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I took a really bomb creative writing workshop this semester and here are 8 things I learned that I didn’t know before:
1) “Know the iceberg; write the tip.”
You should know your character in and out, their relationships w/ family, their childhood, their hurt and trauma, their background, etc. You’ll only write the relevant things but these experiences will come out through actions/dialogue/etc.
You should know your character in and out, their relationships w/ family, their childhood, their hurt and trauma, their background, etc. You’ll only write the relevant things but these experiences will come out through actions/dialogue/etc.
2) “Grounded descriptions > abstract.”
We’re not in your head. What sounds beautiful & makes sense to you rarely transfers to readers. So give us TANGIBLE descriptions that we can imagine, feel, taste, smell, etc. Ex: what does “her heart broke” even mean? you can do better!
We’re not in your head. What sounds beautiful & makes sense to you rarely transfers to readers. So give us TANGIBLE descriptions that we can imagine, feel, taste, smell, etc. Ex: what does “her heart broke” even mean? you can do better!
3) “Don’t fall into cliche phrases.”
You should be mindful and aware of each word you write. Don’t write mindlessly, even though it can make for a quicker first draft (and that’s okay; it’s editable!)
Ex: I was the luckiest kid in the world / black sheep of the family
You should be mindful and aware of each word you write. Don’t write mindlessly, even though it can make for a quicker first draft (and that’s okay; it’s editable!)
Ex: I was the luckiest kid in the world / black sheep of the family
4) “Atmospheric writing is your friend.”
Immerse us in the story. Describe the 5 senses. It doesn’t have to go on & on but think like: how does the weather feel? how does the character interact with it? (Ex: smothered by the rippling august heat/buzzing mosquitoes/etc.)
Immerse us in the story. Describe the 5 senses. It doesn’t have to go on & on but think like: how does the weather feel? how does the character interact with it? (Ex: smothered by the rippling august heat/buzzing mosquitoes/etc.)
5) “Really know your setting/town/city.”
What are the politics of where people in the community live? Where are things placed? What’s its history? How does your characters interact w/ all of this? (Tip in tip: You can make 3D models to help you visualize using sites like Vectary)
What are the politics of where people in the community live? Where are things placed? What’s its history? How does your characters interact w/ all of this? (Tip in tip: You can make 3D models to help you visualize using sites like Vectary)
6) “Take a walk, observe things and people, skim newspapers, listen to music, etc.”
Do these things without expecting anything to come out of them but carry a notebook or your phone and *be aware*. Write down things you notice. That inspire you. Make you laugh.
Do these things without expecting anything to come out of them but carry a notebook or your phone and *be aware*. Write down things you notice. That inspire you. Make you laugh.
7) “Don’t let the seams show.”
There is so much that happens in the background of a well written book that we don’t see. Parts that were edited out because they were too forceful, in-your-face type of writing. Foreshadow is your best friend; be smooth and be subtle.
There is so much that happens in the background of a well written book that we don’t see. Parts that were edited out because they were too forceful, in-your-face type of writing. Foreshadow is your best friend; be smooth and be subtle.
8) “Dialogue should do more than one thing.”
First, you should have the voice of your characters down so that what they say can only be said by them. Their dialect, way of speech, etc. But also, it should be giving us info that regular commentary can’t. “Hey,” // “hi” isn’t it.
First, you should have the voice of your characters down so that what they say can only be said by them. Their dialect, way of speech, etc. But also, it should be giving us info that regular commentary can’t. “Hey,” // “hi” isn’t it.
And that’s what I have for today! Let me know if you want me to expand on any of them. I know I’m missing a lot and these aren’t the only things to keep in mind when you write, but hope this helps in your revisions a bit.
