WWW
TAG
Examples
WOW.
T – Tell the classmate something that WOW’d you about their draft.
Your introduction is very controversial; this will shock readers. I think that’s a good thing!
What If…
A – Ask a question about the content in the draft.
Why did you leave out the history of how you met this weird person? That may be valuable information for your readers.
I Wonder…
G – Give a suggestion to your classmate about their draft.
I would add in more details about the situation that lead you to deciding that adoption was the route you were going to take.
Are you open to the kinds of feedback you’ll get using that table above with the WWW/TAG pieces?
What do you typically want feedback on when it comes to projects? Why?
What do you feel comfortable giving feedback to classmates on? Why?
\(^7\)"Creative Writing." Wikipedia . 13 Nov 2016. 21 Nov 2016, 19:39 < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_writing >. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.
\(^8\)Whoa, what is normal anyway?
\(^9\)What IS the definition of “professionalism”?
\(^{10}\)Can’t academic writing be creative?
\(^{11}\)"Creative Writing/Introduction." Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project . 10 May 2009, 04:14 UTC. 9 Nov 2016, 19:39
< https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php...&oldid=1495539 >. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.
\(^{12}\)It doesn’t really matter who created it; all you need to know is that you don’t HAVE to follow it perfectly. Not many people do.
\(^{13}\)Wikihow contributors. "How to Write Science Fiction." Wikihow. 29 May 2019. Web. 22 June 2019. http://www.wikihow.com/Write-Science-Fiction . Text available under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
\(^{14}\)"Creative Writing/Fiction technique." Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project . 28 Jun 2016, 13:38 UTC. 9 Nov 2016, 20:36
< https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php...&oldid=3093632 >. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.
\(^{15}\)Deduce = to reach a conclusion.
\(^{16}\)"Creative Writing/Peer Review." Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project. 16 Aug 2016, 22:07 UTC. 9 Nov 2016, 20:12
< https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php...&oldid=3107005 >. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.
\(^{17}\)This textbook we’ll try to use they/them pronouns throughout to be inclusive of all humans.
Finishing a piece of writing is hard and many aspiring writers and authors fail to do so. Starting a project, dedicating your time towards it, and eventually failing have to be one of the worst things that can happen. This doesn’t need to be the case when it comes to writing.
The Writing Process is a part of any writer’s toolkit . It helps you to develop your writing voice and set a tone and style that matches your audience while using the right tools to create strong, engaging content.
This guide is going to give you a writing process that will come through for you as long as you follow it.
Let’s get to it.
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The writing process refers to any number of steps you might follow as you write. The main aim of this process is to help you prepare yourself for the project, develop ideas, get your ideas written down, and produce a manuscript that’s ready for publication .
The process of writing is like any other. You need to follow systematic steps . While writing steps are more flexible than most processes, there are still steps that need to be completed before others. For instance, you cannot publish a book before you’ve written anything. Any process you follow is not about ticking boxes. It’s about making things easier for you as a writer.
Being stuck right in the middle of a 70000-word manuscript when you run out of ideas is one of the worst things that can happen to an author. Having a process can prevent this from happening.
Here are some reasons you should have one when writing:
Simply put, following a process in your writing journey can prevent a lot of undesirable problems down the line.
There’s no formula to being a great writer. The order you follow might differ somewhat from the one below. However, this is what a good writing process looks like :
Following these steps will help you develop a process to center yourself when you’re overwhelmed.
Whether it’s gathering ingredients before preparing a meal, or putting on latex gloves before examining a patient, everything has some steps that need to be followed before you start. Writers predictably call this step p rewriting . You want to write, but do you have any idea what you want to write about?
Have you already picked a genre for your work? Are you going to write alone or work with a co-author? How much do you know about your chosen topic? If you are asking yourself any of these questions, you’ve already started the prewriting phase. Simply put, prewriting is all the little things that need to be done before you can start drafting.
Here are some things you can do during the prewriting stage:
Let’s say you want to write a piece on your holidays in Cape Town. You can start by reading as much as you can about the city, reading books and articles written by other tourists, and constantly jotting down every new idea that comes to mind.
Skipping this step means you’ll be taking a huge risk by writing without being prepared. Imagine writing a 90000-word novel, only to find out the main idea behind your book is impossible. You would have wasted months of your time.
Let’s say you are writing a semi-biographical account of your adventures as a tourist in Cape Town.
This is what the prewriting stage might look like:
Consider the following words/concepts:
Use the words/concepts above and:
Remember that there’re no hard rules when it comes to writing. You don’t need to force yourself to follow any of the steps in the prewriting stage if they don’t work for you.
Prewriting is the first step of the writing process. Making mistakes during this step can lead to your entire project collapsing midway through.
To learn more about Prewriting, check out our guide on Prewriting Strategies: 9 Proven Steps With Tips, Examples & Worksheets .
This is a step that can either make or break your project. A well-developed outline can become your salvation down the line, while a badly produced plan could doom your work. This is the stage where you map how your book is going to play out. You need to put down what happens at the beginning and the end at the very least.
Visually oriented-authors might choose to use complex diagrams. A plain text outline is however still acceptable. The important thing is you know where you are going.
This can be broken down into the following steps:
Skipping this step is dangerous, especially for new writers. There’s this thing called writer’s block. It refers to when a writer’s mind goes blank, and they are not able to write anything. A good outline will help you prevent writer’s block since you will already have all your ideas written down.
Here is how we might go about developing an outline for our Cape Town adventure example:
Idea in one paragraph : Cindy is expecting to find rest in Cape Town after a hard breakup and tough season at work. She didn’t bargain to stumble into a whirlwind romance that would end in her own attempted murder.
Character bio : Cindy is a 26-year-old tall British woman with black hair, brown eyes, dark skin, and a fiery temper.
Stakes : Cindy longs to be with her new romantic interest. This is impossible because he is on the run from his former gang. They have to stay away from the gang, otherwise, they could both be murdered.
Synopsis : This could start with Cindy arriving at the airport, and end with the final scene in the book.
Scenes : EG In scene 1, Cindy arrives at the airport. She runs into her future love interest who has taken her bag by mistake.
Check out our guide on How To Outline A Book: 6 Simple Steps with Templates & Examples for more book outline examples and formats
Pick any idea of your choice and do the following:
There are two types of writers. Plotters (who outline) and Pantsers, who make it up as they go along. The outlining stage might not be helpful to you if you are a pantser. Even if you work better without outlines, try writing down the beginning, middle, and ending at the very least.
To learn more about Outlining , check out our guide on Outlining In Writing: 6 Easy Steps For Success [With Formats]
Anyone who makes it past this long and grueling stage has all but made it. The drafting stage is where you actually get to start writing out your pros. There’s no formula to it, like with most things in writing.
Some authors mindlessly write from beginning to end, others write and edit at the same time, yet others use a combination of both. You can abandon a scene that’s not working and write another if your outline is that extensive.
There aren’t many steps at this stage. That said, here are some helpful guidelines:
The most important thing at this stage is getting everything on paper/in your word document. Everything else is unimportant compared to this. Overthinking things could eventually lead to writer’s block you can never get out of.
