Define "creative" writing. Or a Creative Writer?

Question

Many people call me a creative writer. I know the simple definition but what exactly, from the heart, does creative mean?

Answer 1

Creative writing is a term used to distinguish certain imaginative or different types of writing from generic writing. The lack of specificity of the term is partly intentional, designed to make the process of writing accessible to everyone (of all ages) and to ensure that non-traditional, or traditionally low-status writing (for example, writing by marginalized social groups, experimental writing, genre fiction) is not excluded from academic consideration or dismissed as trivial or insignificant. This distinction is helpful in separating the writing from more technical writing, professional writing or journalistic writing.

Thus, creative writing includes but is not limited to:

* fiction;
* drama for stage or screen;
* poetry;
* screenwriting -- writing for movies;
* self-exploratory writing (e.g. autobiography);
* writing that self-consciously mixes these or other genres.

Taught courses in creative writing are increasingly popular, ranging from one-day workshops to three- or four-year university degrees. The university program has become a common and popular addition to the English field of study alongside such emphases as English education, technical writing, communication and professional writing. While some people still argue that true talent for writing cannot be taught, it is now generally accepted that it is possible to teach techniques which help people access or exploit their creativity, from overcoming writer's block and generating random ideas, to understanding how standard genres of writing achieve their effects and structuring their work. The field has also made a way to teach young minds about the processes of editing and publishing such work. In fact, noted authors such as Michael Chabon are graduates of university creative writing programs.

Answer 2

I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at University in the UK with similar aspirations to you, all I've ever really wanted to do is write. The only thing I would suggest is that a standalone degree in Creative Writing is fairly constrictive but it works well as a secondary aspect or minor. Consider that very few people manage to get published and most of those that do haven't got a qualification in creative writing, so think about what you'd like to do if you didn't get your 'Harry Potter idea'. An English major does also place some restrictions on you but that's the same with a lot of majors, it often comes down to the individual modules (credits in USA?) that you choose as they well affect how you develop. I know work in Banking although I constantly write and my writing has improved from what I learned in my course. If I were to do anything differently I would probably take Creative Writing as a minor and Spanish as a major. I also wish I'd stayed to complete a teaching qualification as well before getting tied up with marriage and a mortgage.

Answer 3

Creative Writer is a word-processing program created by Microsoft's Microsoft Kids subsidiary in 1993. Using this program, which is specifically targeted at children, it is possible to create documents such as letters, posters, flyers and stories complete with different fonts, Clip Art, Wordart and effects. The interface and environment is especially targeted towards children and is set in Imaginopolis with the main helper being a character known as McZee. A sequel, Creative Writer 2 was released in 1996. Creative Writer is no longer available in stores, but it can still be acquired from online stores and auction websites such as eBay.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Unique, artistic, one of a kind....using what's in your heart and mind to form something beautiful, awful, wonderous....something that affects people. Moves them in some way, could be good or bad, doesn't matter.