Writing is viewed by many young writers as a complicated process.

This is made true by

the fact that writing involves expressing the writer's innermost thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Important factors have to be considered and satisfied if one is planning to be a serious writer.
The beginning writer must be familiar with the writing process and know by heart the basic
grammar rules. Most writers begin by listing down their ideas and thoughts, whatever they think
they should put in what they are writing. This is followed by organizing the ideas. The writer
will have to decide which ideas are best put at the beginning, which ones go in the middle, and
which ones are best placed at the end. Then, once the writing work is finished, the writer still
has to rewrite, edit, evaluate, and improve his or her work. These are just some of the points that
a young writer must consider regarding the writing process. But it is good to note that, with and
dedication, the beginning writer is bound to improve and become better.

LET'S ENERGIZE!

Are you fond of writing? Do you find it easy to write or does it take time before you could start
writing? Below are pictures which may illustrate your views about writing. Choose one picture
that reveals your idea about the writing task. And tell your reasons to a partner. Here are some
questions to guide you in the sharing activity:

Is it easy to choose a topic for writing? Do you prefer writing with a given topic?

• How do you prepare for writing? Do you consider your readers and their interests?

• What problems do you often encounter in writing? Share your experience.

LEARN AND DISCUSS

Creative Writing: Definition and Nature

What does the word "creative" mean to the writers? Is there a huge difference between
regular writing and creative writing? According to expert writers, there is always creativity in
writing. "Creative writing is writing that expresses the writer's thoughts and feelings in an
imaginative, often unique way." (Sil. org, What is Creative Writing?) It is geared towards
presenting one's ideas and feelings rather than just conveying information. It is synonymous to
gaining a license to write which allows writers to form their rules in writing.

This suggests that the writer is an artist who explores his or her writing capability by
being adventurous and fearless in dealing with the stumbling blocks of writing. However, some
experts highlight that creative writing is not just about being able to express one's ideas and
feelings, but also about careful construction of words, phrases, and sentences. This is true since
writers must be selective in their word choice and must observe correct grammar to be fully
understood by the readers, but this thought should not hinder them from going beyond the
conventions of writing. In most references, creative writing is defined as "the process of writing
stories or narrations that focus more on entertaining and telling a story than simply relating
facts. It is a form of fiction or created work" (Cavallari, August 2014).

Reasons for Writing Creatively

Young writers often face the question, "How do I motivate myself to write creatively?" In
the classroom, they are encouraged to write and produce something meaningful and insightful.
They are given a certain topic or theme to work on even if they are not familiar with it or not
interested in it. They find themselves writing in class simply to comply with the subject
requirements. In creative writing, this must be avoided since it does not motivate one to write.
Effective writing is only achieved by an inspired and well-motivated writer. Before engaging in
this creative task, one should know the answers to this question: Why do we write? Below are
some good reasons.

• Write to be entertained

Writing may be a challenging task, but it gives one a sense of fulfillment.

Once the writer has started, he or she becomes drawn to writing. Some writers might not even
put down their pen or might lock themselves in their room so that they can focus on their
writing. This requires choosing a topic that aligns with one's interests. Writing will even spice
up one's life as one tries to explore one's inner self and everything around the writer.

 Write to share your ideas and emotions

There are instances when one cannot share thoughts and ideas freely. One good solution instead
of gathering the courage to express these verbally is to try writing all of them down. There are
also some ideas and emotions that must be kept private. One can write without having to
consider what others might think. Writing can be a venue for individuals to present their views
freely and be appreciated by all kinds of readers.

• Write to be the person you wish to be

Writing inspires us to become what we intend to be, and enables us to use our imagination. It is
through writing that we are able to create characters that illustrate our personality or our other
side. Our creativity becomes limitless because readers tend to appreciate unique and
extraordinary characters. We achieve self-expression without having to worry about people's
reactions. We can be a superhero, a celebrity, a politician, or anyone we dream of becoming.

• Write to touch people's lives

If you have the gift of writing, you should make good use of it in order to influence others.
Your work might be compelling enough to move people and allow them to take a stand on a
certain issue. Your writing might even be an instrument to touch people's hearts and enable
them to renew their ways of living. You can inspire them to be better individuals through your
written work.

Principles of Creative Writing

According to the Creative Writing program of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Teaching Center in Columbia University, writers must keep in mind the following principles to
further enhance their writing skills:

• Read before writing

Writers must be familiar with the fundamental techniques of fiction and non-fiction writing.
This is achieved through extensive reading and examining published literary materials such as
books, magazines, literary folios, journals, and all the other forms of literature. By doing so, the
writer becomes aware of various strategies in writing and learns about new writing styles.
Reading models or samples of literary works will guide the young writer to write creatively.
This will also give the writer an idea to employ his or her own unique writing style.
 • Learn to make revisions

Effective writers are always aware and conscious of their writing craft. They criticize their own
work to improve it. As a writer, one should practice editing or proofreading one's work. It is
also ideal to ask other readers to evaluate one's work to ensure good flow of words and
presentation of ideas.