Using the same example from steps 1 and 2, do the following:
Remember that getting down your words is the most important thing in this step. So be as comfortable as you want to be. Make sure you’ve created the perfect working environment for yourself. If you write better at night, do so. If you prefer working in a quiet park, do so.
Congrats if you’ve made it thus far.
You now actually have a completed manuscript. It’s now time to shape it into a piece people want to read. The revising stage comes when you’re finished drafting. This is where you now go through your manuscript and improve it.
You can now start eliminating certain words, extending scenes, fixing dialogue tags, and more. It’s a good idea to read out your work to hear what it sounds like to the ear – you might have to revise awkward-sounding phrases.
You can follow these steps when revising:
Your work needs revision. It doesn’t matter how good you are. Failing to revise will lead to you publishing work absolutely no one wants to read. Those who read it will have a very hard time understanding what you wrote.
Here are a couple of passages from our Cape Town adventure example that need a bit of revising.
“Cindy mobilized her person out of her holiday abode and got in her vehicle. The heavens evidenced a high probability of a deluge of H2O particles.”
The first example sounds awkward and pretentious. No one says “H2O” particles instead of rain. Here is a revised version of the first example:
“Cindy left the holiday home and got in her car. The skies outside were threatening rain.”
Let’s consider another example:
“You are loved by me, Cindy.”
This example is in passive voice . It sounds awkward and unnatural because most people don’t talk like that.
Here is an active voice version of the second example:
“I love you, Cindy.”
Do the following:
Accuracy matters when you are revising. Be as accurate as possible. Keep a grammar rules book and a dictionary at hand as you revise. Never revise while you’re tired. This could potentially lead to you not making correct changes.
You wrote and revised your book. It’s now time to edit and polish it. Readers have tons of other books at their disposal. They can easily throw yours aside and pick up something else. That’s why you need to make every word count.
Remove all the fluff and clever pros that serve no purpose. Writers call this process “ killing your darlings “. Be as thorough as you can be about your grammar, tone , word choices, and passage lengths.
Follow these steps during the editing stage:
Editing is the second most important step after drafting. An unedited piece will never be read.
The following is from our Cape Town adventure example:
“Cindy stood up and shook her head in disagreement. She was extremely angry and furious. She ran out of the house with her legs.”
The sentence above contains some unnecessary words.
“Stood up” is redundant because there’s only one direction in which people can stand. “Angry” and “furious” mean the same thing.
Here is a more concise version of the passage:
“Cindy stood. She shook her head. The young woman was furious. She stormed out of the house.”
The first sentence has 24 words, while the second has 17. We managed to reduce the size of a single passage by almost a third. That’s a big leap!
Hire a professional editor if you have the money. You can also exchange manuscripts with other authors for critiquing. This of course means you have to be open to reading other people’s work and giving them feedback.
Consider finding beta readers. These are ordinary readers who can give you a glimpse of how the general public will receive your work.
You can find people willing to do this for free on social media. That said, paid beta readers usually provide the best results. You can find beta readers for as cheap as $20 on places like Upwork and Fiverr.
You finally made it. The only thing left now is to get your manuscript out into the world. You have two choices when it comes to publishing. You can either self-publish or work with a publisher.
Self-publishing means you’ll have to hire your own cover designers, editors, and marketing experts, but there are mistakes you should avoid. But you retain total control of your work, and all profits aside from what platforms like Amazon take is yours.
On the other hand, going with a publisher means access to top-of-the-range resources. Finding a publisher is unfortunately hard as competition is fierce.
Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Any decision you make is fine. Just make it based on facts and research.
Publishing can be a lucrative business. Because there’s money to be made, there’re sharks waiting to pounce on unwise authors. Always carefully research anyone who claims they can help you. Remember that in publishing, money always flows from the publisher to the author and not the other way around.
Don’t forget the golden rule: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The process is all about you and no one else. It’s more important for it to work for you than it is to follow every single step. If you work better without a detailed outline, go ahead and write without one. If you prefer revising each scene immediately after writing it, feel free to do so.
Consider having a second set of eyes look at your manuscript before publishing. This can be critique partners, beta readers, or a professional editor. Avoid only getting feedback from close friends and family – they are not qualified to do this, and are less likely to be honest if they don’t like your work.
Be wary of procrastination that looks like work. You have no business trying to design a book cover before you even have an idea. You don’t need Facebook ads for a book that’s still in the drafting phase.
Above all, have fun. Try not to stress. It’s okay to walk away from your manuscript for a while if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Automated writing refers to using any number of AI tools to generate content. Automation tools have come a long way in producing natural-sounding content. Automated content still has a few drawbacks. These include unoriginal content, answers that don’t always solve the problem, and the occasional nonsensical phrase.
Use automation tools sparingly if you do decide to use them.
The writing process is a flexible number of steps you can follow as you work on your book. Stages in the process include rewriting, planning and outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
Do you have a writing process different from what we’ve discussed? Let’s have your opinion in the comments 🙂
Have fun writing!
Chioma Ezeh is an author, digital marketer, business coach, and the founder of chiomaezeh.com, a blog that teaches how to build successful online businesses. Get in touch.
Do you want to improve your writing process? Check out this prewriting checklist that will show you how to use prewriting to jumpstart your writing!
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Learn the art of storytelling with our comprehensive blog on the Elements of Creative Writing. Discover the vital components that transform ordinary words into extraordinary tales. Dive into character development, plot intricacies, and more as we cover the core aspects of crafting captivating narratives. Read more to find out!
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Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a poet, or simply someone who loves to pen down your ideas, understanding the key Elements of Creative Writing can significantly enhance your skills. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 Elements of Creative Writing that are essential for creating compelling and impactful written works, along with tips.
Table of Contents
1) The i mportance of Creative Writing elements
2) Top 10 Elements of Creative Writing
a) Imagery and descriptive language
b) Character development
c) Plot structure
d) Dialogue and conversations
e) Point of View (POV)
f) Setting and world-building
g) Tone and Style
h) Conflict and resolution
i) Theme and symbolism
j) Editing and revision
3) Conclusion
Creative writing isn't confined to the pages of novels or the lines of poetry; it's a fundamental human expression that predates recorded history. It has been a conduit for cultural preservation, knowledge transfer, and emotional catharsis. But how exactly mastering these elements can improve your writing?
Every art has its tools, and Creative Writing is no different. The elements we'll delve into aren't just guidelines; they're the building blocks that transform your words from ordinary to extraordinary. By understanding and mastering these Creative Writing elements, you'll be equipped to craft narratives that draw readers in, keep them engaged, and leave an indelible mark on their minds and hearts.
Unlock your creative potential with our expert-led Creative Writing Training – Register now to ignite your imagination!
Generally, there are various Elements of Creative Writing, each possessing its own unique features. However, many forms of Creative Writing also share some common features. Here’s a detailed explanation of each element every Writer must follow:
Imagery and descriptive language are the brushes with which writers paint vivid mental pictures for their readers. By skillfully weaving sensory details, you bring scenes to life and evoke emotions. The rustling leaves, the scent of freshly baked bread, the gritty texture of sand beneath one's feet—these details create a sensory symphony that immerses readers in your world.
