How To Get Started With Creative Writing

So the obvious question is ‘what is creative writing?’
Examples of creative writing include, but are not limited to –

1. Poetry
2. Song lyrics
3. Plays and Screenplays
4. Personal essays
5. Short Fiction
6. Novels
7. Creative Non-fiction
8. Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)
9. Video Games and RPGs (role playing games)

OK, GREAT BUT HOW DO I GET INSPIRED?

If you’re new to creative writing or maybe you’ve dabbled but reached a creative impasse, here are some ways you can kindle/rekindle your spark and get some momentum.

• It may sound obvious, but I believe that one of the best things you can do is immerse yourself in reading. Do as much of this as you can (select at least 3 things from the above list) and read multiple genres to broaden your potential source of inspiration. Also, head down to your local public library and sign up for a membership. The shelves are full of fiction and non-fiction literature that can inspire you.

• Use your own life experience. Your job, hobby, or skills can provide you with an endless well of ideas that you could use to start a novel, screenplay, or a song.
  

  Think of places that you’ve been to or incidents that you’ve been involved in that made a dramatic impression on you. In my case, my former jobs as a prisoner custody officer, film and television artsite and arrest referral worker were such profound experiences that left a mark on me and gave me enough material to write my first play Visitor10

• Think about content that you consume regularly from platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, Prime Video, cinema, and television. Develop alternative narratives for scenes or storylines that interest you.

• Watch live plays in the theatre. The energy and excitement of watching a show can inspire your own storytelling.

• Start with a monologue. Progress to writing monologues for other characters and continue until you have enough characters to blend into a script or novel.

Without creative writing, the entertainment industry in all its forms simply would not exist.

Related: Top 5 Freelance Platforms

If you decide to seriously pursue a career in creative writing, some options are:

1. Get into television and film writing
2. Write for online publications
3. Write storylines for games
4. Turn your blog into a business
5. Publish an ebook or book
6. Enter writing competitions
7. Write on Medium