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Finding the Best Creative Writing Blogs on the Internet

Regardless how many books I’ve written or sold, if I’m not still educating myself about writing, I’m stagnating.

My late mother taught me the value of life-long learning. Not only was she a piano teacher into her eighties, but she was also a piano student. 

One of the most powerful learning tools today is the internet. But you could surf through endless writing blogs before finally finding which are the best for you and worthy of your time. 

So I asked my team to research what’s out there, and we’ve compiled a short list to get you started. But you also know how to search by specifying genres and areas of interest, so don’t stop here. Our list is by no means exhaustive, and I haven’t even included all the ones I enjoy. 

Here, then, are just suggestions of a few blogs you might want to check out to start your own list of writing resources —and we list them in alphabetical order:

• Become a Writer Today

Through his blog Become a Writer Today , Bryan Collins focuses on the needs of new writers. 

A non-fiction writer, blogger, and podcaster, Bryan writes on those genres, as well as on self-publishing . He’s written two 3-book series, “Become a Better Writer Today” and “The Power of Creativity.” 

A team of writers cover the business side of writing and such topics as writer’s block , formatting, and best practices. 

• The Creative Penn

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author, Joanna Penn is behind The Creative Penn . 

She also writes books for writers—her 21 titles have sold more than a half million copies. She’s a speaker, an entrepreneur, runs Curl Up Press, and has been named one of the top 100 Creative Professionals in the UK. 

Joanna’s blog focuses on self-publishing, marketing, and writing. The Creative Penn podcast offers more than 350 episodes on writing.

• Creative Writing Now

Founded by writing teacher Nancy Strauss, Creative Writing Now offers courses, tips , prompts, and information on writing contests. Writing teachers will find lesson plans as well.  

DIY MFA serves as a do-it-yourself manual for the equivalent of a Master of Fine Arts in writing without the expense. It centers on writing with focus, reading with purpose, building your writing community, and how to discover the writing tools available online and off.

Founded by author and podcaster Gabriela Pereira, the site posts on everything from playwriting to surviving rejection, travel writing, and many other writing topics. She offers a “ writer igniter ” that generates writing prompts. 

• Jane Friedman

A must read for writers and publishers, blogger Jane Friedman is one of the leading voices in the digital age of publishing.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, publishes The Hot Sheet (a newsletter for authors), is a columnist for Publishers Weekly , a professor with The Great Courses ( How to Publish Your Book ), and wrote The Business of Being a Writer . 

Jane’s blog offers how-to’s on publishing, writing a book proposal , finding a literary agent , and many other such topics. 

• Helping Writers Become Authors

Through her website Helping Writers Become Authors , K.M. Weiland has published more than 1,200 blog posts educating writers on the ins and outs and dos and don’ts of writing and publishing. 

She offers a bi-monthly e-letter, a podcast, and a vlog. She writes historical and speculative fiction, as well as how-to books, including Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel .

• Live Write Thrive

Novelist, copyeditor, and writing coach C.S. Lakin  created Live Write Thrive to help write your novel with posts like “ The Challenges of Believability in Writing Science Fiction ” and “ The 3 Ways to Show Emotion in Your Characters .” 

Bridget and Brendan McNulty and Dagmar Timler co-founded Now Novel , a platform designed to help you craft your story . 

The blog offers information for writers at every stage, a character writing hub, productivity tips, and help creating fantasy worlds. 

• Pro Writing Aid

Pro Writing Aid is a desktop app you can use with programs like Scrivener , Word, and Google Docs. It catches grammar errors, suggests style changes, and even checks your work for plagiarism.

Their blog covers which writing apps are best, the writing process, blogging and content writing, grammar rules , and business writing. 

• Write It Sideways

Founded by Suzannah Windsor, Write It Sideways is for aspiring and emerging writers . 

A team of writers answers questions budding writers ask, and blogs on things like writer’s intuition,“Confessions of a Writing Group Virgin,” and “Here’s the Type of Hate Mail Bloggers Get.” 

• Writers Helping Writers

Authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi created Writers Helping Writers for new writers, seasoned writers, editors, and writing teachers. The blog offers advice on technique and strategy, as well as “Navigating the Changing Face of Book Promotion with Smart, Effective Strategies” and “ How To Stop Self-Doubt From Holding You Back From Writing .” 

• The Write Practice

Joe Bunting started The Write Practice to help writers become better through practice. 

He offers writing prompts and provides a platform for fellow writers to offer feedback on what you’ve written. 

And of course you’re always welcome to visit me at JerryJenkins.com .

Over the last half century I’ve been an editor, a publisher, a nonfiction author, and a novelist—yet I’m still learning and growing like you. I offer a 20-Step Guide on How to Write a Book , How to Develop a Great Story Idea , Find the Right Writers Group and How to Write Dialogue . 

• Time to Get to Work

The best mentoring comes from seasoned writers proven in their fields. So dive into these blog sites and commit to life-long learning. 

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7 Top Writing Blogs That Every Writer Should Follow

If you want to write professionally, you should know that it is completely different than amateur writing. When you write as an amateur, you have a larger margin of error.

However, if you are writing professionally, you should be aware that your work will be displayed to the public. This means that any errors you make will be scrutinized and may have an impact on your reputation as a writer.

So, it is imperative that you gain as much knowledge as possible before you show off your work to the public. One of the best ways to do this is to read great content from creative writing blogs.

These blogs are designed specifically for writers and contain well-crafted content that will greatly improve your writing skills. So, before you begin your professional writing career, you should be aware of the best writing blogs to get advice from.

Here are the top writing blogs that every writer should follow:

1.  The Creative Penn

The Creative Penn is one of the world's most comprehensive writing blogs. Joanna Penn, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, was the first to establish it. She has decades of writing experience, and her blog is chock-full of useful information about self-publishing, book marketing, and writing in general.

What distinguishes The Creative Penn from other writing blogs is that it not only has great articles, but also a podcast and audio about writing. Overall, The blog is a fantastic and multifaceted blog that will assist you in your book publishing journey.

2.  Jane Friedman

The Jane Friedman blog is a fantastic source of publishing and writing advice for both new and experienced writers. Jane Friedman, a veteran author with over 20 years of experience who has worked with various literary organizations over the years, founded the blog.

The content in this blog is all top-quality, and is meant to help writers improve in various facets of the writer’s journey. Whether you are thinking of publishing a book traditionally, or trying your hand at self-publishing, the Jane Friedman blog is a great resource.

3.  Helping Writers Become Authors

Helping Writers Become Authors is a fantastic resource for learning how to create great literary works. The blog was created by K.M. Weiland.

The blog is mostly made up of detailed writing tips. These writing lessons are available in a variety of formats, including articles, vlogs, and podcasts.

The articles cover everything from story structure to character creation techniques. Overall, Helping Writers Become Authors is an excellent writing resource for all writers.

4.  The Write Life

The Write Life is unique amongst writing blogs because, aside from giving great writing tips, it is a potent resource for freelance writers. Aside from teaching writers how to write properly, the site also offers detailed tips on how to earn money as a freelance writer.

It also covers various aspects of writing life, such as learning how to blog properly, book marketing, using SEO properly, and, of course, publishing a book of your very own.

The blog also offers practical content that will help writers hone their craft , and achieve a more versatile skill set in the process. The main appeal of The Write Life blog is that it teaches writers not only how to improve their writing skills but also how to make writing a viable profession.

It can be difficult to earn money as a writer, and the Write Life teaches writers how to tap into this skill. This practical and real-world view of The Write Life makes it a site to visit for new and veteran writers alike.

5.  The Jeff Goins Blog

The Jeff Goins Blog is a multifaceted blog that offers writing advice on various platforms. The site was founded by award-winning author Jeff Goins and is predominantly designed to help writers reach their true potential.

The contents of the blog are well-crafted and multi-faceted. In many ways, the blog is not just about writing; it is also about cultivating creativity in all facets of life.

All in all, the Goins Writer is a potent resource that will help you grow as a writer.

6.  Jerry Jenkins

If you want to make your writing as professional as possible, the Jerry B. Jenkins blog is a potent resource. It was founded by New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins. He has published nearly 200 books and is the author of the bestselling Left Behind series.

The blog offers a free writing assessment and is specially designed to help writers achieve their dreams of becoming authors. The blog contains well-written content and writing courses that will help you achieve your full potential as a writer.

7.  Write to Done

The Write to Done blog is a useful resource for writers of all genres. The blog was founded by veteran author Mary Jaksch, and whether you want to write a fiction or non-fiction book, the blog is a great place to start. The content is diverse and not limited to writing tips.

It also includes articles on book promotion, time management, and staying motivated while writing. The blog also contains literary industry news and updates to further immerse you in the literary industry.

Overall, the blog is an excellent writing resource that will propel your writing career to new heights.

Starting out as a professional writer can be a difficult prospect. You will be expected to create great work for your audience. It is also expected that your work is original and free from any errors.

One of the best ways to hone your writing skills is to read great content from writing blogs. However, there are a lot of writing blogs out there and you should only take tips from the best ones.

With this short list of writing blogs, you will be able to enhance your writing skills to the highest degree.

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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)

10 Creative Writing Blogs to Find the Best Writing Advice

by GetPublished | Aug 13, 2019 | Writing

Each genre of writing has its difficulties⁠—nonetheless, creative writing can be a unique challenge!

Creative writing requires the author to depend on creative inspiration instead of not on real-world facts and information. The creative writer must figure out how to build characters and stories out of their imagination, which is no easy feat! That is why it can be very helpful for writers to make a practice of reading creative writing blogs and interacting with other authors to help get the creative juices flowing.

Join a Writing Community! ????

Writing can be a solitary task. Nevertheless, you’d be robbing yourself of a lot of support if you aren’t a part of a writing community.

Joining a writing company is beneficial for many reasons. For example, in-person writing groups or workshops allow you to find a support system in your local area. Additionally, web-based writing communities are a lucrative method to find diverse support.

Even more, there are a plethora of ways to get involved in online writing communities. To elaborate, interact in writers’ forums, follow writers you admire on social media, read the best creative blogs.

All in all, these are simple ways you can get involved in a writing community. And, as a result, learn from other writers, share your knowledge, and get tips to progress your creative writing career!

Get Inspired with These Best Creative Writing Blogs ????

Here are 10 creative writing blogs that you should consider reading for writing tips and support.

#1: Jane Friedman Blog

Publishing industry veteran Jane Friedman is the author of The Business of Being a Writer and The Hot Sheet. Additionally, she is the author of the Jane Friedman Blog ! Posts—some written by Friedman, others by guest bloggers—cover a wide array of helpful topics. From the nuts and bolts of writing (e.g. character building, creating context) to networking and finding a publisher, Jane Friedman’s blog will prepare you to succeed in the writing world.

#2: Writing Forward

Writing Forward is a creative writing blog that gives writers plenty to chew on! The blog includes musings like “What is poetry?” and “What makes iconic characters unforgettable?” Other blogs include in-depth grammar lessons, tips for setting writing goals and advice on avoiding clichés. To get your creativity going, there are also posts featuring storytelling exercises and writing prompts!

#3: Well-Storied

Fantasy fiction author Kristen Kieffer is the founder and author of blog Well-Storied . Well-storied is a compilation of Kieffer’s and guest author’s greatest tip for the trade. This reader-friendly blog uses bold graphics to highlight topics such as editing fiction, and writing motivation. While some posts focus on the crucial basics of writing, others get into meaningful aspects of the writing life.

#4: Peter Rey’s Blog

Author Peter Rey’s blog provides creative writing advice and reflections on writing through a more personal lens. Blog posts include a wide range of topics. For example, Ray’s pet peeves as a reader and what a recent move taught him about writing. Also, he offers practical writing advice like how many drafts are too many drafts.

