Creative Writing 101 - Idrees Patel

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WRITERS' TREASURE
Effective writing advice for aspiring writers
BY IDREES PATEL
What is creative writing? Is there a correct definition anywhere? That is what I hoped to find when I
Googled the term “creative writing” a while back. But the answers were disappointing for me as a pure
beginner, and puzzling. Here’s what is written as a definition for creative writing in Wikipedia:
“Creative writing is considered to be any writing, fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, that goes outside the
bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, and technical forms of literature. Works which fall
into this category include novels, epics, short stories, and poems. Writing for the screen and stage,
screenwriting and playwriting respectively, typically have their own programs of study, but fit under the
creative writing category as well.
It’s clear that Wikipedia does not give a clear definition but only says that it is considered any writing
which is outside the bounds. To rephrase that:
In any subject, concepts can only be understood by examples. Fiction, poetry and non-fiction are all
examples of creative writing. We’ll look at them in detail in future instalments of this series. For now,
let’s see what constitutes creative writing.
As said before, fiction, poetry and non-fiction are the examples of creative writing. They are examples
because they are obviously creative and not necessarily true (with the exception of non-fiction). Fiction is
written to entertain and educate. We love reading stories. Although there are some true stories, most
stories are nothing but fiction. Then there is poetry, of which there are many forms. Poetry books, sonnets,
haikus, pantoums, etc.
The above examples are obviously creative writing. But now we come to more subjective material. Ever
heard of an autobiographyor a biography? I’m sure you have. Then there is its distant cousin the memoir.
Famous people make millions by publishing memoirs, and some of them are popular reading material.
Famous personalities also write autobiographies or pay someone to write their biography. This is also
constituted under creative writing.
The fact is that these types of writing are not written to entertain (and personally I’m bored to sleep by
them) but to educate (in some cases) and to inform (in most cases). In bookstores, biographies and
autobiographies are sold along with stories. If I may be honest, I have never seen people buy them. Then
again, this may be because I’m too busy checking out the latest novels.
And so that is what constitutes creative writing in a nutshell. Now let’s look at the work which you can
recognise as not creative writing, and to use its technical term, technical writing.
Most of the writing written in the world falls under this category, technical writing. Advertisements. Web
copy. Copywriting. Product descriptions. Textbooks. Reference material such as encyclopaedias. Letters
(such as formal letters to get an interview etc).
Words which appear everywhere, on your TV screen, on the computer and on the paper. All technical
writing. Technical writing is in some ways easier to write than creative writing. But it too is governed by
rules, and has its own do’s and don’ts.
A further comparison of creative writing and technical writing will be made in a future post.
Writers which compose the material of books are called authors regardless of the content and style of the
material. This is one area where creative writing and technical writing share a similarity.
It goes without saying that technical writing is not written to entertain therefore I find it rather boring to
read and so do other people. Surely you’ve read the Terms " Conditions of some website. How boring it is
to read. Though you see words that make sense, you are not moved by them. Whereas in creative
writing… if it’s really good… you can’t put it down.
Is creative writing an art or a craft? Of course, the debate will never finish. But I do believe that it is both.
Therefore it is something special of an art and a craft. Forget about definitions. Use your own creativity
and find your very own meaning of creative writing. Somebody said that writers have a gift. Especially
creative writers. Creative writers have the power to entertain someone, to make someone laugh, to make
someone cry. To make someone think.
And so we see that creative writing does not deserve a clear definition, but attention and a special
meaning. I love creative writing. I love reading it and I love writing it. Are you like me? If you are, then
what are you waiting for? Open that word processor, and start typing. You never know, you might find a
hidden masterpiece.
To read more about creative writing, go to Creative Writing 101, or get free updates to Writers’ Treasure
today.
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Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing
How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps
Creative writing in 2015: here’s what you need to know
Creative Non-Fiction: What is it?
Four Top-Notch Ways to Polish Your Writing Skills with Creative Writing
FILED UNDER: CREATIVE WRITING TIPSTAGGED WITH: CREATIVE WRITING, CREATIVE

WRITING INTRODUCTION, FICTION WRITING,TECHNICAL WRITING
Idrees Patel is a Bachelor of Management Studies graduate, and is located in India. His goal for Writers’
Treasure to make it a resource which provides in-depth and effective writing advice for writers.
