Introduction to Creative Writing

Definition: The art of crafting original narratives, characters, and expressions through various forms.
Purpose: To engage, entertain, and provoke thought or emotion.
Elements: Characters, setting, plot, theme, and style.

Types of Poems:
- Lyric: Expresses personal emotions or thoughts.
- Narrative: Tells a story with characters and a plot.
- Dramatic: Written in verse for theatrical performance.
- Epic: Long narrative poem about heroic deeds.
Common Structures:
- Sonnet: 14 lines, typically iambic pentameter (Shakespearean and Petrarchan).
- Haiku: 3 lines, 5-7-5 syllable structure.
- Free Verse: No specific meter or rhyme scheme.
- Limerick: 5 lines with a specific rhythm (AABBA).

Classic Structure:
- Exposition: Introduction of characters and setting.
- Rising Action: Development of conflict and tension.
- Climax: The turning point; peak of tension.
- Falling Action: Consequences of the climax unfold.
- Resolution: Conflict resolution and conclusion of the story.
Alternative Structures:
- Circular: Story ends where it began.
- Non-linear: Jumps in time or perspective.

Point of View:
- First Person: "I" perspective; personal experience.
- Third Person Limited: Focuses on one character’s thoughts.
- Third Person Omniscient: All-knowing narrator; multiple perspectives.
Character Development:
- Dynamic: Characters that change over time.
- Static: Characters that remain unchanged.
Dialogue:
- Authenticity: Reflects character voice and personality.
- Purpose: Advances plot or reveals character.

Reading Poetry:
- Analyze structure, imagery, and themes.
- Consider the use of sound: rhythm, meter, and rhyme.
Writing Poetry:
- Start with an emotion or idea.
- Use vivid imagery and sensory language.
- Experiment with different forms and styles.

Reading Fiction:
- Focus on narrative techniques, character arcs, and themes.
- Pay attention to pacing and dialogue.
Writing Fiction:
- Begin with a strong premise or character.
- Create an outline based on plot structure.
- Revise and edit for clarity and coherence.

Reading Drama:
- Analyze dialogue, stage directions, and character interactions.
- Understand the importance of subtext and conflict.
Writing Drama:
- Focus on character-driven stories.
- Use dialogue to convey emotion and advance plot.
- Incorporate stage directions to enhance performance.

Creative writing involves crafting original narratives and characters, aiming to engage and provoke thought.
Key elements include characters, setting, plot, theme, and style.

Types of Poems:
- Lyric poems focus on expressing personal emotions or thoughts.
- Narrative poems tell a story with developed characters and plots.
- Dramatic poems are written in verse for theatrical performance.
- Epic poems are lengthy narratives about heroic deeds.
Common Structures:
- Sonnet consists of 14 lines often written in iambic pentameter, with variations like Shakespearean and Petrarchan forms.
- Haiku adheres to a 3-line structure with 5-7-5 syllables.
- Free verse allows for flexibility without prescribed meter or rhyme.
- Limerick features a specific rhythm arranged in 5 lines (AABBA pattern).

Classic Structure:
- Exposition introduces main characters and setting.
- Rising Action develops the conflict and builds tension.
- Climax serves as the narrative’s turning point, representing peak tension.
- Falling Action reveals the consequences stemming from the climax.
- Resolution provides a conclusion by resolving the main conflict.
Alternative Structures:
- Circular structure concludes where it began, creating a sense of closure.
- Non-linear structure features jumps in time or perspective, offering varied narrative experiences.

Point of View:
- First Person offers insights through an "I" perspective, presenting personal experiences.
- Third Person Limited concentrates on a single character's thoughts and feelings.
- Third Person Omniscient provides a broader perspective with an all-knowing narrator addressing multiple characters' viewpoints.
Character Development:
- Dynamic characters evolve throughout the story, while static characters remain unchanged.
Dialogue:
- Authentic dialogue reflects character voices and personalities, advancing plot or revealing character traits.

Reading Poetry:
- Analyze the poem's structure, vivid imagery, and overarching themes.
- Consider sound elements like rhythm, meter, and rhyme for deeper understanding.
Writing Poetry:
- Begin with a central emotion or concept, using rich imagery and sensory language.
- Experiment with various forms and styles to enhance creativity.

Reading Fiction:
- Focus on narrative techniques like storytelling methods, character development, and thematic exploration.
- Observe pacing and dialogue for insight into character relationships and plot progression.
Writing Fiction:
- Commence with a compelling premise or character to capture interest.
- Develop a plot outline that aligns with established structures.
- Revise and edit thoroughly for clarity and coherence in storytelling.

Reading Drama:
- Evaluate dialogue, stage directions, and character dynamics for a comprehensive understanding.
- Recognize the role of subtext and conflict in driving the narrative.
Writing Drama:
- Emphasize character-driven narratives that explore complex emotions.
- Use dialogue effectively to convey feelings and propel the plot forward.
- Integrate stage directions to elevate the engagement level of performances.