Creative Writing Tips

    • Artistic Expression

    • In the end, everything comes with a context. While I can give you a list of dos and don'ts for writing, eventually it comes down to following your gut. There's always a reason to go against the grain and do your own thing, so don't be afraid to try it.
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    • Actions Speak Louder Than Words

    • Also known as show don't tell, the idea here is that you need to convey your message to a reader in more than just the words. Don't just say "Jon was mean" but instead, allow the reader to conclude that based upon Jon's actions in the story.
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    • Quality != Quantity

    • A story doesn't have to be long to be good. It can be any length. Supposedly, Hemingway was challenged to tell his life story in six words and came up with: "For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn." Likewise, you can work magic with a page, five pages, ten pages, or a hundred. Don't get caught up in length!
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    • The Vomit Draft

    • Too often, people get caught up in making the first draft perfect. Forget about it. Instead, say everything and anything in that first draft, just vomit all over the page. That way you can see what you like and dislike and go from there.
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    • Characterization - Spread the Details

    • People like to get characterization out of the way by bombarding the reader with all of the details at once. This strategy is just going to overwhelm the reader and cause many of the details to be lost. Sprinkle the characterization throughout the story, allowing the reader to learn more about the character when necessary.
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