#5: Writers Helping Writers

Writers Helping Writers ‘ mission is to provoke thoughtful commentary on creative writing to help you conquer common writing challenges. The blog features useful resources like its Descriptive Thesaurus Collection posts. Conflict, Character Motivation, Occupation, and so on are common topics that these posts are based around. For example, a recent Conflict Thesaurus entry on the plot point of “Taking Advice from the Wrong Person” provides dramatic examples, lists of potentially disastrous results, people who could be affected, resulting in emotions, positive outcomes, etc. It’s a great resource that essentially does your brainstorming for you!

#6: NaNoWriMo Blog

National Novel Writing Month, called NaNoWriMo by those in the know, is a popular annual event in which authors are encouraged to spend the month of November working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel. The non-profit behind the event runs a great blog that features news about it and other writing programs run by NaNoWriMo, also including relevant posts on topics like how to break through writer’s block.

#7: Writer Unboxed

Get a daily dose of creative writing advice from writers like yourself at Writers Unboxed , a blog about the craft and business of fiction. From contemplative pieces on the challenges of being a writer to more technical articles like an explanation of how to revise your manuscript in Scrivener (a well-known word processing program), Writers Unboxed offers a wide range of blog posts covering many angles of the writing experience.

#8: The Muffin

WomenOnWriting.com (also known as WOW!) is a global e-zine dedicated to supporting women through the creative writing process. Its blog The Muffin, which publishes new posts daily, provides tips and inspiration to readers through engaging interviews with writers, reviews and spotlights on books authored by women, writing prompts, editing advice, and much more.

#9: Creative Writing Contests

Writing contests can give writers an excellent opportunity to get their work out into the world, and possibly earn publication and prize money. But, it can be hard to hunt down these opportunities. Fortunately, the Creative Writing Contests blog does the work for you, posting about upcoming contests in creative writing and poetry, as well as other opportunities and information about fellowships, writing residencies, and grants.

#10: Time to Write

Former television writer Jurgen Wolff (Family Ties, Benson) brings his decades of hard-earned experience to his blog Time to Write . Posts include pep talks, advice on everything from brainstorming to creating characters, and a focus on screenwriting tips and thoughts that will be especially helpful for those of you hoping to write for film or TV.

Bonus blog! ???? Gatekeeper Press Blog

Not to toot our own horn, but we think the blog that you are reading right now is worth following! The Gatekeeper Press blog digs into several issues important to writers, like the cost of publishing and what authors can expect to earn . Gatekeeper’s blog features important writer topics such as self-publishing , eBook publishing , marketing , choosing a book title , and more!

What to Do When You’re Ready to Publish Your First Book

If you need guidance on the business of writing or are thirsty for inspiration, perusing these creative writing blogs regularly can help you along in your writing process.

And, once you have completed your book, Gatekeeper Press is ready to assist with your next steps, whether that is a need for editing & proofreading services or with publishing and distribution . Visit the website to discover how Gatekeeper Press can help!

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What is Creative Writing? A Key Piece of the Writer’s Toolbox

Not all writing is the same and there’s a type of writing that has the ability to transport, teach, and inspire others like no other.

Creative writing stands out due to its unique approach and focus on imagination. Here’s how to get started and grow as you explore the broad and beautiful world of creative writing!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a form of writing that extends beyond the bounds of regular professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature. It is characterized by its emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or poetic techniques to express ideas in an original and imaginative way.

Creative writing can take on various forms such as:

• short stories
• screenplays

It’s a way for writers to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a creative, often symbolic, way . It’s about using the power of words to transport readers into a world created by the writer.

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. It allows writers to explore different scenarios, characters, and worlds that may not exist in reality.

2. Emotional Engagement: Creative writing often evokes strong emotions in the reader. It aims to make the reader feel something — whether it’s happiness, sorrow, excitement, or fear.

3. Originality: Creative writing values originality. It’s about presenting familiar things in new ways or exploring ideas that are less conventional.

4. Use of Literary Devices: Creative writing frequently employs literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and others to enrich the text and convey meanings in a more subtle, layered manner.

5. Focus on Aesthetics: The beauty of language and the way words flow together is important in creative writing. The aim is to create a piece that’s not just interesting to read, but also beautiful to hear when read aloud.

Remember, creative writing is not just about producing a work of art. It’s also a means of self-expression and a way to share your perspective with the world. Whether you’re considering it as a hobby or contemplating a career in it, understanding the nature and characteristics of creative writing can help you hone your skills and create more engaging pieces .

For more insights into creative writing, check out our articles on creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree and is a degree in creative writing worth it .

Styles of Creative Writing

To fully understand creative writing , you must be aware of the various styles involved. Creative writing explores a multitude of genres, each with its own unique characteristics and techniques.

Poetry is a form of creative writing that uses expressive language to evoke emotions and ideas. Poets often employ rhythm, rhyme, and other poetic devices to create pieces that are deeply personal and impactful. Poems can vary greatly in length, style, and subject matter, making this a versatile and dynamic form of creative writing.

Short Stories

Short stories are another common style of creative writing. These are brief narratives that typically revolve around a single event or idea. Despite their length, short stories can provide a powerful punch, using precise language and tight narrative structures to convey a complete story in a limited space.

Novels represent a longer form of narrative creative writing. They usually involve complex plots, multiple characters, and various themes. Writing a novel requires a significant investment of time and effort; however, the result can be a rich and immersive reading experience.

Screenplays

Screenplays are written works intended for the screen, be it television, film, or online platforms. They require a specific format, incorporating dialogue and visual descriptions to guide the production process. Screenwriters must also consider the practical aspects of filmmaking, making this an intricate and specialized form of creative writing.

If you’re interested in this style, understanding creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree can provide useful insights.

Writing for the theater is another specialized form of creative writing. Plays, like screenplays, combine dialogue and action, but they also require an understanding of the unique dynamics of the theatrical stage. Playwrights must think about the live audience and the physical space of the theater when crafting their works.

Each of these styles offers unique opportunities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re drawn to the concise power of poetry, the detailed storytelling of novels, or the visual language of screenplays and plays, there’s a form of creative writing that will suit your artistic voice. The key is to explore, experiment, and find the style that resonates with you.

For those looking to spark their creativity, our article on creative writing prompts offers a wealth of ideas to get you started.

Importance of Creative Writing

Understanding what is creative writing involves recognizing its value and significance. Engaging in creative writing can provide numerous benefits – let’s take a closer look.

Developing Creativity and Imagination

Creative writing serves as a fertile ground for nurturing creativity and imagination. It encourages you to think outside the box, explore different perspectives, and create unique and original content. This leads to improved problem-solving skills and a broader worldview , both of which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.

Through creative writing, one can build entire worlds, create characters, and weave complex narratives, all of which are products of a creative mind and vivid imagination. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

Enhancing Communication Skills

Creative writing can also play a crucial role in honing communication skills. It demands clarity, precision, and a strong command of language. This helps to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, making it easier to express thoughts and ideas effectively .

Moreover, creative writing encourages empathy as you often need to portray a variety of characters from different backgrounds and perspectives. This leads to a better understanding of people and improved interpersonal communication skills.

Exploring Emotions and Ideas

One of the most profound aspects of creative writing is its ability to provide a safe space for exploring emotions and ideas. It serves as an outlet for thoughts and feelings , allowing you to express yourself in ways that might not be possible in everyday conversation.

Writing can be therapeutic, helping you process complex emotions, navigate difficult life events, and gain insight into your own experiences and perceptions. It can also be a means of self-discovery , helping you to understand yourself and the world around you better.

So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the benefits of creative writing are vast and varied. For those interested in developing their creative writing skills, check out our articles on creative writing prompts and how to teach creative writing . If you’re considering a career in this field, you might find our article on is a degree in creative writing worth it helpful.

4 Steps to Start Creative Writing

Creative writing can seem daunting to beginners, but with the right approach, anyone can start their journey into this creative field. Here are some steps to help you start creative writing .

1. Finding Inspiration

The first step in creative writing is finding inspiration . Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. Observe the world around you, listen to conversations, explore different cultures, and delve into various topics of interest.

Reading widely can also be a significant source of inspiration. Read different types of books, articles, and blogs. Discover what resonates with you and sparks your imagination.

For structured creative prompts, visit our list of creative writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing.

Editor’s Note : When something excites or interests you, stop and take note – it could be the inspiration for your next creative writing piece.

2. Planning Your Piece

Once you have an idea, the next step is to plan your piece . Start by outlining:

• the main points

Remember, this can serve as a roadmap to guide your writing process. A plan doesn’t have to be rigid. It’s a flexible guideline that can be adjusted as you delve deeper into your writing. The primary purpose is to provide direction and prevent writer’s block.

3. Writing Your First Draft

After planning your piece, you can start writing your first draft . This is where you give life to your ideas and breathe life into your characters.

Don’t worry about making it perfect in the first go. The first draft is about getting your ideas down on paper . You can always refine and polish your work later. And if you don’t have a great place to write that first draft, consider a journal for writing .

4. Editing and Revising Your Work

The final step in the creative writing process is editing and revising your work . This is where you fine-tune your piece, correct grammatical errors, and improve sentence structure and flow.

Editing is also an opportunity to enhance your storytelling . You can add more descriptive details, develop your characters further, and make sure your plot is engaging and coherent.

Remember, writing is a craft that improves with practice . Don’t be discouraged if your first few pieces don’t meet your expectations. Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process.

For more insights on creative writing, check out our articles on how to teach creative writing or creative writing activities for kids.

Tips to Improve Creative Writing Skills

Understanding what is creative writing is the first step. But how can one improve their creative writing skills? Here are some tips that can help.

Read Widely

Reading is a vital part of becoming a better writer. By immersing oneself in a variety of genres, styles, and authors, one can gain a richer understanding of language and storytelling techniques . Different authors have unique voices and methods of telling stories, which can serve as inspiration for your own work. So, read widely and frequently!

Practice Regularly

Like any skill, creative writing improves with practice. Consistently writing — whether it be daily, weekly, or monthly — helps develop your writing style and voice . Using creative writing prompts can be a fun way to stimulate your imagination and get the words flowing.

Attend Writing Workshops and Courses

Formal education such as workshops and courses can offer structured learning and expert guidance. These can provide invaluable insights into the world of creative writing, from understanding plot development to character creation. If you’re wondering is a degree in creative writing worth it, these classes can also give you a taste of what studying creative writing at a higher level might look like .

Joining Writing Groups and Communities

Being part of a writing community can provide motivation, constructive feedback, and a sense of camaraderie. These groups often hold regular meetings where members share their work and give each other feedback. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who share your passion for writing.

Seeking Feedback on Your Work

Feedback is a crucial part of improving as a writer. It offers a fresh perspective on your work, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s from a writing group, a mentor, or even friends and family, constructive criticism can help refine your writing .

Start Creative Writing Today!

Remember, becoming a proficient writer takes time and patience. So, don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. Who knows, your passion for creative writing might even lead to creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

Happy writing!

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

Inspiring Ink: Expert Tips on How to Teach Creative Writing

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Ultimate Writing Blogs Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Are you passionate about writing? Have you ever considered starting your blog ? To Write blogs can be a great way to express your creativity, share your thoughts and experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you're an aspiring writer, an established author, or simply someone who loves to write, blogging can offer many benefits.