Metaphors, similes, and analogies act as bridges, connecting the familiar with the unfamiliar. Through them, you can compare the indescribable to the known, enriching your narrative with layers of meaning. Mastery of imagery and descriptive language transforms passive reading into an active experience where readers can taste, smell, hear, see, and feel the world you've created.
Tips :
a) When selecting details, focus on the ones that have the most impact and avoid including unnecessary clutter.
b) Use metaphors and similes sparingly, making them truly resonate.
c) T ailor your descriptions to the tone and mood of the scene or story.
Character development is the art of breathing life into your fictional personas. Well-crafted characters are not only relatable but also complex, with layers of personality, desires, flaws, and history. They drive the plot forward, compelling readers to invest emotionally in their journeys. Backstories provide context, explaining why characters behave the way they do.
Effective character development allows readers to understand, empathise, and even dislike characters. The key lies in making them authentic and evolving. Just as people change, so should your characters. They learn, grow, and adapt, making their arcs believable and satisfying. The beauty of character development is in its ability to mirror the human experience, forging connections between fictional worlds and real hearts.
a) Explore your characters' pasts to understand their motivations and fears.
b) Create a character profile detailing their appearance, background, and personality traits.
c) Show character development through actions and decisions rather than telling.
Plot structure is the architecture that holds your narrative together. Think of it as a roller coaster, with highs and lows that keep readers engaged. The introduction sets the stage, introducing characters, settings, and the initial conflict. Rising action builds tension, propelling the story forward. At its peak is the climax, the turning point that determines the characters' fate.
Falling action allows for a gradual untwisting of events, leading to the resolution. Effective plot structure balances pacing, ensuring readers remain intrigued without feeling rushed. Twists and turns add surprise, while cause-and-effect relationships maintain coherence. A well-structured plot keeps readers invested, eagerly flipping pages to discover what happens next.
a) Introduce the main conflict early to hook readers' curiosity.
b) Use cliffhangers and unexpected twists to maintain suspense.
c) Ensure each scene contributes to character development or plot progression.
Dialogue and conversations are windows into your characters' minds and hearts. Natural and dynamic dialogue conveys information and reveals personalities and relationships. Each character's speech patterns, vocabulary, and tone should be distinct, reflecting their backgrounds and emotions .
Through dialogue, conflicts can be ignited, alliances forged, and secrets unveiled. Subtext—the unspoken thoughts beneath the spoken words—adds depth and intrigue. Conversations can quicken the story's pace, providing relief from dense narrative passages. Dialogue-driven scenes foster engagement, inviting readers to eavesdrop on captivating interactions that fuel the narrative's fire.
a) Listen to real conversations to capture natural rhythms and speech patterns.
b) Use interruptions and nonverbal cues to make dialogue dynamic.
c) Balance dialogue with narrative to avoid overwhelming the reader.
Point of view (POV) is the lens through which your story is perceived. The choice of POV shapes the reader's relationship with characters and events. First-person offers intimacy, allowing readers to see the world through a character's eyes. Second person immerses readers directly into the narrative. Third person limited provides insight into a character's thoughts, while third-person omniscient offers a broader perspective.
Consistency in POV is vital; changing viewpoints can confuse readers. The chosen POV influences what readers know and when they know it. It also affects emotional connection and empathy. Selecting the appropriate POV requires consideration of the story's needs and the desired reader experience.
a) Experiment with different POVs to find the best fit for your story.
b) Consider the level of intimacy and distance you want between characters and readers.
c) Be aware of the limitations and advantages of each POV.
The setting isn't just a backdrop; it's a dynamic element that influences mood and plot. A well-defined setting isn't merely a stage but an active participant, influencing characters and events. You transport readers to a different reality through meticulous detail, allowing them to immerse themselves fully.
Effective world-building extends beyond the physical, encompassing societal norms, rules, and even magic systems in speculative fiction. The environment can reflect themes and impact mood. Whether in a fantasy realm or a contemporary city, the authenticity of the setting enhances the reader's experience.
a) Research settings thoroughly to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
b) Show how characters interact with their environment to convey their experiences.
c) Create a sense of place by using unique and specific details.
Tone and style are the fingerprints that make your writing uniquely yours. The tone is the distinctive way you express yourself through words—a combination of tone, diction, and syntax. It reflects your personality as an author. Style encompasses sentence structure, pacing, and word choice, influencing the overall feel of your work .
A comedic style might employ wordplay and witty dialogue, while a dramatic style could use evocative descriptions and emotional introspection. Finding your voice and style involves self-discovery and experimenting with different approaches until you uncover what feels authentic. A strong voice and style leave an indelible mark on readers, making your work instantly recognisable
a) Read more to familiarise yourself with different writing styles.
b) Practice writing in different tones to discover your preferred voice.
c) Revise with a focus on refining your voice; eliminate elements that don't align.
Conflict and resolution are the engine that drives your narrative forward. Conflict introduces challenges that characters must overcome, making their journeys compelling and relatable. There are various types of conflict—internal struggles within characters, external conflicts with other characters or nature, and interpersonal conflicts between characters. Conflict creates tension, propelling the story toward its climax.
The resolution, whether happy or bittersweet, provides closure and offers insights into the characters' growth. Well-crafted conflicts test characters' limits, forcing them to confront their fears, flaws, and desires. Through the resolution, readers witness the transformation and the culmination of the character's arcs.
a) Vary the types of conflict to maintain reader engagement.
b) Build tension gradually; escalate the stakes as the story progresses.
c) Avoid convenient solutions; resolutions should arise from the characters' choices and actions.
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Theme and symbolism lend depth and layers to your writing. Themes are the underlying ideas, beliefs, or messages that resonate with readers. They can explore love, friendship, power, or mortality, connecting the narrative to universal human experiences. Symbolism employs objects, actions, or concepts to convey abstract ideas, often adding an element of intrigue.
A red rose might symbolize love or passion, while a broken mirror could represent self-perception. Themes and symbols intertwine, enriching the story's interpretation and emotional impact. Skilful use of theme and symbolism transforms a tale into an exploration of human nature and society.
Tips:
a) Reflect on the themes that resonate with you and explore them in your writing.
b) Use recurring symbols to reinforce thematic elements.
c) Allow themes to emerge naturally from the characters' struggles and growth.
Editing and revising are the crucial phases that turn your initial draft into a polished masterpiece. Writing is rewriting; the initial draft is a raw exploration of ideas. Editing involves refining sentences for clarity, coherence, and flow. It ensures grammar and punctuation are correct. Revising delves deeper, examining plot holes, character consistency, and thematic resonance.
Seeking feedback from peers or professionals is invaluable, offering fresh perspectives. The revision process is where your story truly comes to life. It's an opportunity to tighten narrative threads, enhance descriptions, and amplify emotions. Embrace the iterative nature of editing and revising; each pass brings your writing closer to its full potential.
a) Revise in multiple passes, focusing on different aspects in each round.
b) Cut unnecessary details or scenes that don't contribute to the narrative.
c) Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure a polished final product.