Jessie says
April 18, 2013 at 6:11 AM
I really found this site helpful to me during my studies today in my online class. It was a great help with
ideas and guidance.Thanks.
hassanaftab says
November 8, 2015 at 7:33 AM
I want to join your class
Reply
Reply
Danyal Zia says
March 11, 2015 at 8:50 PM
Thanks for the nice introduction to creative writing! I always thought that autobiography is a form of
creative writing. Blogging too is a form of creative writing because it is undisciplined and inspiration-
driven.
Idrees Patel says
April 1, 2015 at 5:08 PM

Of course autobiography is also a form of creative writing. And as for blogging… it depends.
patrick says
April 17, 2016 at 3:03 PM
Arę You a writer blogger or autobiographer
Reply
Reply
Reply
Antara says
April 8, 2015 at 1:38 PM
I am a beginner and I want to learn creative writing, can anyone please guide me in this regard. Can you
please let me know about any good online course for creative writing?
Charlie says
April 29, 2015 at 6:05 PM
I know that groupon us a course for $39 that helps you to write an actual novel upon completion.
Reply
Tanya says
May 18, 2015 at 11:24 PM
You cant learn creative writing. It comes from your heart, your soul, at least that’s what I think it is.I am
not a very good creative writer but I dont think any kind of course will help you. Creative writing is
within you and the only way to improve it is to write. Just get a book and start writing.
Reply
Anni says
February 19, 2016 at 3:21 AM
If you really want help you can contact me about it, I do write books, unpublished yet but on wattpad, and
even though you can’t really teach someone, I can give you tips and guidance. Contact me
atspartansteele@yahoo.com,annikaburgoyne@gmail.com, or on instagram at halo.universe.
Reply
deep shah says

October 10, 2016 at 6:31 PM
forget about a course and give birth to a creative writer. one day, he will become a great writer. carry on.
Reply
Reply
Alagan says
Hello. Love your blogging. I just have one question: what should the structure of creative writing be like?
Reply
Anil Ahire says
May 11, 2016 at 8:47 PM
As the blogger has mentioned that anything written or any literary genre as the product of creative mind is
creative writing.There is no specific structure for writing. But especially for writing literary genres the
writer should learn it’s features , techniques, acquire command over the language .
Reply
Kavita says
November 20, 2016 at 8:39 PM
Hi Idrees I am a mom I love the explanation of creative writing the reason that I am writing u I need some
advice I have a 9yr old son he don’t like writing nor reading but it’s a requirement for school he prefers to
watch TV sometimes I feel he has no sense of imagination but I have try classes and everything not one
on one but regularly classes can u give me some tips to get him more interested in doing creative writing
it very important to me I am not on twitter but facebook Kavita chotilal
Idrees Patel says
March 1, 2017 at 9:55 PM
It’s important to consider that a 9-year-old still is very young and has a lot of time left to develop creative
writing skills. When I was 9-years old, I too had no interest whatsoever in creative writing, and I did not
even read books. You have to encourage him step by step, gradually, to read first and then learn the
creative writing skills. Adventure and mystery stories are generally preferred by that age group. You can
try reading aloud if he doesn’t want to ready by himself. Also, don’t forget to be patient – a mindset
doesn’t change quickly.
Reply
Reply
protagonist tim says
December 5, 2016 at 8:10 AM
Great stuff man… Very informative. Keep up the great work
Reply
Akif says
April 8, 2017 at 2:17 PM
Such a simple and clear article to understand what Creative Writing is. ThankYou Sir!
Reply
Debi says
March 4, 2018 at 11:42 PM
Thanks a lot
Reply
[…] Further reading: An Introduction to Creative Writing […]
Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing | Writers Treasure says:May 4, 2010 at 3:02 PM
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[…] An Introduction to Creative Writing 2. How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps 3.
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Idrees Patel is a college student who enjoys reading, writing, browsing the web, tinkering with consumer
electronics and more. He is currently studying for a bachelor's degree in management, living in India.
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BY IDREES PATEL
You’ve gone to the next step: you now know what creative writing is. You’d like to get started in it. The
inevitable question is… how?
For reference, look at Daily Writing Tips’ awesome articleCreative Writing 101. There are quite a few
steps given there. I will be adding my own touches to them.
So, without any further ado, here are the three steps for you to climb and emerge as victor (sorry, couldn’t
resist it).
It might not seem important now, but if you know the genres and subgenres of creative writing, you’ve
done yourself a great service. Why? Because many great authors specialize in one big broad genre such as
fiction or poetry or non-fiction. That is why… you see that great novelists write only novels, great short-
story writers write only short stories, great poets only write poetry and so on. You don’t want to become
“Jack of all trades; master of none.” And you can only specialize by knowing all of them.