Blogging is also a fantastic way to build your online presence and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. By consistently creating valuable content for your readers, you can attract a loyal following and boost your credibility as a writer. Plus, blogging can open up opportunities for collaboration, guest posting, and even monetization through sponsored content or affiliate marketing. So if you're passionate about writing and want to make an impact with your words, starting a blog could be the perfect next step for you!

Benefits of Writing Blogs

One of the key benefits of writing blogs is the opportunity to reach a global audience. With the power of the internet, your words can be read by people from all corners of the world. Blogging also allows you to establish yourself as an authority in your niche, build a community around your passion, and even monetize your writing through various means, such as advertising and sponsored content.

Importance of Creative Writing Blogs

Creative writing blogs are essential for writers who want to hone their craft and showcase their unique voices. These blogs provide a platform for experimenting with different writing styles, exploring new ideas, and receiving feedback from readers. They also serve as a valuable source of inspiration and motivation for writers struggling with writer's block or self-doubt.

Finding the Best Writing Blogs

Finding the best writing blogs can be a daunting task in a sea of countless blogs on the internet. However, with careful research and exploration, you can discover top writing blogs that resonate with your interests and goals. Whether you're looking for advice on improving your writing skills or seeking inspiration from successful authors, plenty of excellent writing blogs are out there waiting to be discovered.

Understanding the Basics of Writing Blogs

Ink Blog Template from Strikingly

When writing blogs, the first step is to choose a platform that suits your needs. Whether it's WordPress, Blogger, or a website builder like Strikingly, finding the right platform is essential for starting your blog. Once you set up your platform, it's time to brainstorm ideas for your content. Consider what topics you're passionate about and what will resonate with your audience.

How to Start Writing Blogs

To start writing blogs, outline your ideas and organize them into a cohesive structure. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your content flows smoothly. Next, start writing! Don't worry about perfection at first—just get your thoughts down on paper (or screen). Remember to include catchy headlines and engaging introductions to draw readers in.

Tips for Writing Engaging Blogs

When writing engaging blogs, consider using multimedia elements such as images, videos, and infographics to break up text and keep readers interested. Use a conversational tone and write as if you're speaking directly to your audience. This will create a more personal connection and make your content more relatable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Blogs

One common mistake in writing blogs is neglecting proper proofreading and editing. Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the professionalism of your blog, so take the time to review and revise your content before publishing. Another mistake is being too self-promotional—focusing on providing your readers with value rather than constantly pushing products or services.

Remember that starting a blog is an exciting journey that allows you to share your thoughts with the world while connecting with like-minded individuals. By following these tips for getting started with writing blogs and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to creating engaging content that resonates with readers!

Exploring Top Writing Blogs

Byte Sized Blog Template from Strikingly

When finding the best writing blogs, reviewing famous ones with a solid reputation for providing valuable content is essential. Look for blogs that cover a wide range of writing topics, from creative writing techniques to tips for aspiring authors. These blogs often have a large following and are known for their insightful and engaging content.

Reviewing Famous Writing Blogs

One famous writing blog that stands out is The Write Practice, which offers a wealth of resources for writers, including writing prompts, craft lessons, and publishing advice. Another popular blog is Goins, Writer, which focuses on helping writers build a successful platform and grow their audience. These blogs are great examples of effectively engaging with readers and providing valuable insights into the writing world.

Tips for Choosing the Right Writing Blog

When choosing the right writing blog, consider your specific interests and goals as a writer. Look for blogs that align with your preferred writing style or genre and offer practical tips and advice tailored to your needs. It's also helpful to read reviews from other writers to understand which blogs are most beneficial and reliable.

Learning from Successful Writing Bloggers

One of the best ways to learn about effective blogging is by studying successful writing bloggers who have built a solid online presence. Pay attention to how they engage with their audience, the type of content they produce, and how they promote their work across different platforms. By observing their strategies and techniques, you can gain valuable insights into what works in blogging.

Remember that finding top-writing blogs is not just about consuming content—it's also about learning from the best in the industry so you can improve your own blogging skills and create engaging content that resonates with your audience.

Writing Blogs for Authors

Author book template from strikingly, how writing blogs benefit authors.

Writing blogs offer authors a platform to showcase their writing skills, share their experiences, and connect with their readers personally. Authors can build a loyal fan base, receive valuable feedback, and gain exposure in the literary world by writing blogs. By consistently producing quality content on their writing blogs, authors can establish themselves as authorities in their niche and attract potential publishers and agents.

Tips for Author-Specific Writing Blogs

When creating author-specific writing blogs, writers must focus on content that resonates with their target audience. Authors should consider sharing behind-the-scenes insights into their writing process, offering sneak peeks into upcoming projects, and providing valuable advice for aspiring writers. Maintaining a consistent posting schedule and engaging with readers through comments and social media to foster a sense of community around the blog is also essential.

Connecting with the Author Community through Writing Blogs

Writing blogs is an excellent tool for authors to connect with fellow writers within the community. Authors can expand their network and gain support from like-minded individuals by participating in guest blogging opportunities, collaborating on blog tours, or engaging in writer-centric discussions on their blogs. Additionally, author-specific writing blogs can become valuable resources within the literary community by featuring interviews with other authors or sharing resources and tips related to writing.

Enhancing Your Skills with Creative Writing Blogs

Dinner is Done Template from Strikingly

Creative writing blogs can be an excellent source of inspiration for aspiring writers. Reading through other writers' personal experiences, struggles, and successes can often ignite a spark of creativity within you. Many creative writing blogs share writing prompts, exercises, and challenges that can help you overcome writer's block and generate new ideas for your work.

Using Creative Writing Blogs for Inspiration

Reading about the journeys of successful writers on creative writing blogs can provide valuable insight into their creative process and the obstacles they've encountered along the way. These stories can be a source of motivation and encouragement when you're stuck in your writing journey. Many creative writing blogs also feature interviews with established authors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their methods and inspirations.

Improving Writing Techniques through Blogs

Creative writing blogs often offer practical tips and advice on improving your writing skills. From grammar and punctuation to character development and plot structure, these blogs cover various topics that can help you refine your craft. They may also provide resources such as recommended books, online courses, or workshops to enhance your writing skills further.

Exploring Different Styles in Creative Writing Blogs

One of the most valuable aspects of reading different creative writing blogs is the exposure to various writing styles and genres. By exploring diverse content from other bloggers, you can better understand different storytelling techniques and literary forms. This exposure can expand your horizons as a writer and inspire you to experiment with new approaches in your work.

By engaging with diverse voices in creative writing blogs, writers can access an endless wellspring of knowledge, inspiration, and support to propel their craft forward. Whether learning from established authors or discovering new techniques through engaging content, there's no shortage of resources available to help writers grow in their journey.

Leveraging Strikingly for Writing Blogs

Strikingly Landing Page

Strikingly is a robust platform that offers a range of features perfect for creative writing blogs. With its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily create visually stunning and engaging blog posts. The platform also provides customizable templates specifically designed for writing blogs, making showcasing your content in the best possible light easier.

Strikingly also offers seamless integration with social media platforms, allowing you to easily share your blog posts and expand your audience reach. Additionally, the platform provides built-in analytics tools that give you insights into your blog's performance, helping you understand what content resonates with your readers and how to optimize for better engagement. With Strikingly, you can focus on creating compelling content while the platform takes care of the technical aspects of running a successful writing blog.

Strikingly Features for Creative Writing Blogs

Strikingly offers features such as a built-in blogging tool that allows you to integrate your writing blogs into your website seamlessly. You can also add multimedia elements like images and videos to enhance your blog posts and make them visually appealing. In addition, the platform provides social media integration, allowing you to share your writing blogs with a broader audience easily.

Using Strikingly for Best Writing Blogs

When creating the best writing blogs, Strikingly's user-friendly interface makes it easy to craft compelling content that resonates with your audience. The platform's SEO tools help optimize your writing blogs for search engines, increasing their visibility and driving more traffic to your site. With its mobile-responsive design, your writing blogs will look great on any device, ensuring a seamless reading experience for your audience.

And if you're looking to monetize your writing blogs, Strikingly also offers e-commerce features that allow you to sell your content or merchandise directly from your site. This makes it easy for you to turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture without the need for a separate online store. With Strikingly's intuitive dashboard and analytics tools, you can easily track the performance of your writing blogs and make informed decisions to further grow your audience and revenue.

Enhancing Writing Blogs with Strikingly

Strikingly offers various customization options, allowing you to tailor the look and feel of your writing blogs to match your style or branding. You can also add interactive elements such as forms or surveys to engage with your readers and gather valuable feedback. With Strikingly's analytics tools, you can track the performance of your writing blogs and gain insights into what resonates with your audience, enabling you to improve and refine your content continually.

By leveraging Strikingly's features for creative writing blogs, you can elevate the quality of your content and reach a wider audience with compelling storytelling and engaging visuals. Whether you're an aspiring author looking to share your work or an established writer seeking new ways to connect with readers, Strikingly provides the perfect platform for bringing your writing blogs to life.

Take Action with Writing Blogs

Perspective blog template from strikingly, implementing lessons from writing blogs.

Now that you have explored the world of writing blogs, it's time to put those lessons into practice. Take the tips and advice you've gathered from top writing blogs and incorporate them into your writing. Whether improving your storytelling techniques or refining your blogging style, implementing these lessons will help you grow as a writer.

Finding Your Voice in Writing Blogs

Finding your unique voice is one of the most important aspects of writing blogs. Use the knowledge gained from creative writing blogs to develop a distinct style. Experiment with different tones, perspectives, and storytelling methods until you find a voice that resonates with your audience and sets you apart as a writer.

After learning about the benefits of writing blogs for authors and exploring the best writing blogs, it's time to take action. Start your blog , connect with other authors through their writing blogs, and share your insights and experiences with the writing community. By actively participating in the world of writing blogs, you can establish yourself as a valuable voice in the literary sphere.

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How to start a writer’s blog

• Nirit Braun
• Sep 28, 2023

Starting a writer's blog is like giving your words a cozy, virtual home where they can shine. It's not just about sharing your stories and insights; it's a space where you can grow as a writer, connect with fellow wordsmiths and get your creative juices flowing.

Plus, it's an excellent way to build a portfolio and showcase your writing skills to potential clients or publishers. So, if you've been contemplating starting a blog , don't hesitate—dive into the world of blogging. Your blog can be your canvas, and the possibilities are limitless.

Benefits of starting a writer’s blog

Starting a writer's blog offers a slew of benefits for both aspiring and established writers, including:

Showcasing your writing skills: A blog serves as a living showcase of your writing abilities. Through your blog posts, you can demonstrate your command of language, style and storytelling techniques, which can attract potential readers, clients or collaborators.

Personal and professional branding: Creating a blog allows you to establish your unique writing voice and style, contributing to your personal brand as a writer. Consistency in tone and content helps readers recognize and connect with your work.

Gaining more writing practice and experience: Regularly writing and publishing blog posts provides consistent practice that can enhance your writing skills over time. It's a platform to experiment with different genres, formats and themes.

Building a professional portfolio of work: A blog provides a centralized place to showcase your best work, making it easier to share and demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients, publishers or employers.

Engaging with readers: Interacting with readers through comments and feedback helps you understand their preferences and refine your writing. This engagement can foster community and encourage your growth as a writer.

Networking opportunities: A well-managed and up-to-date blog can attract other writers, readers and industry professionals who share your interests. This networking can lead to collaborations, guest writing opportunities and more.

How to start a writer’s blog in 6 steps

Choose the right blog niche

Select the right blogging platform

Find the best name for your writer's blog

Plan and write your blog content

Promote your writer's blog

Monetize your writer's blog

01. Choose the right blog niche

Selecting a focused niche is a crucial first step in starting a writer's blog. Your chosen niche will guide your content and help you attract a specific audience interested in your writing topics. The key to a successful writing blog is to choose a niche you're passionate about—one that aligns with your expertise and resonates with your target audience.