Creative Writing is a journey of discovery, both for the Writer and the reader. In this blog post, we've explored the essential elements that constitute effective Creative Writing. From the foundation of imagination to the nuances of dialogue, style, and conflict, each element plays a pivotal role in crafting a compelling narrative. By mastering these top 10 Elements of Creative Writing, you'll be equipped to create stories that resonate, inspire, and captivate audiences.
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The creative process is a complex and often mysterious phenomenon that has fascinated artists, writers, and innovators for centuries.
While creativity is often seen as a natural talent that some people possess and others don't, the truth is that creativity can be learned and developed through a structured approach to the creative process.
Whether you're an artist, writer, or entrepreneur, understanding the creative process can help you unlock your full potential and bring your ideas to life.
In this article, we'll explore the various stages of the creative process, from inspiration and ideation to execution and refinement. We'll also discuss common creative blocks and how to overcome them, as well as strategies for staying motivated and productive throughout the creative process.
By the end of this guide, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the creative process and the tools and techniques needed to unleash your inner creativity and achieve success.
The creative process is an essential part of any artistic, literary, or innovative endeavour.
It encompasses a series of steps that are taken to form an idea into something tangible and meaningful. The creative process typically begins with inspiration and ideation, moves on to brainstorming and planning, and then onto execution and refinement.
Throughout this journey, creativity can be nurtured with analysis, research, experimentation, and practise.
Creativity is an essential part of life. It is the ability to create something new, innovative, or imaginative. It is a vital skill that helps us find solutions to problems, develop new products, and come up with fresh ideas. Creativity can also provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose in life. Whether it’s art, writing, music, or problem-solving , creativity plays an important role in our lives.
Inspiration is the spark of creativity that helps us come up with new ideas. It can come from anywhere, such as a conversation with someone else, a book, or even an experience.
Once inspired, it’s time to start ideating. This is where you begin to explore the different possibilities for your project.
It’s important to remember that ideas are not finite; you should never be afraid to explore different avenues and take risks.
Being creative offers a wide range of benefits, both mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most important ones:
Creativity enhances problem-solving skills by allowing us to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to difficult problems.
It encourages us to think critically, come up with innovative ideas, and explore different ways of approaching a challenge. Creative problem-solving helps us become better problem-solvers and more adept at following instructions.
Furthermore, it can also help reduce stress, as it encourages us to take a step back and think of creative solutions instead of worrying about the problem.
Creativity can boost self-confidence by providing us with a sense of accomplishment and pride in our work.
It allows us to express ourselves in unique ways, take risks, and experiment with different ideas. This makes it easier for us to take ownership of our creations, which, in turn, helps us develop greater self-confidence.
Additionally, it helps us become more resilient since we learn to accept failure as a natural part of the creative process.
Engaging in creative activities may have a stress-reducing effect as they allow for emotional expression and release. By engaging in creative activities, we can channel our thoughts, feelings, and emotions into something productive.
This helps to relieve tension and pressure, allowing us to step away from stressful situations or experiences.
What's more, it can help to foster a sense of control over our lives; creativity allows us to create something new and have a say in how it turns out.
The relationship between creativity and mental health can be positive. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem and mood, and lower stress levels.
It can also help increase concentration and focus, which may lead to improved task management skills.
Creativity has the potential to serve as a means of self-expression, offering a therapeutic and healing outlet for individuals.
Studies have shown that incorporating creativity into work can lead to higher levels of productivity. It allows us to come up with more efficient ways of doing things and identify solutions that are simpler and faster.
Creative problem-solving helps us come up with ideas that can be implemented quickly, saving time and resources in the long run. Additionally, it can help to generate new ideas for products and services, which can lead to increased profits.
Moreover, creative thinking can help foster a more stimulating and innovative environment, resulting in increased productivity.
The use of creativity can improve communication skills by enabling individuals to convey their thoughts and ideas more efficiently.
Being creative gives us the opportunity to present complex concepts in a way that is easier to understand, enabling us to communicate more effectively with others.
It also enables us to develop better negotiation skills, as we can think of novel solutions and find ways to compromise that are beneficial for all parties involved.
Innovation is the key to success in any field, and creativity can help us come up with innovative solutions to difficult problems.
Creative thinking allows us to explore new ideas, think outside of the box, and discover unique perspectives that may have been overlooked before.
Creativity also encourages experimentation and risk-taking; it allows us to test boundaries and push ourselves outside of our comfort zone, leading to more innovative and creative solutions.
Creativity encourages experimentation and risk-taking, which are essential for success in any field.
By engaging in creative activities, we can push ourselves outside of our comfort zone to explore new ideas and perspectives that may have been overlooked before. This type of experimentation allows us to test boundaries and challenge the status quo, leading to more innovative and creative solutions.
Moreover, creativity allows us to approach problems from different angles, which can help identify new solutions.
The application of creativity can have a positive impact on the learning experience. By engaging in creative activities, we can develop the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions to problems. This type of thinking encourages us to explore different perspectives, allowing us to see things from different points of view.
It also helps foster curiosity and imagination, which are essential for developing new ideas and expanding our knowledge.
Creativity can help us better understand complex concepts and retain information.
The act of being creative can bring people together and encourage collaboration within a community.
It encourages people to share ideas and work together to find creative solutions to problems. This type of collaboration allows us to view things from different perspectives, which can lead to innovative outcomes.
Moreover, engaging in creative activities creates an environment of mutual respect and appreciation, which can be beneficial for team morale.
Understanding the creative process and how it can be used to our advantage is essential for any individual or organisation looking to improve their productivity and innovation.
By incorporating creativity into every aspect of work, we can come up with more efficient solutions, stimulate our environment, and foster a sense of community.
Now, let's explore the stages of the creative process and how we can use them to our advantage.
The creative process can be broken down into four distinct stages: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. Each stage provides an opportunity for creative thinking and problem-solving.
Let's discuss these stages in more detail.
The preparation stage is the first step in the creative process. This stage involves gathering information, researching, and brainstorming ideas.
It is important to give yourself enough time to properly prepare for this stage so that you can collect as much relevant data as possible. During this step, it is important to ask questions about the project or problem and think of potential solutions.
Creating mind maps, outlines, and other visual aids can help organise the information gathered during this stage.
Gathering information and knowledge related to the project is an important part of the preparation stage of the creative process.
During this step, it is useful to collect as much relevant data as possible in order to get a better understanding of the problem or project at hand. This can be done through research and talking to stakeholders who have experience with similar projects or problems.
Gathering insights from other experts or professionals in the field can also provide a wealth of information that can help inform your creative process.
The act of generating ideas and concepts is a crucial element in the creative process.
This stage involves generating a wide range of possible solutions to the problem or project. It is important to come up with as many ideas as possible in order to find the best solution for the problem at hand.
During this stage, it can be helpful to use brainstorming techniques such as mind mapping, concept mapping, or outlining.
Furthermore, it is important to ask questions during this stage in order to gain further insight into the problem or project.
