleman in Moscow , the soul of the series is his unlikely friendships with two little girls who call the Metropol home during different periods of his imprisonment. First is Nina Kulikova ( Alexa Goodall ), a curly-haired spitfire who has everyone in the hotel wrapped around her finger. It’s through Nina that Alexander starts to make genuine connections with the host of characters around him, which changes him for the better. Years after Nina has been set free from Alexander’s gilded cage, a second young girl comes into Alexander’s life: Sofia ( Billie Gadsdon ). Through both girls, Alexander gets to experience what fatherhood might have looked like for him had he not been ensnared by the Bolsheviks.

Another notable and equally unlikely friendship that Alexander makes at the Metropol is the one that he forges with Osip Glebnikov ( Johnny Harris ), the man tasked with ensuring he never leaves the hotel. Glebnikov enlists Alexander in training him to be more of a gentleman. Given his upbringing, he was never afforded the same access to scholarly works or classic literature as Alexander, and this academic pursuit becomes their evening conversations over supper.

One such conversation centers on Victor Hugo ’s seminal work, Les Misérables , which is a cause of confusion for Glebnikov, who withers at the notion of Javert (spoilers for a 162-year-old book) committing suicide. While the conversation about Les Misérables may be brief, the comparison between the two works is undeniable. Alexander, much like Jean Valjean, is a prisoner of circumstances, though on wildly different sides of the scale. While Valjean escapes from his jailor, Javert, for large swaths of time, Alexander is always right where Glebnikov left him within the halls of the Metropol. The true comparison, however, arises when Alexander is tasked with the care of young Sofia by her mother, much in the same way Fantine entrusts Cosette’s future with Valjean. Further comparisons could be made with the setting of both tales, as they are both set against uprisings, revolutions, class disparity, and the sort of socialist discourse that would make Karl Marx sit up in his grave. And, much like the stage musical, A Gentleman in Moscow is all about the turning of the years.

‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ Starts Slow, But Builds to a Pulse-Pounding Conclusion

Spread out across eight episodes, A Gentleman in Moscow spans approximately forty years of Alexander’s life in captivity. With each new episode, a running total of how many days he has spent in his lavish prison is tallied up. Occasionally, the episodes will work backward from each shocking total, which cleverly hooks the audience right from the onset of the episode. Except for his visible aging and waning agility, the Count remains largely stagnant as the world changes around him. He has very little control over his circumstances, which means a lot happens to him, not with him. People come and go around him, relationships are formed, babies are born, those babies grow up and go to war, people die, and Russia evolves—for better and for worse.

The first handful of episodes start slowly, particularly where Alexander’s passivity is concerned, but as he begins to come to terms with his situation and connect with the vibrant world around him, however small it may be, the pace finally picks up. Without revealing too many details about the final episodes of the series, one might be able to imagine what sort of turmoil might visit his gilded cage once Stalin’s regime falls and America starts poking around the ruins of the government. The passage of time is cleverly shown through more than just a running total and graying hair. While Alexander’s wardrobe rarely receives an upgrade, the people around him represent the ever-evolving world beyond the Metropol. Anna is the best bellwether for societal changes as her appearance transforms from a picture-perfect blonde bombshell with rising hemlines to her natural brunette curls and sophisticated elegance. As time continues to pass, she even dons cozy sweaters that mirror Alexander’s own comfortable existence.

While it is unlikely that A Gentleman in Moscow intended for Ewan McGregor to look like a dark academia fever dream, every bit of the Count’s character design screams the aesthetic. From the unkempt coif of permed curls to his longjohns-clad calisthenics in a dusty attic, Alexander looks more like an eccentric history professor than a count whose wings have been clipped. McGregor brings a charming congenitally to the role that makes the Count ever so beguiling , particularly when he gets to act opposite the younger members of the cast. When he’s not going toe-to-toe with Winstead, he’s at his best keeping up with the spry wit of Goodall and Gadsdon's characters.

A Gentleman in Moscow lives up to the expectations set by Towles’ novel and delivers a sprawling historical epic contained within the walls of a single location. The Count’s world might be as small as the Metropol, but he lives vicariously through the relationships he makes — and, by extension, so do we. With mystery, danger, and intrigue threaded throughout, A Gentleman in Moscow has the potential to dominate cultural conversation in the same way that Shōgun and The Gilded Age have nourished audiences who are starved for well-told, compelling tales.

A Gentleman in Moscow lives up to the original novel it adapts, delivering a sprawling historical epic confined to a single location.

• Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead electrify the screen with their chemistry and natural ease together.
• The writing is clever, both with its amusing dialogue and the way it deploys nonlinear storytelling to keep audiences engaged.
• The set and costume design are sumptuous and visually appealing.
• The first handful of episodes are quite slow, but the series does eventually pick up as the story unfolds.

A Gentleman in Moscow premieres March 29 on streaming and on-demand on Paramount+ with Showtime before its on-air debut on March 31.

Watch on Paramount+

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Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Stephen Coates

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