For Kylie Goldstein, blog growth manager at Wix, there’s no better way to choose a blog niche than focusing on what you know. She believes, “Not only does the writing come more naturally but it makes it easier to tap into communities and networking opportunities if it’s a niche you know well.“ If you understand what it is to be a freelancer, tap into that expertise first.

Your chosen niche will shape your content and help you establish a unique voice in the writing community. Consider these five possible writing-related blog niches :

Creative writing techniques: Dive deep into the art of storytelling, exploring techniques, tips and exercises to enhance your readers' creative writing skills. Share insights on character development, plot structure, dialogue and world-building.

Freelance writing tips: Cater to aspiring freelance writers by providing guidance on finding clients, setting rates, managing projects and navigating the freelance writing landscape. Share practical tips for successful freelancing both how to get started and how to manage your business.

Book reviews and literary analysis: Create a blog dedicated to book reviews and literary analysis. Delve into the themes, symbolism and character arcs of popular books, offering readers a thoughtful perspective on literature.

Productivity and self-care for writers: Focus on the writer's journey, offering strategies to boost productivity, overcome writer's block and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Discuss self-care practices tailored to writers.

Publishing tips and strategies: Guide aspiring authors through the intricacies of publishing, both traditional and self-publishing. Cover topics such as querying agents, book marketing, building an author platform and navigating the publishing industry.

02. Select the right blogging platform

Choosing the right blog maker and platform is essential for setting up your writer's blog effectively. Opting for a platform that includes hosting and robust security measures ensures a hassle-free experience regardless of the type of blog you’re starting.

When starting a writer's blog, it's wise to opt for a blogging platform that offers integrated hosting and 24/7 enterprise-grade security . This ensures that your content remains accessible and secure for both you and your readers. Selecting the right platform can simplify the technical aspects of managing a blog. An all-in-one solution like Wix makes it easier for you to focus on what you know best: writing.

The overall design of your writer's blog is crucial for user experience. Choose a blog template or theme that resonates with your brand and niche. With a website builder like Wix, you can personalize your blog's design , layout and color scheme to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.

In the same vein, branding plays a pivotal role in establishing your writer's blog as a recognizable and reputable entity. A well-defined brand identity sets the tone for your content and creates a memorable impression on your readers. Consistent branding helps build trust and encourages readers to engage with your blog.

A logo is a particularly powerful visual representation of your writer's blog. Utilizing a logo maker can help you design a professional and eye-catching logo that aligns with your blog's themes and values. Draw inspiration from this selection of blog logos .

Learn more about how to make a website and explore some of the best website builders for writers .

03. Find the best name for your writer's blog

Choosing the right blog name and domain is critical in establishing a strong online presence and fostering trust among your readers.

Your blog's name is often the first impression readers have of your content. It sets the tone for your blog's identity and communicates its focus. A well-chosen name not only captures your brand's essence and your specific writing skills but also builds awareness and credibility over time.

If you're struggling to choose a name for your writer's blog, consider using a blog name generator. Tools like this can provide creative suggestions based on keywords related to writing, your niche or your style.

Your domain name ( web address ) is a crucial part of your blog's identity. When choosing a domain name there are a number of best practices to keep in mind:

Ensure your domain name aligns with your blog's theme and writing focus. It should give readers an idea of what to expect from your content.

Keep your domain name simple, memorable and easy to spell. Avoid using complex words or overly long phrases.

If possible, incorporate your blog's name into the domain to reinforce branding consistency.

Consider including relevant keywords in your domain name to improve search engine visibility.

Numbers and hyphens can be confusing when verbally shared and may lead to misinterpretation.

After brainstorming a few potential domain names, check their availability.

Some examples of creative blog example names:

InkWordsmithHub.com

NarrativeCraftingInsights.com

PageTurnerPerspectives.com

QuillJourneyExpressions.com

04. Plan and write your blog content

Valuable and engaging content is at the heart of a successful writer's blog. Planning your blog content strategically, adhering to best practices and incorporating multimedia elements can enhance the reader experience and increase reader numbers.

You’ll want to start by developing a content calendar to organize and schedule your blog posts. Include a mix of evergreen content (timeless articles) and topical or trending pieces to keep your blog fresh and relevant.

Determine how often you'll publish new posts, whether it's weekly, biweekly or monthly. Consistency is key: readers are likely to stick around if they know you’ll be publishing regularly.

When it comes to choosing blog post topics make sure they align with your chosen niche and cater to your target audience's interests and needs. Identify common challenges or questions within your writing niche, and create posts that provide solutions or insights to these. What would you like to have known as a new writer? What topics are relevant in your specific writing field (e.g., the rise of AI and what that means for the writing profession, or changes in freelance rates)? Crafting content around current trends can position you as an authority.

Some potential article ideas for a writer's blog could be:

Mastering Dialogue: Techniques for Authentic Character Conversations

Crafting Unforgettable Opening Lines: Capturing Readers' Attention

Plot vs. Character-Driven Stories: Finding the Right Balance

Building Three-Dimensional Characters: Psychology and Motivations

The Art of Editing: Polishing Your Manuscript to Perfection

Incorporate multimedia into your blog posts including relevant images and videos to break up text, and make your posts visually appealing. You can also create infographics to present complex information in a visually digestible format. Some great ideas for videos to include are demonstrating writing techniques, conducting author interviews, or filming your book reviews.

When it comes to writing blog posts you’ll want to consider some of the following best practices:

Clear structure: Follow a logical structure with an engaging introduction, informative main content and a summary of main points.

Engaging titles : Craft attention-grabbing blog titles that convey the essence of your content and entice readers to click. Where possible, avoid click-bait titles.

Readable blog format : Use subheadings, bullet points and short paragraphs to improve readability and cater to online readers.

Word count: How long your blog post will be will depend very much on the topic, audience and distribution channel. If you’re planning to distribute it on social media you might want to keep it short and snappy.

Proofreading: Thoroughly edit and proofread your posts for grammar, spelling and coherence. Consider putting together a blog post checklist to make sure all parts of it are checked before publishing.

05. Promote your writer’s blog

Promoting your writer's blog is essential for reaching a wider audience and growing your readership. You’ll want to employ effective blog distribution strategies and use blogging tools to boost your blog's visibility and engagement across multiple platforms.

Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your blog posts for search engines to improve their visibility in search results. Use on-page optimization best practices as part of your blog SEO efforts, such as using relevant keywords in the article and adding meta descriptions and image alt text.

Social media promotion: Promote your blog posts on social media platforms like Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn. Create engaging captions and use interactive content to attract a larger audience and engagement.

Email marketing: Build an email subscriber list and send regular newsletters featuring your latest blog posts. Email marketing is a direct way to connect with your readers and keep them engaged while promoting your blog .

Guest blogging: Contribute guest blogging posts to other reputable blogs in your niche. This can help you reach new audiences and establish yourself as an authority.

To understand better your writer's blog performance, you’ll want to make sure you’re tracking and analyzing your web analytics . Some important segments and metrics to look at when assessing the performance of your blog are:

Audience behavior and insights: Analytics tools provide valuable insights about your readers, including demographics, interests and behavior. Use this information to tailor your content to your audience's preferences.

Traffic sources: Understand where your blog traffic is coming from—whether it's organic search, social media, referrals or direct visits. Focus on strategies that bring the most traffic and engagement.

Most popular content: Analyze which of your blog posts are most popular within the blogosphere and why (e.g., because it generates the most traffic or the best audience behavior scores). This information can guide your future content creation.

Conversion tracking: If you have specific goals (e.g., newsletter sign-ups or eBook downloads), track how well your blog is converting visitors into subscribers or customers.

06. Monetize your writer's blog

Monetizing your blog is a career-changing step that can turn your passion for writing into a source of income. Popular strategies to make money blogging include:

Affiliate marketing: This monetization method involves promoting products or services through affiliate links. When readers make a purchase through your unique affiliate link, you earn a commission. Join affiliate programs relevant to your niche and incorporate affiliate links organically within your blog posts.

Display ads: Displaying ads on your blog can provide a steady income stream. Google AdSense is a popular choice that displays relevant ads based on your content and audience. You then earn money when readers click on these ads.

Subscription content and courses: Offer premium subscription content or online courses to monetize your expertise. Subscribers pay a recurring fee for exclusive articles, resources or courses, creating a steady income source and offering added value to your dedicated audience. Provide monthly access to writing guides, templates and author interviews—or create a comprehensive writing course to help aspiring writers improve their skills.

Tips to successfully monetize your writer's blog and start a business :

Ensure that any monetization methods align with your blog's niche and audience interests.

Disclose affiliate links and sponsored content to maintain trust with your readers.

Focus on providing valuable content; monetization should enhance, not detract from, the reader experience.

Consider combining multiple monetization methods to create a diversified income stream.

3 writer’s blog examples

Explore these writer's blog examples, each offering a unique perspective and range of content.

01. Wordsmatter Blog

For writers, by writers, this blog offers a diverse array of topics. Whether you're interested in slang words from around the world or crafting compelling copy for Google Ads, Wordsmatter has something for writers across various disciplines and industries.

02. The Poetry Pot

Dive into a personal writer's world with The Poetry Pot. This blog serves up a mix of creative content, from poetry and reviews to engaging stories that captivate readers.

03. Ella Katharine White

Author Ella White uses her blog not only as a platform to showcase her work and trilogy but also as a bridge to connect with her audience. Discover her books, engage with her literary journey and gain insights into her creative process on her writer's website.

Other types of blogs to start

How to start a finance blog

How to start a real estate blog

How to start a gaming blog

How to start a health blog

How to start a teaching blog

How to start a music blog

How to start a tech blog

How to start a mom blog

How to start a sports blog

How to start a beauty blog

How to start a lifestyle blog

How to start a poetry blog

How to start a craft blog

How to start a consulting blog

How to start a writer’s blog FAQ

How often should i publish on my blog.

Consistency matters. Set a manageable publishing schedule, whether it's weekly, biweekly or monthly. Focus on quality content over frequency.

Do I need to be a published author to start a writer's blog?

How do i engage with my readers, can i use my writer’s blog to promote my blog, do i need technical skills to start a writer's blog, how can i measure the success of my writer's blog, related posts.

21 of the best blog examples in 2024 that'll inspire your blogging journey

Blogging for beginners: 20+ tips to jumpstart your blog

How to start a blog in 10 steps: a beginners guide

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Welcome to Writing Forward

Welcome to Writing Forward, a creative writing blog packed with tips and ideas that will inspire and inform your writing projects. You’ll find posts on grammar, good writing habits and practices, plus tons of writing prompts and exercises to keep your pen moving. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or trying to improve your writing, you’ve come to the right place!

Writing Forward’s mission is to share helpful and inspiring creative writing tips to benefit the greater writing community and to advocate on behalf of all writers and artists.

Writing Forward launched in September of 2007.

Meet Your Host

Hi there! My name is Melissa Donovan, and I’m a writer. I studied creative writing at Sonoma State University, earning a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. Since then, I have worked as a technical writer, copywriter, professional blogger, and writing coach.

My poetry has appeared in convergence: an online poetry of journal and art , and my debut novel, Engineered Underground was released in March 2015.

Guides • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Dec 23, 2022

Creative Writing: 8 Fun Ways to Get Started

Creative writing is a written art form that uses the imagination to tell stories and compose essays, poetry, screenplays, novels, lyrics, and more. It can be defined in opposition to the dry and factual types of writing found in academic, technical, or journalistic texts.