Once the research and brainstorming are completed, it is important to set clear goals and define the scope of the project. This step helps to focus on specific objectives that need to be achieved in order to complete the project successfully.
It also helps to ensure that all participants are on the same page and understand what needs to be done in order to complete the project.
Tools like OCCO London's Priority Pad a nd Weekly Planner Pad can help to visually map out goals and tasks in order to keep everyone on track.
The second stage of the creative process is the incubation stage. This stage involves taking a step back from the problem or project and allowing your subconscious to work on it. It gives you time to digest, reflect, and let your ideas simmer.
It is important to give yourself enough space during this stage in order to think about different solutions without feeling overwhelmed.
For example, going for a walk or meditating can be helpful at this stage.
During the incubation process, it is important to allow ideas to develop and connect in the mind. This involves taking a step back from the problem or project and giving your subconscious time to work on it. It gives you time to digest, reflect, and let ideas percolate.
During this stage, it is important to not be too hard on yourself and to give yourself enough space to think about different solutions without feeling overwhelmed.
Tools such as meditation, journaling, or taking a break can be helpful during this stage in order to make sure the mind is open to new ideas and connections.
In the creative process, it is crucial to take breaks and participate in activities that are not related to the project.
During this stage, it is important to take a step back from the problem or project and give your mind some time to rest and make connections between ideas. Taking a break from the creative task allows one’s subconscious to work on the problem while one engages in other activities.
This can include going for a walk, playing a game, listening to music, or engaging in other activities.
Allowing ideas to develop subconsciously is an important part of the creative process.
It is important to take a step back from the problem or project and give your mind some time to rest and make connections between ideas. This allows the unconscious mind to work on the problem while one engages in other activities.
In this stage, it can be helpful to take breaks and participate in activities that are unrelated to the project. This can include going for a walk, playing a game, listening to music, or engaging in other activities.
It is also important to let ideas percolate and simmer in order to allow your mind to make connections between different solutions. By giving your subconscious time to work on the problem, you may be surprised by the ideas that come up.
The illumination stage of the creative process is the moment when an idea or solution suddenly comes to you, seemingly out of nowhere. This eureka moment often feels as though it has been illuminated from within and can come as a result of letting ideas simmer and percolate in the subconscious mind.
This sudden insight often provides clarity and direction for the project or problem and can inspire further creative ideas.
Tools such as free-writing, mind mapping, and brainstorming can all be helpful in this stage to help capture the moment of illumination and develop it further.
The next stage of the creative process is experiencing the moment of insight, or “aha” moment.
This is the eureka moment when an idea or solution suddenly comes to you, seemingly out of nowhere. It often feels as though it has been illuminated from within and can come as a result of letting ideas simmer and percolate in the subconscious mind.
At this point, it is crucial to seize the moment of insight and advance it. Various techniques, including free-writing, mind mapping, brainstorming, and discussing with others, can aid in capturing and expanding upon moments of inspiration.
In the creative process, the next step involves identifying a solution or idea that aligns with the project objectives. It is important to evaluate the identified solutions and ideas and determine which one aligns best with the project goals after allowing time for ideas to develop, engaging in unrelated activities, and experiencing a moment of illumination.
It may be necessary to go back to earlier stages of the creative process in order to generate more ideas or solutions, while also taking into consideration feedback from others as well as any practical constraints.
Once the ideal solution or idea has been identified, it is then possible to move forward with further planning in order to implement the solution and achieve the desired outcome.
The implementation stage is the final step of the creative process and involves putting the identified solution or idea into action.
This may involve further research, planning, and problem-solving in order to ensure that the project goals are achieved. At this stage, it is also important to consider any potential risks or obstacles that could impede progress.
It may be useful to create a timeline for the project and break down tasks into smaller steps in order to keep track of progress.
It is also important to be open to feedback and unexpected changes, as the creative process often involves adapting to new ideas or solutions that may arise. Finally, it is essential to take time to celebrate successes and recognise the hard work that has gone into the creative project.
During the implementation stage, it is important to create a timeline for the project, break down tasks into smaller steps in order to keep track of progress, and be open to feedback and unexpected changes.
At this stage, it may be necessary to conduct further research and plan for any contingencies that could arise. It is also important to take time to celebrate successes and recognise the hard work that has gone into the creative project.
Finally, it is essential to be flexible and willing to modify solutions as needed in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Evaluating and refining the idea as needed is an important part of the creative process.
After coming up with a solution or idea, it is essential to evaluate its feasibility and practicality. This involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the idea, considering any potential risks or obstacles that could arise, and developing strategies to address these issues.
It may be useful to discuss with others, get feedback, and make adjustments as needed in order to ensure that the project goals are achieved. It is also important to take time for reflection and adjust plans if necessary in order to reach the desired outcome.
Sharing the completed project with others is a crucial aspect of the creative process.
After taking the necessary steps to implement the idea and achieve the desired outcome, it is then time to share the final product with others. This may involve gathering feedback from peers, presenting the idea to a wider audience, or submitting it for review or publication.
Sharing ideas also provides an opportunity to learn from other perspectives, discuss successes, and identify areas for improvement. It is also important to take time to reflect on the process and recognise any accomplishments.
These stages provide a framework for understanding the creative process, from idea generation to implementation and sharing.
By following this guide, it is possible to maximise the potential of creative ideas and develop successful projects. Let's now explore some factors affecting creativity and the creative process.
Creativity is a complex process that is influenced by many different factors. Here are some important factors that can affect creativity:
The environment and surroundings can have a profound impact on creativity.
Studies have shown that the physical environment can either encourage or hinder creative thinking. It is important to create an environment that encourages creativity by providing sufficient space, adequate light, and access to materials needed for the project.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to create a space that is free from distractions or disruptions.
Motivation is a key factor in the creative process. It is essential to have the desire and enthusiasm to complete the project, as this can drive creativity and ensure that goals are achieved.
It can be helpful to set specific goals and create incentives for completing tasks. Additionally, taking breaks throughout the creative process can help to maintain motivation levels and sustain creativity.
Moreover, it may be useful to recognise successes and celebrate accomplishments in order to boost motivation.
Time management and organisation are essential for successful creative projects. It is important to plan ahead, set realistic deadlines, and develop a timeline with milestones for completion.
It may also be helpful to break down large tasks into smaller, more achievable goals in order to stay organised and motivated. Additionally,
One's mindset and attitude can have a major impact on the creative process.
A positive attitude towards the project can help to maintain motivation, inspire creativity, and ensure that goals are successfully achieved. It is important to focus on potential solutions rather than potential problems, think positively about possible outcomes, and remain open to new ideas.
Having an optimistic outlook can also provide the confidence and determination necessary for successful creative projects.
These factors can all have a significant impact on the creative process, from idea generation to implementation and sharing. By understanding and recognising these factors, it is possible to maximise creativity and achieve successful outcomes.
Time management and organisation are essential to successful creative projects. It is important to plan ahead, set realistic deadlines, and develop a timeline with milestones for completion in order to stay on track.
