Thinking of starting some creative writing? Great news! Whether you’re pursuing a dream career in the arts or just enjoying it as a pastime, creative writing offers a wealth of benefits. However, many people wonder, “Is creative writing hard?” This perception of difficulty can deter aspiring writers, but with the right guidance, the journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Creative writing allows you to use your imagination to express ideas and thoughts uniquely. Unlike traditional academic writing, there is no right or wrong in creative writing because the story comes from your own mind. If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will help you kickstart your creative writing journey.

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How Do I Start Creative Writing?

Journalling

If you’re unsure how to begin writing and find yourself with a mind block, starting a journal can help unlock your creativity. Writing daily about anything that comes to your mind will train your brain and gradually help it unlock your imagination.

Creative Writing Summer Course

If you’re just starting as a creative writer and you are looking to collaborate, share ideas with others, and workshop your writing, joining a creative writing summer course could be a great option. Our creative writing summer courses are designed to help you extend your creative writing toolkit. With an Oxbridge tutor, you will analyse some of the industry’s greatest writers and workshop some of your writing with your peers. This is a chance to develop your writing skills and network with other budding writers.

Write!

The main piece of advice for starting creative writing is to pick up your pen or laptop and start writing. Whether you have a single idea for a character or a complete narrative arc in mind, you will only succeed when you begin to write. Even if you have no idea what to write, once you channel your inner creativity and start putting words down, you will notice the words naturally flow. Just ensure you use the elements mentioned below, and you’ll be on your way to creating amazing writing.

What Are the Elements of Creative Writing?

Every piece of creative writing involves planning and a combination of elements to make it a fully formed masterpiece. Here are six main elements to help you kick-start your creative writing journey:

1. Setting

Where is your story taking place? You may have one, or you may have various settings depending on your story's demands. The setting can be as small as a single room in a building or as large as an entire city or country. Consider the genre and tone of your story. For example, in a thriller, jumping around settings can disturb the reader’s sense of stability, while a domestic piece might benefit from consolidating the action in a single room to heighten the drama.

2. Character

Characters drive the plot and overcome the central dilemma. They are the individuals with whom your readers identify and become involved. Your characters can be whoever you want them to be—human or not—and carry any traits you want them to have. Look around you for inspiration. Everyday life offers an abundance of characters in every walk of life, providing endless sources of inspiration to ensure your characters are believable.

3. Plot

The plot is the arc of your story, traditionally made up of three parts: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. Every piece of writing, video, or music has a plot—something happens throughout the time you are engaging with it. Ensure that your writing always has an underlying plot, giving every word you write a purpose.

4. Point-of-View

The point-of-view is an essential tool in creative writing. Readers rely on the central storyteller to relay the plot through their eyes. There are various options for choosing whose point-of-view to tell your story: first person (I, and me); second person (you); third person limited (through one central character); and third person omniscient (seeing all characters’ minds). Experiment with different viewpoints until you find the one that best presents your story.

5. Conflict

Conflict is the central hook to any expert story. Traditionally, conflict occurs when the protagonist encounters an adversary or antagonist. This antagonist could be another character, nature, society, technology, religion, or even the protagonist’s inner beliefs or personality. Conflict drives the narrative and keeps readers engaged.

6. Theme

A theme is the underlying message conveyed in your writing, separate from the plot. Themes can be universal and resonate with all audiences, such as greed, good vs. evil, defying the odds, and coming of age. Including an underlying theme adds depth to your writing, helping your audience gain a deeper understanding of you as a writer and your purpose for writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of creative writing?

Creative writing helps develop your imagination, improves your ability to express ideas, enhances your writing skills, and can be therapeutic. It also offers opportunities for professional growth in fields such as literature, journalism, and content creation.

How can I improve my creative writing skills?

Reading widely, practising regularly, attending workshops or courses, seeking feedback from peers, and experimenting with different styles and genres can all help improve your creative writing skills.

Can I study creative writing at Oxford Summer Courses?

Yes, Oxford Summer Courses offers creative writing courses designed to help you develop your writing skills under the guidance of experienced tutors. These courses provide an immersive and supportive environment for budding writers.

What types of creative writing can I explore?

Creative writing includes various genres such as fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. You can explore different forms like short stories, novels, screenplays, and more.

How do I overcome writer's block?

Techniques to overcome writer's block include journaling, freewriting, changing your environment, setting small writing goals, and reading to gain inspiration. It's important to stay patient and persistent.

Conclusion

Starting your creative writing journey can be daunting, but with the right approach and mindset, it can be incredibly fulfilling. By focusing on key elements such as setting, character, plot, point-of-view, conflict, and theme, you can craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire your readers. Joining a creative writing course, like those offered by Oxford Summer Courses, can provide you with the guidance and community you need to grow as a writer.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.