Characterized by its ability to evoke emotion and engage readers, creative writing can tackle themes and ideas that one might struggle to discuss in cold, factual terms.

If you’re interested in the world of creative writing, we have eight fantastic exercises and activities to get you started.

1. Use writing prompts every week

Coming up with ideas for short stories can be challenging, which is why we created a directory of 1700+ creative writing prompts covering a wide range of genres and topics. Writing prompts are flexible in nature, they are meant to inspire you without being too constrictive. Overall, they are a great way to keep your creative muscles limber.

If you’re struggling for motivation, how does a hard deadline and a little prize money sound? Prompts-based writing contests are a fantastic way to dive into creative writing: the combination of due dates, friendly rivalries, prize money, and the potential to have your work published is often just what’s needed to propel you over the finish line. 

We run a weekly writing contest over on Reedsy Prompts, where hundreds of writers from all around the world challenge themselves weekly to write a short story between 1,000 and 3,000 words for a chance to win the $250 prize. Furthermore, the community is very active in providing constructive feedback, support, and accountability to each other 一 something that will make your efforts even more worthwhile.

Take a peek at our directory of writing contests which features some of the most prestigious open writing competitions in the world. 

2. Start journaling your days

Another easy way to get started with creative writing is to keep a journal. We’re not talking about an hour-by-hour account of your day, but journaling as a way to express yourself without filters and find your ‘voice in writing’. If you’re unsure what to journal about, think of any daily experiences that have had an impact on you, such as… 

Special moments . Did you lock yourself out of your house? Or did you catch a beautiful sunset on your way back from groceries? Capture those moments, and how you felt about them.

People . Did you have an unusual exchange with a stranger at the bar? Or did you reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in years? Share your thoughts about it.

World events . Is there something happening in the world right now that is triggering you? That’s understandable. You can reflect on it (and let some steam off) while journaling.

Memories . Did you go down memory lane after a glass of wine? Great, honor those memories by trying to recollect them in detail on paper so that they will always stay vivid in your mind.

Life decisions . Are you having an existential crisis about what to do with your life? Write down your thought process, and the pros and cons of the possible decisions in front of you. You’ll be surprised to discover that, not only is it a great creative writing exercise, but it can also actually help you sort your life out! 

If you struggle to write consistently, sign up for our How to Write a Novel course to finish a novel in just 3 months.  

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Enroll in our course and become an author in three months.

3. Create an anonymous social media account

Like anonymous blogging, an incognito Twitter account sidesteps the pressure that comes with attaching your name to your work. Anonymously putting tiny stories out into the ether gives you the freedom to create without worrying about the consequences — which is great, so long as you don’t use it as an opportunity to troll people or spread conspiracy theories. 

You could use the anonymous account in different ways. For example, you could…

• Tweet from unique points of view (e.g. a dog observing human behavior );
• Create a parody account of real or fictional people (e.g. an English poet from the Middle Ages );
• Challenge yourself to write tiny flash fiction stories that fit into Twitter threads.

Just remember, you’re not doing this to fool anyone into thinking that your account is real: be a good citizen and mark yourself a fiction account in your bio. 

But if you’re not really a social media kinda person, you may enjoy our next tip, which is a bit more on the analog side.

GET ACCOUNTABILITY

Meet writing coaches on Reedsy

Industry insiders can help you hone your craft, finish your draft, and get published.

4. Find an old photo and tell its story

Find a random old photo — maybe on the web, maybe from a photo album in a yard sale — and see what catches your attention. Look closely at it and try to imagine the story behind it. What was happening? Who are the people in it and how are they really feeling? Do they share a relationship, and of what kind? What are their goals and dreams?

In other words, bring the photo to life with your imagination. Don't be afraid to take artistic license with your story, as the goal is to be creative and have fun while writing. 

How do you know it’s creative writing?

5. Create a character from a random name

Just as our universe started from a few simple elements, you can create a character from a few basic information, like their name, culture, and gender. Reedsy’s handy character name generator can help you with that, offering random names based on archetypes, Medieval roots, fantasy traits and more. A few examples? A Celtic heroine named Fíona O'Keefe, a hero’s sidekick named Aderine, or a Korean track star named Park Kang-Dae.

Once you've chosen their name, begin to develop their personality. Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and write anything that comes to mind about them. It could be a page from their FBI dossier, a childhood diary entry, or simply a scene about them boiling an egg.

Just ‘go with the flow’ and don’t stop writing until your time is up. Repeat the process a few times to further hone the personality. If you like what you end up with, you can always go deeper later with our character profile template . 

If a stream-of-consciousness exercise is not your thing, you can try to imagine your character in a specific situation and write down how’d they respond to it. For example, what if they were betrayed by a friend? Or if they were elected in power? To help you imagine situations to put your character in, we made a free template that you can download below. 

FREE RESOURCE

Reedsy’s Character Questionnaire

40 questions to help you develop memorable characters.

6. Construct a character by people-watching

People watching is “the action of spending time idly observing people in a public place.” In a non-creepy way, ideally. Sit on a bench on a public square or on a road-side table at your favorite café, and start observing the people around you. Pay attention to any interesting quirks or behaviors, and write it down. Then put on your detective’s hat and try to figure out what that tells you about them.

For example, the man at the table next to you at the restaurant is reading the newspaper. His jacket and hat are neatly arranged next to him. The pages make a whipping sound as he briskly turns them, and he grimaces every time he reads a new article. Try to imagine what he’s reading, and why he’s reacting the way he is. Then, try to build a character with the information you have. It’s a fun creative exercise that will also, hopefully, help you better empathize with strangers. 

7. “Map” something you feel strongly about into a new context

Placing your feelings into new contexts can be a powerful creative writing exercise. The idea is to start from something you feel strongly about, and frame it into a completely different context. 

For example, suppose your heart is torn apart after you divorce your life-long partner: instead of journaling or crafting an entire novel  about it, you could tell a story about a legendary trapeze duo whose partnership has come to an end. If you’re struggling with politicking and petty power dynamics at the office: what if you “mapped” your feelings onto an ant who resents being part of a colony? Directing your frustration at a queen ant can be a fun and cathartic writing experience (that won’t get you in trouble if your co-workers end up reading your story).   

8. Capture the moment with a haiku

Haikus are poems from the Japanese tradition that aim to capture, in a few words, daily moments of insight (usually inspired by nature). In a nutshell, it’s about becoming mindful of your surroundings, and notice if you can see something in a new or deeper way 一 then use contrasting imagery to express whatever you noticed. 

Here’s an example:

Bright orange bicycle

Speeding through the autumn leaves

A burst of color waves

It may sound a bit complicated, but it shouldn’t be 一 at least not for the purpose of this exercise. Learn the basics of haiku-writing , then challenge yourself to write one per day for a week or month. At the end, you’ll be able to look back at your collection of poems and 一 in the worst case scenario 一 revisit small but significant moments that you would have otherwise forgot about.   

Creative writing can be any writing you put your heart and soul into. It could be made for the purpose of expressing your feelings, exploring an idea, or simply entertaining your readers. As you can see there’s many paths to get involved with it, and hundreds of exercises you can use as a starting point. In the next post, we’ll look more in detail at some creative writing examples from some fellow authors. 

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What Is a Creative Blog and How To Start One

March 6, 2022 (Updated: May 4, 2023)

Companies are always looking for new ways to attract people to their websites and brand. But it can feel daunting to create content that stands out from the sea of other businesses already ranking on search engines. If you’re hoping to build your brand awareness and generate a larger audience, it’s important to understand the benefits that a creative blog can give you and the strategies you can use to make it an effective marketing plan. In this article, we discuss:

What Is a Creative Blog?

Reasons your website should include a blog, how do i create a creative blog, 13 types of creative blog posts.

Image via  Unsplash  @andrewtneel

Creative blogs are posts that give readers helpful and informative content that attracts them to a company’s website. These posts help to boost a company’s brand awareness and create a loyal audience following. Blogs are one of the many strategies that companies use to perform effective content marketing. Creative blogs, specifically, are a kind of blog that uses imaginative styles, designs, and blog topics to help businesses create a stronger brand and online presence. This helps to make your brand more recognizable to your audience.

When you use blogs, your business can attract readers with information while selling your products and services through enticing calls-to-action. Calls-to-action (CTAs) are phrases, links, and other forms of eye-catching writing that encourage your readers to interact with your company in other ways. For example, creating an email sign-up button with the phrase “Sign Up Now” or “Sign Up For Our Newsletter” is a type of call-to-action. (Keep in mind that there are ways to be as enticing as possible. In the newsletter example, also including the benefits a reader may receive by signing up for your newsletter or the things they’ll learn can motivate them to take action.)

Here are some of the main reasons your website and brand should have a blog:

Stay Competitive

Blogs help websites and companies keep up with competing businesses and brands. If your competition is doing well, they more than likely are performing some type of content marketing to attract their own audience, which can overlap with yours. Developing your own blog and content marketing campaign can help you get your audience back by publishing similar, helpful blogging content.

A great place to start is researching your competition to find gaps in their content marketing strategy from which you can benefit. CopyPress offers a Content Analysis Tool that compares your website’s content against your top three competitors. Request your content analysis today to see where your website currently ranks and discover new keywords you should be targeting.

“CopyPress gives us the ability to work with more dealership groups. We are able to provide unique and fresh content for an ever growing customer base. We know that when we need an influx of content to keep our clients ahead of the game in the automotive landscape, CopyPress can handle these requests with ease.”

Kevin Doory

Director of SEO at Auto Revo

Become an Industry Expert

Blogs help companies show their industry expertise. That can help your audience see that you have a lot to offer in terms of industry information and knowledge. This can increase your reader’s loyalty and bring them back to your blog for more content in the future. That’s because they see you as an industry expert from which they can learn and benefit. It also helps to convince them that your products and services might be some of the best in the industry because of your expert knowledge.

Talk About Your Business

Blogs are a great way to tell your audience news and information. So, don’t forget to use that platform to talk about your business and the products or services it offers. That can help inform your readers about your company and everything it can do. It also helps you convert those readers into paying customers. If you try to use blogs to inform people about your business and create customers, it’s helpful to pair calls to action with the major benefits your products or services can give them.

Here’s a list of steps to help you start a creative blog and improve your content’s search engine ranking:

1. Find Your Target Audience

Before starting your blog, it’s important to understand your target audience and what they want to read. Your target audience includes anyone you think would benefit most from your products or services. For instance, if your company specializes in dog food, your target audience is most likely going to be dog owners versus cat or fish owners. One great way to learn more about your target audience is to develop customer personas. These are fictional customers you create that highlight their demographics, hobbies, and interests. This can help you envision your audience as you write to them.

It’s also helpful to conduct market research and analyze your competition. If your competitors create a blog, see what type of information they share and who responds to it. Which articles have the most comments? Which ones did people share most often on social media? Use this information to understand what your audience wants to see. Once you start your blog, it’s also helpful to research constantly and update your target audience demographics, so your marketing efforts remain effective. Using tools like  Google Analytics  is a great way to uncover information on your target audience as they read your blog.

Related:  How To Find and Build a Relationship With Your Target Audience

2. Pick the best Content Management System

A content management system (CMS) is a tool that helps you organize and post new blog articles on your website. The system provides you and your employees with the ability to create, publish, and collaborate on content. It’s possible the hosting service you use for your company website already has a CMS that allows you to create and post new content. Some popular website hosting services with CMS capabilities include  WordPress ,  Wix , and  Squarespace .