Additionally, it may be helpful to break down large tasks into smaller, achievable goals in order to stay organised and motivated.
Having a clear sense of the project timeline can help ensure that goals are reached in a timely manner. It is also important to allow enough time for brainstorming, experimentation, and revision.
Lastly, it may be useful to set aside specific periods of time each day or week to work on the project in order to remain focused and productive.
To assist you in managing your time efficiently, you can use tools like OCCO London's Priority Pad, which can help you create a timeline and visualise progress.
By effectively managing your time, you can maximise creativity and ensure successful outcomes.
Collaboration and feedback are essential elements of the creative process.
Working with others can provide a variety of perspectives, ideas, and approaches that can lead to more innovative solutions. It is important to recognise the different skills and strengths of each team member in order to ensure successful collaboration.
Seeking feedback from peers or mentors can also be beneficial, as it provides an opportunity to gain insights and make improvements. In addition, it can help ensure that the project is on track and progressing in the right direction.
It is important to remain open-minded when asking for feedback and consider different perspectives in order to maximise creativity.
The creative process involves a variety of factors that need to be considered in order to achieve successful outcomes. Motivation, time management and organisation, mindset and attitude, collaboration, and feedback are all essential elements.
By understanding these factors and utilising the right tools and techniques, it is possible to increase creativity and maximise success in creative projects.
Creativity is an essential part of the creative process and can be enhanced with certain strategies. In order to maximise creativity, it is important to take a holistic approach that combines various techniques and tools.
In order to successfully engage in the creative process, it is crucial to prioritise and consistently engage in practise and repetition. By taking the time to practise and repeat tasks, it is possible to improve skills, refine techniques, and increase one’s creative potential.
It takes practise to master a skill or become comfortable with an unfamiliar task. Repetition helps build confidence and can make it easier to take risks in order to explore new ideas.
Following instructions can be beneficial when tackling creative projects. It is important to be aware of the project’s objectives and guidelines in order to stay focused and on track.
Having a clear outline or plan can help you remain organised, break the project down into achievable goals, and avoid distractions.
Taking risks and embracing failure is essential for successful creative projects. Fear of failure can be an obstacle to creativity, so it is important to develop a mindset that encourages exploration and experimentation. Trying new things and taking risks can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
It is important to recognise that failure is not the end but rather part of the creative process. Mistakes can provide valuable insights and serve as stepping stones to success.
In order to maximise creativity, it is important to maintain focus and stay organised. It can be helpful to set aside specific periods of time each day or week for creative endeavours in order to remain productive and on track.
Organisation is also key, and it is important to create a workspace where you can be productive. Having a dedicated workspace and organisational tools such as calendars, lists, and apps can help keep the creative process on track.
Finally, it is important to remember that creativity is an ongoing process. By effectively managing your time, practising and repeating tasks, taking risks, and staying organised, you can maximise creativity and ensure successful outcomes.
Engaging in diverse experiences and perspectives is an important part of the creative process. Seeking out new ideas and perspectives helps to broaden one’s understanding of the world and can provide valuable insights into problem solving.
It can be beneficial to explore different activities, cultures, and environments to gain a variety of perspectives.
Travelling, attending lectures, engaging in conversations with diverse individuals, or reading a variety of books can help open one’s mind and ignite creative ideas.
Discovering inspiration in daily life can serve as a useful method to ignite creativity and generate innovative thoughts.
Drawing from the people, places, activities, and objects that you interact with on a daily basis can help bring fresh perspectives and insights into your creative process. Through observation and exploration of the world around you, it is possible to uncover hidden gems of inspiration.
Looking outside of one’s comfort zone can also bring new ideas and help to reframe old problems.
Taking a break from the creative process can be useful in order to gain new perspectives and come back with renewed energy and focus.
Taking care of your mental and physical health while engaging in creative projects is essential. Developing a healthy balance between your creative endeavours and other activities can help keep you energised, productive, and motivated.
It is important to take regular breaks in order to prevent burnout and stay focused on the task at hand. Eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax can help you stay energised and productive.
You can utilise mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, or art to help relax and clear your mind. Journaling can also be a great way to reflect on your creative process and gain insights into what you are doing.
You can use tools like OCCO London's Morning Mindset Journal to help you stay focused and productive in your creative endeavours.
Remember, creativity is a continuous process, and it is important to remain open-minded and take care of yourself in order to maximise your creative potential within yourself.
After reading through the information above, you may still have some questions about the creative process. We will answer some of the most common questions about creativity and the creative process in the next section of this blog.
What are some common obstacles to the creative process, and how can they be overcome?
The debate over whether creativity is an innate quality or something that can be learned has been going on for many years.
On the one hand, some people believe that creativity is an inborn trait that cannot be taught. On the other hand, there are those who believe it is possible to learn how to be creative by engaging in activities designed to stimulate creative minds and problem-solving.
Common obstacles to the creative process include fear of failure, a lack of motivation, and overthinking.
To overcome these obstacles, it is important to stay positive and remember that creativity is a continuous process. Taking regular breaks, engaging in activities outside of your comfort zone, and developing a healthy lifestyle can help you stay motivated and inspired.
If you want to learn more about this topic, click on "Is a Creative Person Born or Made?"
Improving creativity is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and effort. Here are some tips to help you become a more creative genius:
• Experiment with different ideas: Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore different paths. You never know what hidden gems of inspiration you might discover.
• Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks can help refresh your mind and prevent burnout.
• Read, watch, and listen: Stay informed by reading books, watching films and documentaries, and listening to podcasts. This will help you gain new perspectives and ideas.
• Practise mindfulness activities: Mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation can help relax your mind, clear away stress and anxiety, and inspire creativity.
• Take care of yourself: Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential for unlocking your creative potential. Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help you stay energised and motivated.
By utilising these tips, you can enhance your creativity and maximise your creative potential.
Staying motivated and inspired during the creative process is essential for unlocking your creative potential. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and inspired:
• Set achievable goals: Break down your project into manageable chunks and set achievable goals for each step of the process. Doing this will help keep you focused and motivated.
• Celebrate small wins: Don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate small wins along the way. Doing this will help boost your morale and keep you motivated.
• Get support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get feedback from others who are involved in the creative process. This can provide valuable insights and feedback that can help you move forward.
By utilising these tips, you can stay motivated and inspired during the creative process and maximise your creative potential.
Technology can be a powerful tool to help enhance the creative process. By utilising various tools and apps, you can increase your productivity, improve collaboration, and gain new perspectives. Here are some tips on how to use technology to enhance your creative process:
• Utilise project management apps: Project management apps like Trello or Asana can help you stay organised and keep track of tasks and deadlines.
• Make use of collaboration tools: Collaboration tools like Slack or Google Hangouts can help you communicate with your team and share ideas.
• Take advantage of brainstorming apps: Brainstorming apps such as Stormboard or IdeaFlip can help you generate new ideas and gain insights from other team members.
• Use productivity apps: Productivity apps such as Evernote or Forest can help you stay focused and increase your productivity.
Through the utilisation of these tools, technology can be used to improve the creative process and optimise creative capability.
