Creative Writing: Module 1.3

Semi-Final Module 1.3: Creative Writing What is Creative Writing? Creative writing is the very fine art of making things up, in the most attractive, apt and convincing way...

Semi-Final Module 1.3: Creative Writing What is Creative Writing? Creative writing is the very fine art of making things up, in the most attractive, apt and convincing way possible. It's the telling of lies in order to reveal illuminating and dark truths about the world and our place in it. It is any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics. In the academic setting, creative writing is typically separated into fiction and poetry. Creative writing is a form of artistic expression that draws on the imagination to convey meaning through the use of imagery, narrative, and drama. This genre includes poetry, fiction (novels, short stories), scripts, screen plays, and creative non-fiction. Poetry “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” - Robert Frost “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.” - Percy Bysshe Shelley “Poetry lies its way to truth.” - John Ciardi The definition of poetry differs for each poet. This is because poetry is, above all, a reflection of our humanity. We share this humanity with one another, yet we each experience it in our own unique way. Poetry is a type of writing that uses language to express imaginative and emotional qualities instead of or in addition to meaning. It requires emotion, creativity, and logic. A poet uses literary devices like rhyme, meter, symbolism, and imagery to pack complex ideas and themes in sparse words. These words often take the form of verse which is often arranged in stanzas. Common Forms of Poem Haiku Haiku is a form of centuries old Japanese poetry, created by a famous writer named Issa, that consists of 17 syllables and has nature as its subject or theme. This poetry is very short and has a 5-7-5 syllable structure - 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the third line. Sonnet A sonnet, literally a little song, is a 14 line poem, typically (but not exclusively) concerning the topic of love, beauty, and mortality. Sonnets contain internal rhymes within their 14 lines; the exact rhyme scheme depends on the style of a sonnet. Shakespearean sonnet has rhymes ABABCDCDEFEFGG. Free Verse Free verse is an open form of poetry. It does not use consistent meter patterns, rhyme, or any other pattern. It, thus, tends to follow the rhythm of natural speech. Free verse poetry is like stepping into a boundless realm where rules take a backseat and creativity reigns supreme. Unlike structured forms of poetry, free verse embraces the untamed spirit of expression, allowing emotions to flow freely and words to dance across the page in a symphony of meaning.  Fiction Fiction and non-fiction are two distinct genres that form the backbone of literary classification. The difference between fiction and nonfiction lies in the fact that fiction consists of narratives created from the imagination, while non-fiction is based on factual events and real-life experiences. In fiction, authors craft stories that may feature imaginary characters, fantastical worlds, or exaggerated scenarios. The freedom to invent and embellish allows fiction writers to explore themes and ideas without being bound by reality. It aims to entertain, inspire, or provoke thought through creative storytelling. Examples include novels, short stories, fairy tales, fantasy, science fiction, and romance. Short Story A short story is a brief work of fiction, usually written in narrative form, typically ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words. It focuses on a single incident, character, or period. The form demands precise language and narrative structure, often resulting in stories rich in symbolism and subtext. Elements of Short Story Short stories convey a complete narrative experience within a tight word limit. This includes introducing characters, setting up a plot, building conflict, and bringing about resolution, all within a compact space. They capture moments that reveal deeper truths about characters or the human condition. 1. Character - This is a person, sometimes an animal or inanimate object, who takes part in the action of a short story. 2. Conflict - This is the “problem” or the “struggle” in the story. This could be between the characters in the story or could be within the character himself. 3. Plot - This is what happens in the story. This is composed of introduction, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action, and resolution. 4. Setting - This is the when and where of the story. It intertwines with the other key story elements to enhance the narrative’s depth and impact, influencing the characters, shaping their behaviors, attitudes,  and even their conflicts, reflecting the environment's challenges and opportunities. Theme - This is the central idea or belief in a short story. This is the thread that weaves through other story elements, enhancing and being enhanced by them.