If your hosting platform doesn’t have a CMS you can use, there are other programs you can get for your business. Companies like  HubSpot offer their own CMS  that businesses can use by paying for a subscription. Before starting your blog, consider researching potential content management systems you can use and the different functions or benefits they can give you. For instance, CopyPress has a proprietary CMS that we use for our client’s content marketing campaigns.

When you partner with our company, you have access to all the content we produce for your campaign. You can even use the CMS to make edits to the content yourself or leave comments to our writers, editors, and quality assurance team to ensure it meets the standards of your campaign and brand. Because we craft our CMS in-house, we’re also always updating the system and interface to make sure it works for you and your content needs.

3. Develop a Content Calendar

A content calendar is a tool that helps you plan your blog’s content and generate ideas for future blog posts. This allows you to create a consistent flow of content that can help you attract more people to your brand. Readers like it when you show them you can provide constant content and information to which they can keep coming back.

A great way to create a content calendar is using a spreadsheet that your content writers and editors can access easily. This allows you to keep track of the content’s stages and see when someone writes, edits, and publishes additional work. You can utilize a content calendar in other areas of your marketing efforts, like to tease a future post or draw attention to content you’ve already published when you’re sending out a newsletter.

Related:  Content Calendar: Definition, Tips, and an Example!

4. Create High-Quality Content

It might seem obvious, but it’s imperative your content is of high quality. Some blogs churn out content as quickly as they can without worrying about the article’s information or quality. Audiences can see that, which can tarnish your customer loyalty, as well as your search engine ranking. As you create content for your blog, try to ask yourself questions, such as:

• Is this content informative?
• Does it teach my audience something new or useful?
• Is it readable?
• Is it easily understandable?
• Can it provide my audience with something my competitors aren’t sharing?

Focusing on creating high-quality content can show your readers that you care about what you share with them. This is a great way to keep your current audience and gain new audience members through positive word-of-mouth. Looking for content with consistently exceptional quality? CopyPress has a team of writing experts that know how to write engaging and informative blog posts, as well as white papers, research articles, and product descriptions.  Schedule a free call with us  today to learn more about our services and how our high-quality content will boost your current marketing efforts.

5. Focus on SEO

SEO stands for “search engine optimization.” It’s the process of tweaking and enhancing your content to improve its ranking and make it easier to find on search engines. Focusing on excellent SEO practices can help your blog reach more people and keep their attention. A few things to remember for best SEO practices include:

• Improving content readability
• Adding metadata, like image titles and meta descriptions
• Increasing the number of backlinks
• Targeting specific keywords

Related:  A Beginner’s Guide to SEO

Here are some types of creative blog posts you can create for your business:

1. How-To Articles

How-to articles are step-by-step tutorials to help your audience accomplish certain tasks. Most often, these articles are specific to your brand’s industry or field. For example, let’s say your business sells fountain pens. Some how-to article titles might include, “How To Take Care of Your Fountain Pen” or “How To Refill Your Fountain Pen.” These articles provide your audience with helpful information they can apply to the products your business sells.

2. Beginner Guides

Beginner guides are like how-to articles, but they offer more of an in-depth approach and analysis to the subject. They often provide the reader with a tutorial but give additional information along with it. This helps the reader understand everything they need to about the topic. For instance, say you operate a car dealership and you’re creating a beginner’s guide to owning a car so you can establish your dealership’s expertise in the industry. You might include topics such as:

• “Why It’s Important to Maintain Your Car”
• “How Often You Should Check Your Car Oil”
• “How To Check Your Car Oil”
• “When To Bring Your Car Into a Mechanic”
• “How To Maintain and Clean Leather Seats”
• “How To Find A Good Mechanic”

You don’t have to include every single one of these topics in the guide. But each one of these headings is great information for someone to learn if they’re a beginner. Helpful things to remember to include in beginner guides are topics like definitions, tips, and how-to sections.

3. Tips and Tricks

This style of blog lists specific tips and tricks that readers can try to accomplish tasks. Unlike how-to articles, this content specifically focuses on steps or troubleshooting techniques for various tasks. These steps don’t have to be in a specific order and the reader can pick which ones they’d like to try. Some example titles might include “Tips for Investing Smartly” or “Tips and Tricks for Improving Your Client Relations.”

4. Listicles

Listicles are any type of article that gives the reader a list of information. Whether it’s a list of potential places to visit, books to read, or even tips and tricks, as long as you write it in a list format, it’s a listicle article. Readers love lists, and having several options for them to try helps attract them to your content. You can even use unique items in the list to mention your products or services while still maintaining the reader’s attention.

For example, CopyPress offers a wide variety of content writing services. We understand how to create a high-quality blog with a range of posts. Sign up for our newsletter to learn more ways working with us can boost your content marketing efforts.

Recipes are a very popular form of blog posts. They often work best with companies in the food or cooking industry, but it’s still possible for other brands to use them in creative ways. For instance, let’s say your business publishes books. You could have a recipe blog on how to make a cake decorated like a book.

For marketers, you may share a favorite recipe from your team members every Friday as a fun post rather than a business-related one. While writing a recipe blog, it’s helpful to include your cooking or baking process, and then provide the recipe at the end of the article.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) is a great blog post that can answer your audience’s questions about industry topics or your products and services. This is helpful to your brand for several reasons, including:

• Giving customers helpful information
• Providing all that information in one place
• Targeting several long-tail keywords for better SEO

For the last one specifically, each question that you place as a heading in your blog is a search term someone’s typing in about the topic. With well-written content, you can rank higher on search engines for each of those questions and search terms.

7. Industry News

Industry news covers anything that people might find interesting about your industry or field. These types of blogs are especially helpful for business-to-business (B2B) companies. For example, let’s say you run a television commercial company. Other businesses who want to use your commercial services might find interest in a recent study about the positive effects of television advertising. Writing a blog about it can help you inform your audience while simultaneously selling your services.

8. Current Events

Current event blogs are like industry news, but they target trending topics that have a larger audience. You can focus your current event blogs on industry-specific topics, or you can try to associate major headlines with your company’s products and services. For instance, “How Spider-Man Could Benefit From Our Services.”

These types of blogs help you target currently trending keywords to get your content seen by more people. Though it’s possible you might attract more readers with a headline like the one above, it’s almost always better to focus on your target audience and those who might benefit best from your products and services.

9. Product or Service Spotlights

Spotlights are types of blogs that detail the products and services your company offers and highlight their benefits. This content often works best when you’re releasing a new product or service, or you’re currently offering a big promotion and sale. You can inform your readers about the new product and mention the discount at the same time. However, it’s important to use these types of blogs sparingly so your content doesn’t become one big advertisement catalog.

One thing you can do to keep these types of posts from seeming too self-serving it to insert real customer testimonials within your content so your potential customers and clients can relate more to how your products and services can benefit them.

10. Product or Service Previews

Similar to spotlights, these blogs give a teaser about a new product or service before its release. It allows people to get excited about what you’re hoping to offer in the future. You can use these types of blogs to generate a bigger email list by promising to notify your users of the product’s release when the time comes. You can also use the blog to generate pre-orders of the product and create sales revenue before its official release.

11. Interviews

Interview blogs allow you to share an interview you conducted with your audience. You can interview employees, managers, customers, or industry experts and give a transcript of that interview to your readers. These allow you to highlight important industry information, demonstrate how a customer benefited from your business, or talk about the company’s mission and values.

12. Guest Posts

Guest posts are blogs other writers or industry professionals create for your website. This can sometimes be like an interview blog, but instead of answering pointed questions, the writer gets to address the readers directly and share information with them. You can even create a guest blog for a different website or brand to attract more readers to your own site. Use the guest post to talk about your company and its values, or offer your point of view on an important industry topic.

13. Recycling Old Content

Recycling old content helps you develop new blog articles more quickly while using research and information to which you already have access. You can take an  infographic , white paper, or video that you created in the past and turn that information into a helpful blog article. Use the same information, but talk about it differently or create an update on what you talked about before. This helps you target a similar keyword as before while creating new and exciting content for your audience.

Developing a creative blog for your website can help increase its overall traffic and create a loyal following for your brand. Start by finding your target audience and create informative, entertaining content you know they’re going to enjoy.

CopyPress writer

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What is Creative Writing?

Discover What Is Creative Writing as we unravel the art of self-expression through words. In this blog, learn the meaning and techniques of creative writing, igniting your imagination and honing your storytelling skills. Unlock the world of literary creativity and learn how to craft compelling narratives that captivate readers.

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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 work in the United Kingdom alone in 2023. This shows Creative Writing is a demanding career worldwide.To know more about it, read this blog, to learn What is Creative Writing, how to write captivating narratives, and discover the essence of expressive writing.

Table of Contents  

1) Understanding What is Creative Writing   

2) Key elements of Creative Writing   

3) Types of Creative Writing  

4)  Importance of Creative Writing

5) The Creative Writing process  

6) Tips for effective Content Writing  

7) Conclusion  

Understanding What is Creative Writing

Creative Writing is the art of crafting original content that elicits readers' emotions, thoughts, and imagination. Unlike Academic or Technical Writing, Creative Writing allows for more personal expression and imaginative exploration. It encompasses various forms such as fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and drama, all of which share the common thread of artistic storytelling.    

Key elements of Creative Writing  

2) Character development: Compelling characters are the heart of any great story. Through careful development, characters become relatable, complex, and capable of driving the plot forward.    

3) Setting and atmosphere: The setting and atmosphere create the backdrop for the story. By skilfully crafting these elements, Writers can enhance the overall mood and tone, allowing readers to feel like they're living within the story's world.    

4) Plot and storytelling: A well-crafted story keeps readers engaged and invested in the narrative's progression. This includes introducing conflicts, building tension, and crafting satisfying resolutions .    

5) Dialogue and voice: Dialogue adds authenticity to characters and provides insight into their personalities. A distinctive narrative voice also contributes to the story's uniqueness and captivates readers.   

Types of Creative Writing  

Creative Writing encompasses various genres and forms, each offering a unique platform for expressing creativity, storytelling, and emotion. As you delve into the world of Creative Writing, it's essential to explore the various types and discover which resonates with you the most. Here are some of the prominent types of Creative Writing:   

1) Fiction  

Fiction is perhaps the most well-known type of Creative Writing. It involves inventing characters, settings, and plotlines from scratch. Writers have the freedom to create entire worlds and realities, whether they're set in the past, present, future, or even in alternate dimensions.

Novels, short stories, novellas, and flash fiction are all forms of fiction that engage readers through compelling characters, intriguing conflicts, and imaginative settings. From fantasy realms to gritty crime dramas, fiction transports readers to new and exciting places.

2) Poetry  

Poetry is the art of condensing language to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and communicate complex ideas using rhythm, rhyme, and vivid imagery. Poems' conciseness requires Writers to choose their words carefully, often crafting multiple layers of meaning within a few lines.

Poetry can take various forms, including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and slam poetry. Each form carries its own rules and conventions, allowing Poets to experiment with structure and sound to create impactful compositions. Moreover, poetry delves into the depth of emotions, exploring themes ranging from love and nature to social issues and personal reflections.

3) Creative non-fiction

Non-fiction writing draws from real-life experiences, observations, and research to convey information, insights, and personal perspectives. This form includes genres such as essays, memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, and journalistic pieces.

Non-fiction Writers blend storytelling with factual accuracy, presenting their ideas in a compelling and informative manner. Personal essays offer a glimpse into the writer's thoughts and experiences. At the same time, memoirs and autobiographies share personal journeys and reflections, connecting readers with the author's life story.    

4) Drama and playwriting  

Playwriting is the creation of scripts for theatrical performances. The challenge lies in crafting engaging dialogue and constructing scenes that captivate both the audience and the performers.

