Creative Writing Tips

    • Characterization - Build a Backstory

    • As you write a story, take time to build out a sketch of each of your characters. Think about what they like, what has happened in their lives, where they come from. Even if all of these details don't make it into the actual story, they might help influence how your characters act and give you a better understanding of who they are.
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    • Poetry - Cut the Articles

    • In poetry, the articles (the, a) often just slow the piece down and distract from the real visuals. Try removing the articles from your poetry whenever possible.
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    • Don't Be Afraid to Stink

    • Sometimes your writing isn't going to be the best you want it to be. Your first drafts will almost always come out poorer than you'd like them to be. It's okay! It's part of the process. Look at what you like in the poor material and run with it.
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    • Don't Keep Secrets From Your Reader

    • When you're writing a story, don't cheat the reader out of information. If a piece of information is important to the story and the character knows it, let the reader in on the secret. You're cheating the story if you make crucial details hidden. It doesn't build suspense, just frustration.
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    • Writing Ideas - Read Everything

    • A lot of people learn by example and why should writing be any different? Read other peoples stories and you can get a feel for what they do that works and doesn't work. It also might help you think of your own ideas that spin off from what they do.
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