It seems like my life at the moment revolves around creative writing, so I thought I’d dedicate a blog post to it as well haha! Doing a creative writing course has been such a challenge for me because it’s something that I’ve never done before. I’ve always written little stories here and there, but I didn’t think I was any good at it, and since doing this course, I’ve realised just how difficult it really is.
I’ve learnt so much over the past few months during this course, and I’m sure I’ll learn a whole bunch more once I finish the course over the next year. I thought I would share some of the tips that I’ve found useful, and some of the things that have helped me along the way!
Write in scenes
Whenever I start writing, I generally have no idea where the plot is going. I find that if I break it down into little scenes, then that will help me find out what I want to do with the piece. It doesn’t matter if the scene doesn’t come to much either because there will be something in it that becomes useful, whether it’s the setting or a character’s thoughts or actions.
Begin with an action or speech
First lines are incredibly important but so difficult to write. If you find that you’re struggling to find the perfect line, then begin with an action or speech. It will immediately help you to write the rest of the page, and you can always go back later and edit it if you don’t like it!
Get in late, get out early
This is some advice that a friend on my course gave to me and it’s been some of the best that I’ve ever gotten. I waffle in my writing, a lot (both in essays and creative pieces). By starting a scene late and getting out early, it stops me from over-explaining things, or adding in things that are unnecessary. Obviously in first drafts these things will happen, but they can be edited out in further drafts once you know where the scene is headed.
Write from a different character’s perspective
Whenever I struggle to write something, or what I have written just doesn’t feel “right”, I’ll write it from another character’s point of view. Sometimes this helps me to find the issues with the original piece, it can help with dialogue, but it’s also incredibly useful to see how it the other character will react in that situation.
Mood/Aesthetic Board
If, like me, you write without ever knowing where the piece is going and become stuck, then mood boards can be your new best friend! This is something that I’ve just recently started trying out and I really didn’t know how much I needed it before. Seeing pictures, colours, words, and other things in front of me makes me focus my work so much more so that I can finally see an end point.
Don’t force yourself to write!
If you’re not in the mood for writing at that moment in time, do not put pressure on yourself to do it. There’s plenty of other things that you can do instead of writing that will eventually aid your story and writing; taking a break, jotting down ideas in a notebook, research, and reading for fun. Just let your creativity rest for a bit!
AH! This is such a great post. Thanks for the tip, I’ll be sure to use them to make writing easier for me! xx
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Thank you so much! I really hope that they work for you as well 😊
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This list will help me a lot! thank you SO much for doing it, you’re the best 💕
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That makes me so happy to hear! 😊
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This is a great list of tips. Thanks. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve had was not to be fazed by a blank page or worry too much about finding just the right opening line. Everything can be changed later so putting something – anything! – on the page helps break that awful sensation of not having a clue where to begin.
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Thank you!😊
That’s really great advice and I really agree with it. Sometimes the empty page can be so daunting!
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These are great tips, Rose! I was especially surprised by the last one as most people say the exact opposite – BUT it makes sense to not force things, otherwise it’ll just end up looking/feeling weird.
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Thank you 😊
Haha I know right?! I know so many people would much rather push through and carry on writing, but sometimes if you take a break and give yourself time, then it’ll really help in the end!
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Very helpful, thanks Rose!
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I’m glad you found them useful!😊
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this post is so good. Thank you for helping ❤
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Thank you! I hope the tips were helpful!
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Such great advice!
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Author Steve Boseley – Half a Loaf of Fiction.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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I love beginning my writing in scenes, then piecing a more structure story together after. I am definitely interested in trying mood boards. Great advice!
-From: https://awritersinkling.wordpress.com/
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I think I find scene writing the most helpful too. If one scene isn’t working at that moment then it’s easy enough to move on and go back to it later.
Thank you!
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