Dramatic Writing requires an understanding of pacing, character motivations, and the visual aspects of storytelling. While Theatrical Writing requires a keen sense of the following:    

a) Character dynamics: Building relationships between characters and exploring their motivations and conflicts. 

b)  Stage directions: Providing clear instructions for actors, directors, and stage designers to bring the play to life.

c) Dramatic structure: Crafting acts and scenes that build tension and engage the audience.  

5) Satire and humour  

Satire and humour utilise wit, sarcasm, and clever wordplay to critique and mock societal norms, institutions, and human behaviour. This form of Creative Writing often challenges readers to view the world from a different perspective.

Moreover, it encourages them to question established conventions. Satirical works, whether in literature, essays, or satirical news articles, aim to entertain while also prompting reflection on serious topics. 

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Importance of Creative Writing  

Creative Writing holds a profound significance beyond its role as a literary pursuit. It bridges imagination and reality, fostering personal growth, communication skills, and cultural preservation. Here's a closer look at why Creative Writing is of paramount importance:   

1) Personal expression and catharsis  

Creative Writing is a sanctuary for self-expression. Individuals can voice their innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences through poetry, stories, and essays. This act of sharing vulnerabilities and joy brings about a cathartic release, offering a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression. Moreover, it cultivates a deeper understanding of oneself, promoting self-awareness and self-acceptance.   

2) Cultivation of communication skills  

The art of Creative Writing cultivates effective Communication Skills that transcend the written word. Writers learn to convey ideas, concepts, and feelings coherently and captivatingly.

This proficiency extends to verbal communication, enabling Writers to articulate their thoughts with clarity and eloquence. As a result, it enriches interpersonal relationships and professional endeavours.   

3) Nurturing empathy and perspective  

Writers develop a heightened sense of empathy as they craft diverse characters and explore multifaceted narratives. Immersing oneself in the shoes of different characters fosters understanding and tolerance for various viewpoints and backgrounds. Readers, in turn, experience this empathy, gaining insight into the complexities of human nature and the diverse tapestry of human experience.    

4) Exploration of social issues  

Writers wield the power to effect change through their words. They can shed light on societal issues, challenge norms, and provoke critical conversations. By addressing topics such as social justice, equality, and environmental concerns, Creative Writing becomes a catalyst for positive transformation and advocacy.   

5) Connection and impact  

Creative Writing builds bridges between individuals by establishing connections on emotional and intellectual levels. Stories resonate across cultures, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries. The impact of a well-crafted story can be enduring, leaving a mark on readers' hearts and minds.

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The Creative Writing process 

Creating a compelling piece of Creative Writing is a journey that involves a series of steps, each contributing to the evolution of your story. Whether you're crafting a short story, a novel, or a poem, here's a breakdown of the Creative Writing process in eight essential steps:  

1) Finding inspiration  

The process begins with a moment of inspiration—a fleeting thought, an intriguing image, or a powerful emotion. Inspiration can strike anywhere—nature, experiences, dreams, or simple observation.

Keep a journal or digital note-taking app to capture these sparks of inspiration as they occur. Explore your interests, passions, and emotions to identify themes and ideas that resonate with you.  

2) Exploring ideas and brainstorming   

Once you've identified an inspiring concept, delve deeper. Brainstorm ideas related to characters, settings, conflicts, and themes. Jot down all possibilities, allowing your imagination to roam freely. This stage is about generating a wealth of creative options that will serve as building blocks for your story. 

3) Planning and outlining  

Organise your thoughts by creating an outline. Outline your story's major plot points, character arcs, and pivotal moments. This outline acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the narrative's progression while providing flexibility for creative surprises.   

4) Writing the first draft  

Once you are done with your outline, start writing your first draft. Don't worry about perfection—focus on getting your ideas onto paper. Let your creativity flow and allow your characters to surprise you. The goal is to have a complete manuscript, even if it's messy and imperfect.  

5) Revising for content  

Once the first draft is complete, take a step back before revisiting your work. During this stage, focus on revising for content. Analyse the structure of your plot, the development of your characters, and the coherence of your themes. Make necessary changes, add details, and refine dialogue. Ensure that your story's foundation is solid before moving on.  

6) Editing and polishing  

Edit your Manuscript for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style. Pay attention to clarity and consistency. Also, focus on enhancing the flow of your writing and creating a polished narrative that engages readers. 

7) Feedback and peer review 

Share your revised work with others—friends, writing groups, or beta readers—to gather feedback. Constructive criticism can highlight blind spots and offer perspectives you might have missed. Use this feedback to refine your work further.  

8) Finalising and proofreading  

Incorporate the feedback you've received and make final revisions. Proofread meticulously for any remaining errors. Ensure that your work is formatted correctly and adheres to any submission guidelines if you plan to publish or share it.  

Tips for effective Creative Writing  

Here are some of the useful tips you should consider incorporating in your process of writing :  

1) Show, don't tell: Instead of directly stating emotions or details, "showing" involves using actions, thoughts, and dialogue to convey information. This technique allows readers to draw their own conclusions and become more immersed in the story.  

2) Use of metaphors and similes: Metaphors and similes offer creative ways to describe complex concepts by comparing them to something familiar. These literary devices add depth and creativity to your writing.  

3) Building suspense and tension: By strategically withholding information and creating unanswered questions, Writers can build suspense and keep readers eagerly turning pages.  

4) Crafting memorable beginnings and endings: A strong opening captures readers' attention, while a satisfying conclusion leaves a lasting impact. These elements bookend your story and influence readers' overall impression.  

5) Experimenting with point of view: The choice of point of view (first person, third person, etc.) shapes how readers experience the story. Experimenting with different perspectives can lead to unique narrative opportunities.  

Conclusion   

We hope this blog gave you a clear idea of What is Creative Writing, along with its process and useful tips. The Creative Writing process is not linear; you might find yourself revisiting earlier steps as your story evolves. Embrace the journey, allowing your writing to develop and transform through each phase. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

a) Literary Agent

b) Screenwriter

c) Video Game Story Writer

d) Copywriter

e) Website Editor

f) Creative Director

There are several resources or recommended readings which can help you to hone your Creative Writing skills. Here we have discussed some of such resources:

a) “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King

b) "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott

c) "Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within" by Natalie Goldberg

d) Joining book clubs

e) Reading a variety of authors and genre

f) Practicing writing regular prompts and exercises.

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The Knowledge Academy’s Knowledge Pass , a prepaid voucher, adds another layer of flexibility, allowing course bookings over a 12-month period. Join us on a journey where education knows no bounds.

The Knowledge Academy offers various Personal Development courses , including Organisational skills training, Emotional Intelligence Training, and Report Writing Course. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into Journalism .    Our Business Skills blogs covers a range of topics related to Sports Journalism, offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your Creative Writing skills, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have you covered.

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The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

If you like this list of student writing contests and want more articles like it, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted!

Plus, check out our favorite anchor charts for teaching writing..

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• Academic Problems and Skills

The Joy of Writing

Personal perspective: unlocking the power of the creative process..

Posted June 4, 2024 | Reviewed by Ray Parker

• Find a therapist to help with academics
• Getting more comfortable with and confident about the writing process can assist with publication.
• Writing can be liberating and relates to clear thinking.
• The pressure to "publish or perish" in academia is sabotaging and undermines the real joy of writing.
• Writing is about being part of a larger conversation; academics should make their work accessible.

Academics in nearly every college or university setting write as part of their careers, and yet few faculty members identify as writers. There are real ramifications to this paradox. Importantly, the promise and possibilities are unearthed when we are able to identify ourselves as writers more fully. It's possible for academics to develop an effective writing process that carries with it greater ease and efficiency.

Unfortunately, the graduate school curriculum at most institutions focuses almost exclusively on gaining substantive knowledge in an area of specialty and adding to it with research. However, few academics spend all or even the bulk of their time doing research. We teach, and then we write about our research. Some of us are lucky enough to have some training in pedagogy . Yet most of us were never trained to become writers of academic articles, book chapters, or monographs. And it is even rarer indeed that graduate programs include any training in how to effectively and persuasively make writing accessible to a general audience.

The lack of training for writing—and perhaps maybe even more problematic, the real lack of mentoring toward a writer’s life —is why so many of us do not dare to identify as writers. How is it that an important, if not necessarily predominant, aspect of our academic careers could be so discounted? If we are not writers, how can we write well? If we are not writers, how can we develop confidence in the work we produce? Our lack of attention to writing often stymies our careers and interferes with the capacity to translate important work for the larger public.

Academics internalize that we must “publish or perish,” as the common adage goes. This is a message that discourages joy in writing—beyond being a utilitarian means to an end, it creates fear , loathing and pressure. We’re told that if we do it enough, our careers will survive. Meanwhile, the process of writing that publishing requires is rendered invisible. It’s as though the outcome of publishing is all that matters for a committee to tally up the number of enough publications in a file so our jobs will be secure. Publish enough and you are tenured, and your job is secure. In this paradigm, publications are defined as external products created for pragmatic reasons.

What if rather than scaring faculty members into publishing instead of perishing, we considered more deeply the joy of writing? Publishing in a competitive academic market has come to be seen mostly as jumping through enough hoops to get or keep a job, yet focusing on good writing serves us better and is far more effective. It will produce better writing and, thus, more publications to boot. A focus on writing helps us keep our eyes on the long game and why we are writing—and therefore publishing—in the first place.

In the process of writing, we clarify our thinking. Often, writing helps us come to know what we know, to discover our argument and to make plain our feelings. When words are translated from our minds to the page, we communicate as only writers can, helping readers discover what we know, make the analytical connections we have discovered, understand the theories we propose, and wrestle with the conclusions we draw.

The process of writing is about entering a conversation—first in our own minds and then ultimately with readers. Being a writer is about having the courage and conviction to dare to be part of a larger conversation. It’s about deepening and extending that conversation by generously offering our distinct angles of vision. When we think about writing like this, it is much more about the opportunity to engage with others to influence the discussion.

The process of writing liberates our ideas, taking them from internal dialogues to a public forum, whether for colleagues, students, or people who read newspapers and magazines. Rather than dread the publish or perish game, academics should focus on the process of writing, the privilege of being a writer who is able to enter the intellectual and public debates of our time and perhaps influence them.

Of course, the submission process may still be frightening. We will definitely still often receive rejections. And yet, when we focus on writing as our art, our craft, such concerns do not always take center stage—we shift the focus to the reasons we write and the process of doing so. Submitting our work for publication becomes an opportunity to get the perspective of reviewers and editors. And if we focus on improving our craft, it is easier to understand and really know that those reviews can help sharpen our ideas and their ability to influence the conversation.

A version of this post also appeared in Inside Higher Ed with Barbara Risman.

Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D., is a professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort where she teaches and writes about the intersections of the self and society.

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‘Creative writing can be as impactful as an academic paper’

Grassroots initiatives can promote visibility of marginalised groups, self-expression and community, writes Emily Downes. Here are her key tips from running a creative writing competition to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

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Last year marked two decades since the repeal of Section 28, a UK law that prohibited what was described as “the promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. What this meant, in practice, was that generations of LGBTQ+ children grew up with no safe access to information about LGBTQ+ issues, no role models, no representation. They had no indication, in fact, that they could have a successful life that included employment, acceptance and community. 

Surely, as hubs of knowledge production, higher education institutions have a social and ethical responsibility to actively repair some of the damage wrought by this law. As LGBTQ+ staff in the sector continue to report  discrimination and erasure , are we providing enough opportunities for our students to see their own lived experiences roadmapped and reflected? 

