‘But you spend most weekends with your friends, playing video games set in imaginary worlds! What do you mean you can’t come up with any ideas for your creative writing homework due tomorrow?’
When it comes to their children’s struggles with creative writing, some parents are (understandably) truly baffled. How is it possible to spend countless hours per week in imaginary worlds and then, when it’s time to write a story, be lacking an imagination?
For students, it is equally frustrating and nerve-wracking. You sit there for hours trying to put pen to paper but nothing happens. Instead, after what seems like an eternity, you find yourself face to face with every writer’s biggest fear: the blank page.
The problem is that comparing video games and creative writing is a bit like comparing watching a video of Jamie Oliver telling you how to make the perfect tiramisu and actually making the tiramisu yourself. The former is passive and merely creates an appetite. The latter is active and leads to a deliciously decadent dessert (or, in my case, a disastrous mess in the kitchen!).
The same is true of video games and creative writing. Playing video games is a somewhat passive activity (although I’m sure some zealous gamers would disagree). The worlds have already been created, the characters born, and the plot penned. On the other hand, creative writing is an inherently active activity. You decide the setting, the characters and even the plot. For many students this freedom is liberating; for others it is terrifying.
Yet, like it or not, creative writing is a crucial component of many school entrance examinations. With this in mind, here are five game-changing tips for taking your creative writing to the next level.
1. Channel your inner Harry Plotter
First and foremost, you need a plot. A story without a plot is like a car without petrol: you won’t get very far. Your story outline need not be too detailed but, at the very least, it should include notes about your introduction, build up, climax and ending. The plot could be written in the form of bullet points, key words or, for visual learners, even diagrams. In the time pressures of an exam, you should aim to spend no more than five minutes on this exercise.
2. Turn ON your devices!
In today’s world of non-stop technology and social media, students are often told to turn off their devices. However, in the case of creative writing, it is actually better to turn ON your devices—literary devices that is. If you want to gain top marks for your creative writing, it is crucial to make use of literary devices in your work such as similes, metaphors, personification and more.
3. Get real about your writing
Although creative writing requires you to use your imagination, that’s not to say that you can’t take a little inspiration from real life every now and again. In fact, some of the best stories are those based on an element of truth. After all, truth is often stranger than fiction. Think about people you have met, things you have seen and done. Perhaps there is a story or a character right there waiting to be born!
4. Actions speak louder than words?
It is often said that actions speak louder than words but, when we talk about creative writing, is this true? Not quite. Whilst it is vital that your story has a gripping plot with plenty of action, the words you choose are also critical. Examiners are on the lookout for ambitious adjectives, vibrant verbs and noteworthy nouns. Try to cultivate a habit of reading and write down any new words you come across in a dedicated notebook. That way, they will be ready to use when it’s time to put pen to paper.
5. Go out in style
Last but not least, pay attention to your style! Use a mix of complex and compound sentences, ensure that you paragraph correctly and be consistent with your use of narrative voice. Like when dressing for your school interview, style is everything.
Bonus tip: Have fun!
Amid all the stresses and pressures of life, it is often easy to forget to have fun! As a writer, you get to create your setting, plot and even character(s). What could be more fun than that? Plus, if you have fun writing your story, you can bet that the audience will love reading it.
Written by Elliot Emery, a Bonas MacFarlane English, Maths and Law tutor.