Creativity is essential for unlocking our potential and achieving success, yet there are many common barriers that can prevent us from reaching our creative goals. These barriers can range from time constraints to a lack of motivation and self-doubt. Here are some tips on how to overcome these common barriers:
• Set realistic expectations: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to create something perfect. Be realistic about what you can achieve and set achievable goals for the creative process.
• Take breaks: Taking regular breaks throughout the creative process can help refresh your mind and restore motivation.
• Get feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from others involved in the creative process. This can provide valuable insights and help you move forward.
• Overcome self-doubt: self-doubt can be a powerful barrier to creativity. Learn to recognise and accept that mistakes are part of the creative process and use them as a learning opportunity.
By applying these techniques, one can overcome frequent obstacles to creativity and optimise their creative abilities.
The creative process is a complex and fascinating topic that has been studied by scientists and artists alike.
By understanding the different stages of the creative process, and learning how to overcome common barriers to creativity, you can enhance your own creative abilities and produce more innovative and inspiring work.
Whether you are a writer, artist, musician, or entrepreneur, the creative process is an essential part of your work. By staying motivated, staying inspired, and using technology to your advantage, you can unlock your full creative potential and achieve success in your chosen field.
So, go ahead and embrace your creativity—the world is waiting for your unique perspective and ideas!
If you find this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family, and do not forget to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
At OCCO London, we believe that creativity is the fuel for success. Check out our blog for more insights into the creative process and tips on how to stay productive, motivated, and inspired.
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Creativity is essential for writers. We define creativity, look at the importance of creativity in writing , and give you 5 steps to become more creative .
‘In a time of destruction, create something.’ ~ Maxine Hong Kingston
Creativity is an act where we create something new – something that did not exist until we put it together.
According to Psychology Today : ‘Creative thinking involves making new connections between different regions of the brain, which is accomplished by cultivating divergent thinking skills and deliberately exposing oneself to new experiences and to learning.’
Creativity is a process.
Being creative means that we take two or more things and we put them together. We create something that was not there before. If it’s any good, our creation will have made something more valuable and better than what came before.
When we write we are performing a creative act. We are quite literally creating a novel idea. Our words make up people and places that did not exist until we gave them life.
We take an idea, dream up a set of characters, build a world for them, and create.
There are no new plots and most genres are set, but we take this framework of fiction and we make something of our own.
James Clear says: ‘The creative process is the act of making new connections between old ideas or recognising relationships between concepts. Creative thinking is not about generating something new from a blank slate, but rather about taking what is already present and combining those bits and pieces in a way that has not been done previously.’
Creative writers and great business writers do this every day.
The writer’s favourite question: ‘ What if? ‘ is the ultimate creative question. When writers get stuck or when they are plotting a novel, one of the best ways to employ creativity in writing is by asking this question.
What if my protagonist loses their job? What if my villain is arrested on an unrelated charge? What if the setting becomes uninhabitable? What if my character loses one of their senses? What if a stranger comes to town?
Questions like these create a new reality that has to be navigated.
James Webb Young, author of A Technique for Producing Ideas , suggested that there were five steps to being creative : They are “1) gathering material, 2) intensely working over the material in your mind, 3) stepping away from the problem, 4) allowing the idea to come back to you naturally, and 5) testing your idea in the real world and adjusting it based on feedback.” ( source )
Writers can adapt this method for their own work to develop their creativity skills. I have adapted it to create a ‘5 Steps To Creativity In Writing’ process.
(Tip: You don’t need to do everything listed below, but the more you do the easier it will be.)
Think about everything you’ve learned along the way. Ask as many ‘What ifs’ as you can. Think about what happens when you put characters together.
Examine the various ways the plot could develop. Imagine using the antagonist as a protagonist . Perhaps you could start the story at a different point. Perhaps you could tell it from another character’s viewpoint. Maybe it would be better in present tense instead of past tense.
Try some visual techniques (including creating patterns, doodling , drawing, and pinning) when you do this. Read: 5 Visual Techniques To Bring Your Story To Life . Do some synaesthesia exercises.
Step away from what you have been working on. Stop thinking about what you’ve been writing. Try to do something that has nothing to do with it at all. (This is the most important step in the process, but it only works if you have done the work in the first two steps.)
Your ideas will come back to you on their own, often in a better shape than the original ones you had. You may want to write the story from a different viewpoint – maybe first person instead of third person, or write in another genre, or set it in another universe.
Test the idea by writing the story. You will be bursting with energy and creativity because you have so much material in reserve. The response you get to the finished product will be the ultimate test.
Top Tip : This is not just for creative writing. Use this five step process to help you in your business writing, blogging, or for creativity in your business. The importance of creativity in writing cannot be overstated.
Top Tip : Find out more about our online courses and workbooks in our shop .
© Amanda Patterson
If you liked this article , you may enjoy
Great concise tips
Thank you, Dan.
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© Writers Write 2022
A project that incorporates both standard and creative elements of storytelling can help young learners strengthen their literacy skills.
What can creative writing look, feel, and sound like in a first grade classroom? How can creative writing become a joyful and meaningful learning experience, and how can we educators facilitate the creative process and allow young writers to use their imagination when writing?
Graphic organizers, mind maps, and storyboards are certainly great tools for narrative building and planning, but they do not necessarily scaffold the creative process that story writing requires. In reality, they might even restrict students’ creativity while they “box” ideas in predetermined templates. This year, in my class, going play-based and hands-on has turned out to be a tremendous success.
For this particular unit, my first grade students were examining literature and storytelling. After they had enjoyed several read-alouds, explored story elements, and studied the story mountain (beginning, rising action, conflict, resolution, and ending) as a team, it was time for them to write their very own stories.
They kicked off by creating their main character and decided on the character’s appearance, personality, likes, and dislikes. They also had the choice to play the main character role in the story. In both cases, while still brainstorming, it was time for action: They drew and decorated their characters with markers and pencils, cut them out, and used a Popsicle stick to make a puppet.
They became even more motivated to continue as they saw their characters come to life. My students spontaneously started interacting with each other and their puppets—creating stories and being imaginative—they went right into storytelling mode. This created the perfect opportunity for me to step back and observe my students’ initiative, creativity, and social and communication skills, not to mention their sense of accomplishment and joy.
After they had engaged with their characters and interacted with others, it was time for the young writers to further develop their stories and think of a scenario leading to the rising action and resolution. This was the point when loose parts played a crucial role in the storytelling process. Counters, pipe cleaners, bits of paper, pebbles, dice, and buttons became houses, trees, magic wands, you name it. These bits and bobs from around the classroom became a valuable, zero-cost resource.
While students actively arranged and rearranged their chosen loose parts, they wondered about what would happen next in their stories. Unexpectedly, some students chose to collaborate and co-created stories by joining their imagination and characters in one story. In this step of the creative process, the use of loose parts was truly empowering: Before jotting anything down in their notebooks, my students physically, mentally, and verbally constructed their narratives and shared them with their partners.