• Know the true nature of creative writing

Every writer must learn that creative writing is not only about using one's imagination, but also
presents ideas, themes, arguments, and questions. It provides valuable insights about the human
mind and the world.

Kinds of Creative Writing

Creative writing involves a wide range of literary forms. This includes fiction and non-fiction
works. These writing forms illustrate a style that centers on expressing one's feelings and
thoughts rather than merely giving facts or details. Thus, any kind of writing that deals with
human emotions, interactions of men with incorporations of the human soul is categorized as
creative writing. Adapted from an article written by Linda St. Cyr, the following are some
forms of creative writing:

• Poetry, Song, Limerick Poetry

-is one of the common kinds of creative writing. It can be in lyrical or narrative form,
rhythmical or non-rhythmical, metrical or free form. Songs appear like poems through the
verses, but it has chorus and repeated stanzas that are presented with an upbeat or melodic tune.
-A limerick is also similar to a poem, but it is more complex as it follows certain conventions in
writing. It is a poem consisting of five lines, which contains a whimsical and suggestive
thought.

• Free form writing and journals

-Free-form writing is a type of creative writing often done in class. It usually has a time limit of
fifteen minutes or more, and the writer must finish within the given time. Since it is free form,
one avoids self-critique or censoring to allow free flow of thoughts and feelings. Many beginner
writers and even professional ones do this as practice to get rid of writing apprehensions and to
elicit fresh ideas. Journal writing is also a common form of creative writing similar to free form,
but this one deals with the personal thoughts, views, and memories of the writer. It is written to
record per sonal experiences without looking into the writing structure consisting of a
beginning, middle, and end.

• Short stories, novels, novellas, and flash fiction

-Short stories utilize the basic elements of fiction. This literary form is commonly read and
written. A short story is different from a novel through the word count. Novels are similar to
short stories in that they also make use of the elements of fiction and follow the structure of
stories that have a beginning, middle, and end. However, a novel has chapters and more
characters and a plot that is more complicated than the plot of a short story. Novellas are similar
to novels, but are shorter, while still being longer than short stories.

Another form of creative writing used by renowned authors in classic and contemporary
literature is flash fiction, also referred to as micro fiction. This type differs from a short story in
terms of length because it is shorter. It may be a condensed story with minimal words, but it
provides be the reader a whole image of the story. Charles Baudelaire, Ernest Heming way,
Yasunari Kawabata, and Lydia Davis are some of the famous writers who introduced flash
fiction.

• Scripts and plays

-Theater, radio, and television all involve creative writing. Scripts for plays, movies, or
television shows require the use of creativity and artistry. A play is highly dependent on its
script since all the details in it reflect how it should be performed on stage. Advertisement is
also a form of creative writing, since it lures the target consumers to avail of a product.
Television scripts, movie screenplays, theatrical plays, and even advertisements rely on the
creative imagination of a skilled writer.

The Writing Process

To most beginning writers, writing is a difficult task because it calls for the right skills.
Writing should not be regarded in that way because all it takes is to learn the writing process. It
is comprised of steps to follow in order to come up with a well-written work. Teachers who
facilitate writing activities must tackle the writing process before giving the writing task. A
thorough discussion of the steps in the writing process can help solve writer's block. Writing
can be made more enjoyable and thrilling by observing the following steps:

1. Pre-writing

This is the stage when writers choose a topic, generate ideas, gather in formation, and create an
outline through the use of charts and diagrams. Stating the purpose for writing and the target
readers may be done at this phase.

2. Writing the draft

Writers work on their preliminary composition based on their outlined ideas and information. In
this stage, the work must be organized in order to present a clear and specific idea. Unity and
coherence is achieved by checking the topic along with its supporting details. The purpose for
writing must be reflected in the draft.

3. Revising

This stage involves evaluating, rewriting, and modifying the written work. This entails
restating, adding, or deleting sentences as needed. This is also the stage where the writer may
examine whether the substance and writing style are suitable for the target readers.

4. Editing

At this phase, writers look for errors in spelling, grammar, and structure. It is the proofreading
stage in the writing process. Writers edit their work to enhance the writing mechanics as well as
their style. Letting other writers proofread one's work is advantageous since their feedback will
also serve as a guide.

5. Publishing

The final step is accomplished by sharing the final output with a group. A well-written
composition may be published in print or through online or digital publishing,

LET'S PRACTICE!
After knowing the nature of creative writing, its forms and principles, as well as the steps in
writing, write a three-paragraph essay on any of the following broad topics:

1. Cyber-bullying

2. Sibling rivalry

3. Family problems

4. Wearing school uniforms

5. Pros and cons of K-12

6. Effects of technology

Observe the given steps in the writing process. Start by narrowing your chosen topic.
Accomplish your paper by generating ideas, outlining, and drafting. Once you finish writing,
ask two classmates to read your work for editing and revising. Rewrite your paper to make the
necessary corrections and revisions.

LET'S CHECK!

Recall the salient points discussed in this unit, and answer the items below.

1. What is creative writing? Define it in your own words.