The Future Of Creative Writing

    In my time working in schools as a Creative Writing teacher the first day was always the most challenging. "Who here likes to write?", I'd always ask, only to be held hostage by the silence of middle schoolers who justifiably had no interest in yet another class in which they'd be forced to write. Eventually one or two kids would save me. One hand, and then two, slowly rising as if reaching in to grab me as I drowned in this ocean of uninterested 12 and 13 year olds.

    Eventually, I would learn that most kids didn't have a problem with writing. They had a problem with being told what to write. In fact, kids, like all people, have a lot to say - especially if you give them the tools, and a safe enough space, to say it.

    So what is Creative Writing? Creative Writing takes place everyday. We all take part in it. Creative Writing can be defined as any written work that is original and self expressive. Creative Writing allows us share information and ideas in an entertaining way, or bond in shared human experiences.

    That carefully crafted good morning text you sent to the love of your life? Creative Writing. The very relatable quote - by your favorite social media truth teller - that you just retweeted? Creative Writing. That caption under your latest Instagram post, the one about "catching flights, not feelings"? Yep, you guessed it...Creative Writing.

    It may be fair to say that Creative Writing has never been more utilized or accessible as it has in modern times. Even more than in the days of pen pals or early advertising. Today, thanks to technology, we are sharing information more than ever. That means more people entertaining and sharing experiences with larger and wider audiences.

    Creative Writing can be found in mediums such as:

Poetry
Plays
Movie and television scripts
Novels and short stories
Songs
Speeches
Memoirs
Personal essays
and more recently,
Emails
Social Media Posts
and Text Messages

    The key to Creative Writing is to understand the medium or form you are writing in. For example, if you're having a disagreement via text and it escalates to the point that you both start sending personal essays, you will find yourself in "right message, wrong medium" territory.

    Professionally there are ways to avoid these kinds of miscommunications. You can start with choosing what form of Creative Writing is appropriate for the occasion, or, you can decide what form of Creative Writing is appropriate for your message. From there, think about what literary elements will make that format and message interesting to your audience.

    Literary elements such as:

Imagery
Metaphor
Personification
Irony
Hyperbole
Symbolism
Foreshadowing

are just a few of the many techniques which boost the creative quality of your writing. The intentional use of literary elements will make your writing more engaging, memorable, and effective.

    Creative Writing isn't only beneficial for middle school students. Creative Writing is and will become increasingly vital for small and large businesses looking to dominate in a highly competitive, ever evolving, online business landscape. Creative Writing will continue to be at the helm of the content revolution taking place on streaming platforms: more music, more films, more writers. In the years to come, Authors of all genres will continue to push the boundaries of popular literature, through the power of Creative Writing.

    In an age of information, Creative Writing is the vehicle helping that information travel further, and faster.




If you run a business, an art or educational institution, and have an upcoming campaign or event, I'm here to help you with your creative writing needs. The process is simple. Contact me at jaime@jaimeleelewis.com