With the mental representation of their narratives ready, it was all a matter of scribing their ideas. For that, we followed our usual class routines and resources such as word banks, sentence starters, and buddy support. All my students were engaged and confident, and when struggling with ideas, they resorted to loose parts again. As my first grade is a multicultural classroom, some of my students needed language support . However, with all of them hooked on their stories, supporting those who needed help with vocabulary, sentence construction, and spelling was simplified.
I conferred with students individually and in small groups to understand their thinking and offered feedback on paragraphing and some word choice. Instead of using notebooks for their first drafts, they chose to use mini-boards, which motivated them even more and supported them to make quick adjustments to their narratives. Finally, after receiving feedback, they moved on to writing their final drafts and designing their covers in order to turn their stories into books. Each student took their book home to share it with their family after reading it with the class.
What good is a book if it isn’t read and enjoyed? Buddy reading was the last step of the process but certainly not the least exciting. My students read aloud to each other, commenting on their favorite bits of the story and appreciating the illustrations. The whole project, from getting their characters ready to publishing and reading their books, took around five hours divided into five days.
When reflecting on the writing process, my students said that what they appreciated the most was the making of their puppets and illustrating their stories, highlighting the importance of integrating arts and writing. When asked about what was challenging, they replied that it was creating all the parts of the story mountain. However, they all said that using loose parts was a helpful strategy that they would use again—which they spontaneously have done in subsequent writing engagements. Lastly, when asked how they felt, some of the words they used were “proud,” “good,” and “joyful!”
A recent UNESCO report on the importance of happiness in learning refers to neuroscience research that proves our affective and cognitive domains are interconnected and interdependent. Therefore, emotions do affect learning! Joy is not a trade-off for academic achievement. Creating positive learning experiences makes learning stick.
Very often, students fear and avoid writing as a consequence of previous negative writing experiences. Combining art and a play-based approach to creative writing in first grade can set students on a path to success by building on their confidence, creativity, imagination, and sense of accomplishment. I have witnessed that the integration of art and writing has helped my students discover how writing can be a joyful and memorable experience where they can all be amazing storytellers and writers.
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Understanding how and why you write the way you do allows you to treat your writing like the job it is, while allowing your creativity to run wild. Every writer works in a different way. Some writers work straight through from beginning to end. Others work in pieces they arrange later, while others work from sentence to sentence.
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.
Step 1: Prewriting. Step 2: Planning and outlining. Step 3: Writing a first draft. Step 4: Redrafting and revising. Step 5: Editing and proofreading. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the writing process.
Writing experts often want us to believe that there is only one worthwhile creative writing process. It usually goes something like this: Brainstorm. Research. Outline. Rough draft. Revise (repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat) Edit, proof, and polish. This is a good system — it absolutely works.
5 Key Characteristics of Creative Writing. Creative writing is marked by several defining characteristics, each working to create a distinct form of expression: 1. Imagination and Creativity:Creative writing is all about harnessing your creativity and imagination to create an engaging and compelling piece of work.
Writing is a process that involves at least four distinct steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. It is known as a recursive process. While you are revising, you might have to return to the prewriting step to develop and expand your ideas. Prewriting. Prewriting is anything you do before you write a draft of your document.
How to Improve Creativity: The 5 Stages of the Creative Process. The creative process manifests in different ways and on different timelines for each person. Anyone who is able to unlock their creative potential goes through a similar process to bring an idea to life. The creative process manifests in different ways and on different timelines ...
A writing process or method includes the following stages: planning, drafting, sharing, evaluating, revising, editing, and publishing. The prewriting stage is the most critical stage of the writing process. We all follow a writing process when creating an article or any written content.
This article provides a comprehensive, research-based introduction to the major steps, or strategies, that writers work through as they endeavor to communicate with audiences.. Since the 1960s, the writing process has been defined to be a series of steps, stages, or strategies. Most simply, the writing process is conceptualized as four major steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing.
This free and open access textbook introduces new writers to some basic elements of the craft of creative writing in the genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The authors—Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Grant Tracey—are editors of the North American Review, the oldest and one of the most well-regarded literary magazines in the United States.
The 5 Stages of the Creative Process. The creative process model has traditionally been broken down into the following five stages of creativity: preparation, incubation, insight, evaluation, and elaboration (although creatives' definition of each step, and occasionally the names, can vary). These terms themselves likely won't do much for ...
Creative Writing is a form of art that allows people to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through the written word. It is a mode of self-expression that combines imagination with linguistic skills to create compelling narratives, poems, and other forms of literature. A Statista survey found that 76,300 Authors, Writers and Translators ...
Any creative process is a dance between the inner and the outer; the unconscious and conscious mind; dreaming and doing; madness and method; solitary reflection and active collaboration. Psychologists describe it in simple terms of inspiration (coming up with ideas) and generation (bringing ideas to life). In the four-stage model, we can see ...
Step 1: Prewriting. Think and Decide. Make sure you understand your assignment. See Research Papers or Essays. Decide on a topic to write about. See Prewriting Strategies and Narrow your Topic. Consider who will read your work. See Audience and Voice. Brainstorm ideas about the subject and how those ideas can be organized.
Start by writing a summary of your story in 1 paragraph. Use each sentence to explain the most important parts of your story. Then, take each sentence of your paragraph and expand it into greater detail. Keep working backward to add more detail to your story. This is known as the "snowflake method" of outlining.
Prewriting is the first step of the writing process. Making mistakes during this step can lead to your entire project collapsing midway through. To learn more about Prewriting, check out our guide on Prewriting Strategies: 9 Proven Steps With Tips, Examples & Worksheets. #2. Planning and outlining.
2) Top 10 Elements of Creative Writing. a) Imagery and descriptive language. b) Character development. c) Plot structure. d) Dialogue and conversations. e) Point of View (POV) f) Setting and world-building. g) Tone and Style. h) Conflict and resolution.
Creative writing is any type of writing that requires imagination or invention to express an idea uniquely. Creative writing often focuses on the development of narrative, poetry or drama, but it can also include nonfiction writing in a professional setting. It is different from informational writing, which aims to convey an idea directly and ...
Creative writing is any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics.Due to the looseness of the definition, it is possible for writing such as feature stories to ...
1. Preparation stage. The preparation stage is the first step in the creative process. This stage involves gathering information, researching, and brainstorming ideas. It is important to give yourself enough time to properly prepare for this stage so that you can collect as much relevant data as possible.
How To Be Creative When You Write. James Webb Young, author of A Technique for Producing Ideas, suggested that there were five steps to being creative: They are "1) gathering material, 2) intensely working over the material in your mind, 3) stepping away from the problem, 4) allowing the idea to come back to you naturally, and 5) testing your ...
Examining Elements of Creative Writing in First Grade. For this particular unit, my first grade students were examining literature and storytelling. After they had enjoyed several read-alouds, explored story elements, and studied the story mountain (beginning, rising action, conflict, resolution, and ending) as a team, it was time for them to ...
Graduate Sunday: Past, Present, & Future (Acts 2:1-4, 17-21) - The TABLE 05-19-2024 This is a Live Stream by FUMC Allen on Sunday, May 19, 2024....