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While institutional support and backing are essential in amplifying LGBTQ+ representation and visibility, staff on the ground can also make an impact through grassroots initiatives. And where better to push back against the fearmongering of Section 28 than from a place of love? For author, theorist and educator  bell hooks , all key social justice movements have promoted a love ethic: a practice that seeks to use knowledge, responsibility, care, trust, respect and commitment. How might that look in your professional context? 

In mine, I have had the privilege of coordinating a creative writing competition for LGBT+ History Month . Here’s some of what I learned.

Knowledge and responsibility

It’s natural to feel powerless against discrimination. However, take heart – there’s no one defining form of activism. You may not feel you have the capacity or physical ability to protest in the streets or the wherewithal for a strategic campaign. That doesn’t mean you have nothing to contribute to the cause of a more inclusive landscape in higher education. We each have our own offering of knowledge, skills and interests to share. These needn’t exclusively be academic pursuits.

What brings you joy? Perhaps it’s a gentle walk in nature or listening to a podcast or crocheting. I’m partial to all three…and I also enjoy using writing to make sense of my inner and outer worlds. A couple of years ago, I started facilitating LGBTQ+ creative writing for well-being sessions in my local community. Last year the chair of our university LGBTQ+ focus group asked if I would use this experience to make our campus more inclusive. We agreed that I would deliver a drop-in session exploring the importance of queer representation , and that I would coordinate a creative writing competition around the same theme. As a “late bloomer” bisexual who grew up with a dearth of positive representation, I felt a responsibility to be visible in our university community. I had first-hand experience of the possibilities that creative writing affords for healing and growth. I am also well aware of how stifling and impenetrable academic writing can feel for many. I saw the creative writing competition as an opportunity to put self-expression firmly back into the hands of a marginalised community. 

Care and trust

Over the past two academic years, I have gained important insights into developing the competition process with care and establishing trust with our participants. Working with students with protected characteristics means a vital aspect of care is gaining consent at multiple stages. For trans students , for example, being named in certain contexts could have immediate and severe material consequences. One student sought me out during graduation week last year to ensure they would be  dead-named – otherwise, they said, they wouldn’t be able to return home with their parents after the ceremony. 

This has fed into my experience with the competition. Just because someone has entered doesn’t mean they will feel willing or able to be named in a university update or read their piece at a public event. However much you think you’ve tied up loose ends, please double-check. It’s better to be mildly irritating with an abundance of care.

That said, please don’t let the need for caution be off-putting. Demonstrating this level of care is foundational to developing trust. Repeatedly checking in with participants about how they are represented also helps to build a sense of agency they may not always feel they have in wider society. Liaise with those in your initiative whenever a new context arises in which they may be named. 

Respect and commitment

University community members who participate in our writing competition are occupying a  brave space , and this demands our respect. We value our staff and students’ intersectional identities and recognise how vulnerable it can feel sharing those parts of yourself in your place of work or study. I have shared some of my own LGBTQ+ journey during the drop-in sessions. Another sign of respect has been the active and enthusiastic engagement from our executive director of communications and development, who has sat on the judging panel both years. Having buy-in from senior management is indescribably validating not just for our entrants but for the wider LGBTQ+ community at the university.

Commitment to such an initiative can take many forms, the most essential of which are reflection and learning. For example, our inaugural winner, Allison Rosewood, submitted a non-fiction piece about becoming the trans role model she had always sought herself. We platformed her work at the university Pride event – she was unable to speak in person, so we recorded her reading her work and played it during the Pride Literary Hour. We invited Allison to sit on the 2024 judging panel, and the award has been named the Allison Rosewood LGBTQ+ History Month award. Now, our winner will always be invited to read at Pride and to sit on the panel. Allowing the project to evolve has helped create space for students to have their experiences and identities validated, and to build an archive of visible role models. 

This year, our prompt invited entrants to imagine a world where Section 28 had never existed. Mac McClelland’s winning entry,  Brianna , is staggering. The piece eloquently draws a line from past to present, highlighting just how far-reaching and damaging legislation in this vein can be. Opening the door for this creative expression has resulted in something that, in my opinion, is as impactful as an academic paper. 

Knowledge, responsibility, care, trust, respect and commitment, then…what’s coming to mind for you? Perhaps you owe it to yourself and your community to explore your own initiative. One caveat to this: please also apply a love ethic to yourself. Does the thought of a project like this make you weary? You may be running low on reserves, especially as we so often expect members of marginalised communities to advocate and enact positive change themselves. Someone else can take up this mantle, and that’s fine, too. 

The legacy of Section 28 is a traumatised, under-represented LGBTQ+ community and a wider UK society that still often struggles to accept those living outside a heteronormative, cisnormative version of reality. But if you do have the energy and resources, projects like ours can be transformative for individuals and institutions. As bell hooks wrote: “When we are taught that safety always lies with sameness, then difference, of any kind, will appear as a threat…The choice to love is a choice to connect – to find ourselves in the other.” Let’s work to make our institutions a place of connection and relish all the richness of experience that entails. 

Emily Downes is senior student success tutor (academic writing) and LGBTQ+ Focus Group co-chair at Teesside University.

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Penguin Random House and We Need Diverse Books Congratulate Winners of the 2024 Creative Writing Awards!

June 3, 2024 by We Need Diverse Books

Penguin Random House grants $60,000 in scholarship awards to six exceptional high school senior literary voices from across the country

New York, NY, June 3, 2024 — Six exceptional public high school seniors from across the country have been chosen as winners of the 2024 Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, a national grassroots organization that advocates for diversity in literature. This year marks the first time the Freedom of Expression Award has been presented.

The Freedom of Expression Award was specifically created in response to the rise in book bans across the country, and to celebrate the power of books and stories. Applicants to the new award were asked to answer the prompt, “ Tell us about one banned book that changed your life and why .”

Book bans have reached an all-time high in recent years, according to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, climbing 65 percent in 2023 versus 2022. Forty-seven percent of the 4,240 unique book titles targeted for removal in 2023 featured LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC characters.

Prizes were awarded in the following categories: the inaugural Freedom of Expression Award, the Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry, the Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word, fiction & drama, and the NYC Entrant Award.

2024 Winners

To learn more about this year’s CWA winners and read their winning pieces, follow this link !

Claire von Schilling , EVP, Director Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility, Penguin Random House said, “Every year, we are blown away by the caliber of talent of our Creative Writing Award winners, and this year was no exception. Together with We Need Diverse Books, we are excited to uplift these captivating and diverse stories—and proud to champion young people’s voices in the face of rampant book bans and censorship efforts.”

Caroline Richmond , Executive Director of WNDB said, “We are thrilled to present the first Freedom of Expression Award, and to celebrate these outstanding young voices. These exceptional entries showcase valuable perspectives and remind us that diverse viewpoints are essential and life saving.”

More than 1,000 students from nearly 900 high schools across 50 states and two territories entered the competition, which is celebrating its 31st year. Each first-place recipient of the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and a week of summer professional development from Penguin Random House, including a one-on-one coaching from some of the industry’s best editors, networking workshops, a panel about career opportunities in publishing, and a fireside chat with a Penguin Random House author. The week concludes with a virtual awards ceremony.

In addition, 78 honorable mentions are awarded to outstanding entries. These honorees will receive a “Creativity Kit,” which includes writing resources and books.

Every submission to the competition was given individual consideration via a rigorous scoring process by We Need Diverse Books and Penguin Random House. Judges for We Need Diverse Books included WNDB Executive Director Caroline Richmond, WNDB CEO and award-winning author Ellen Oh, and WNDB COO and New York Times bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton, along with a selection of educators and publishing professionals. Judges for PRH included members of the Penguin Random House Intellectual Freedom Taskforce: Dominique Cimina, Skip Dye, Carmela Iaria, Dan Novack; CWA Alumni: Kiora Brooks, Chloe Cramutola, Ife Martin, Melissa Vera, Maya Williams; Penguin Random House volunteers: Keline Adams, Isabela Alcantara, Tracy Bernstein, Allison Chan, Erin Colombo, Kristen Costa, Ximena Gonzalez, Megha Jain, Daniel Ortega-Venni, Mia Pulido, Miriam Tuliao, Sarah Turbin, Angela Rose West.

About Penguin Random House : Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson, who own 75 percent and 25 percent, respectively. With nearly 275 independent imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 15,000 new titles and more than 600 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors. www.penguinrandomhouse.com

About We Need Diverse Books : Founded by marginalized authors, We Need Diverse Books strives to diversify the publishing industry and make our bookshelves more equitable — all to promote literacy, build empathy, and reduce bias. Established in 2014, WNDB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports diverse creators and publishing professionals via grants, mentorships, and workshops. We also serve educators and teachers nationwide, providing over 100,000 diverse books to schools and libraries. Learn more at www.diversebooks.org

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Requirements for the Minor (12 credits)

A. introductory course (3 credits).

Grade of B- or better required.

• ENGL 20500 - Introduction To Creative Writing Credits: 3.00

B. Writing Courses (9 credits)

• ENGL 31600 - Craft Of Fiction From A Writer’s Perspective Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 31700 - Craft Of Poetry From A Writer’s Perspective Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 40700 - Intermediate Poetry Writing Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 40900 - Intermediate Fiction Writing Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 50700 - Advanced Poetry Writing Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 50900 - Advanced Fiction Writing Credits: 3.00
• ENGL 58900 - Directed Writing Credits: 1.00 to 3.00
• 50% of credits for CLA minors must come from Purdue University.
• All Creative Writing courses except 20500, 31600, 31700 may be repeated once for credit.
• The courses must be taken in order, the 40000 level taken before the 50000 level in any given genre.

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Bestselling writer joins lineup for DMU's creative writing festival

A bestselling author and screenwriter is set to share her tips and experiences with visitors to a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) book festival. 

Louise Doughty found critical and commercial success for her novels Apple Tree Yard and Platform Seven, both of which were adapted for TV. 

And this year, the Leicestershire writer will appear at States of Independence, a literary festival organised by DMU’s Leicester Centre for Creative Writing, now in its 15th year. 

 The event, organised in collaboration with industry partner Dahlia Publishing , will take place on Saturday 8 June, and is free and open to the public.  

The event not only offers the chance to explore an array of stalls from independent presses but also features a full schedule of talks, readings, and panel discussions with local authors, publishers, and DMU humanities experts. 

This year's book festival theme is “Writing Beyond the Page: on the screen, in the galleries, in archives, in music, in collaboration.” 

Those attending will have the opportunity to hear from not only Louise Doughty, but get advice from a literary agent, join workshops with poets and novelists and hear from artists and musicians. 

Dr Simon Perril, Professor of Poetic Practice at DMU, said: “States is a splash of Independent colour in grey times – a long-running book festival that has become a key community literary event in the regional creative calendar.  

“Come and support indie publishing; hear great readings and talks, visit exhibitions, participate in writing workshops. Louise Doughty joins us as keynote. Come and buy books!” 

Additional highlights include: 

Literary Agent Philippa Sitters offering one-to-one sessions providing industry insight and advice. 

Workshops from poet Tim Grayson and novelists Ivy Ngeow and Megan Taylor. 

Discussions on animal welfare and net zero, and novelist Eva Aldea on writers and the impact of diagnoses. 

Artist David Blandy’s perspective on Sacred Shrines and an opportunity to visit his exhibition at The Gallery. 

Creative exhibition catalogues and collaborations between poet Simon Perril and composer John Young, with an installation in the PACE building next to the festival. 

Poet Geraldine Monk on assembling Alan Halsey’s posthumous book.   

The whole event takes place at DMU’s Clephan Building, you can register your free attendance and explore the full programme of events for States of Independence 2024, HERE.  

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