Creative Writing | Creative Writing Exercise
At one point in time actually five weeks ago I hated the idea of writing. Not to mention the idea of writing like a creative. I hated being forced to write something rather than write just when I wanted to write. Then I took my advanced copywriting class and thanks to my professor, Jen Joseph, everything changed. I realized that I do like to write and that I was approaching everything from the wrong direction. So below I will outline all that I have learned about creative writing and what it takes to become a creative writer. Creative writing became easy.
Being in advertising, it is difficult to grab the attention of our audience let alone keep their attention. That is why it is important to write clear but with strong intent and impact with a creative spin that makes people think. The key element to always remember is to not think you are writing but rather just let it out. Creativity will follow.
So here are the various exercises we did in class to help us start letting things out. I was not fond of these ideas in the beginning, but I am not going to lie, it truly works if you put the effort into it. You will soon find that you can write like a creative. We were forced to write short journals on certain topics. We had to write two entries per week (not so bad). The truth be told, I can now write my advertising copy (which I always put off till the end) and it just works right off the bat.
She gave us topics to help us learn to bring emotions into our writing. We were taught to let our self-expression be the creativity and inspiration in what it is we do.
Topics (usually 1-2 pages):
1. Write anything in regards to how you feel about Taxes…
2. Write anything in regards to how you reel about War…
3. Write anything in regards to how you feel about Love…
4. Write anything in regards to how you feel about Politics…
5. Write anything you are passionate about…
6. Write about your worst experience in life…
7. Write a short paragraph on wisdom…
8. Write write write what you are thinking when you sit down with a pad of paper. (first thing that comes to mind)
Now do not approach this as an essay or you will fail. Grammar is not a concern but rather learn your voice in words. Write what your mind thinks and don’t over think it. Use words that are your personality not what a professor wants to hear. Write from the heart. It seems cliché to some degree, but at the same time it truly does work. If you really want to write like a creative it is worth a shot. I know of a lot of students who never wanted to write let alone as a profession. After doing these journals writing with a powerful voice is easy, and most of all it is always creative. Rhyme if you like, or paragraph it, all you have to do is let your mind speak what it wants to say, then let your audience decide if it is powerful. For the record we had to share our entries every week and people became very emotional and everyone was writing like pros by the second week.
Best of luck on your creative writing and I hope this works for you.
Similar Posts:
Why Brainstorming on a Computer Can Ruin Your Results
6 Ways To Run An Effective Brainstorming Session
November 4th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I love your stuff Mitesh. Keep it coming…
May 28th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Mitesh, I considered writing to be drudgery at first, but then took it on as a way to pass the time when riding a bus, sitting idly at my child’s rehearsals, etc. Turns out I find it quite satisfying and now cannot wait to get the next kernal of inspiration and write more. I started two personal blogs, each with their own intent purely to express my previously private ideas. It is both journaling and exploring personal insights for the world to view. Some may prefer reading a good novel to pass time, but as long as I have a breath in me, I feel I should return to the Universe the gift of myself, and writing is a great way to do this. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
~Truthinad