Note: Now, of course, there are exceptions. Some novelists do write short stories and vice versa. But
these types of authors are not common; they are rare. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t step outside of
your broad genre and be afraid to experiment with other ones, it’s just to say that you should, first and
foremost, go with the one you like most.
So do yourself a favour and read on the creative writing genres. They’re all known, of course. Fiction is
branched into four sub-genres, of which only two are really popular: novels, novelettes, novellas and
short-stories.
If you want to dig under the surface, you will find more and more sub-genres. Stories under 1000 words
are called micro-fiction. Recently a new type of sub-genre has come into light:Twitter fiction, fiction of
140 characters. The people who make such fiction must be talented, because I can’t seem to close up a
story under 1000 words. Concise writing, of course, is the issue.
Then there is poetry. I don’t write any poetry now, because I find it harder than writing fiction and hence I
specialized and chose fiction as my broad genre. There are many sub-genres under poetry. Sonnet, haiku,
ballad, tanka, pantoum, roundel, etc. My head hurts just looking at so many forms. Wow.
Creative Non-fiction. It’s strange that non-fiction is a part of creative writing, but then, as goes a saying,
the truth is sometimes better than fiction. Memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, essays and journals, etc
are all part of non-fiction.
This is sometimes easy work, and sometimes hard work. It took me nearly a year to find out my own
genre: writing fiction. Before I was experimenting with all forms without success and in vain (yeah they
say the same thing). As soon as I started writing only fiction, my writing improved.
Every writer has his own genre of which he seeks to become the master of. It shouldn’t necessarily be
fiction or a popular form. It can be as obscure as can be. Only enjoyment should be gained out of it, at
least at the beginning. (You’re free to make money from it if you’re really good enough!)
It might be fun sometimes to step out of your genre and write something fun. I tried this with essays and it
was a success. But remember that you should first write inside your genre and then after some time do
what you like.
If you don’t know how to write for a period of time, check out theDaily Writing Tips article. Their idea of
notebooks and finding ideas works for me.
It doesn’t matter whether you write once a day or a week or a month or anything else. Your writing
should not be set on a schedule in which you can’t match your other work. “Write Every Day” is outdated
advice now… the newer and better advice is “Write Regularly as much as you can inside your genre.” If
you continue the practice… you should start seeing results. Never break off from your work. I tried it one
time and the results were not uplifting. It took me a whole month to get back to my earlier standard.
Bottom line is: just write (regularly), and you’re started in creative writing! You can say with pride, “I’m
a writer.” Just write. That’s it.
If your purpose is to get published and make money from your writing straight away, I’m sorry to say that
you will be bitterly disappointed. Even the best authors’ first novels were proper garbage (not my words;
their words) unless they were edited previously. So you might as well give up creative writing if you only
want the money.
But if your purpose is to enjoy your ride and perfect your writing and just be pleased by writing, then you
are welcome inside the camp of writers. You’re a writer. So you might just as well do—do what?—write.
Tomorrow we will look into the differences between creative writing and technical writing.
This post is the second instalment in the series “Creative Writing 101.”
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CREATIVE WRITING
A.B. Atwater says
September 27, 2015 at 3:11 AM
I am trying to become a writer, and I am in the midst of struggling through a bumpy point right now. I am
seeking outlets, other kindred spirits to connect with in order to get into focus with my plans. I am online
regularly, seeking information and outlets……
chibuike says
when writing express yourself through your thougt, imagination,feeling or emotion. if it is something on
history you make some research work. feel free to write without thinking of what people may say it is
your work
Reply
Reply
Paul James says
January 6, 2016 at 4:11 AM
I love to see my thoughts turn into words. But for some reason I cannot seem to write any story, just
general writing I know and understand. I also have a hugh problem with, what is called, grammar!
I just want to write better to be understood. I have my own writing style because of my serious problem
with english grammar, so I created my own way of understanding english grammar.
The logic of the words within the sentence, sentence structure and of course editing. How much do you
charge for your service?pauljames@brmemc.net
Reply
Paul James says
January 6, 2016 at 11:32 PM
I love to write my thoughts down, I also have a bad time with grammar. How much do you
charge? pauljames@brmemc.net
Reply
Seth says
June 25, 2016 at 12:51 AM
I’m sorry, I don’t see the point of “picking your own genre”. You don’t really give a reason for this point,
other than saying: “As soon as I started writing only fiction, my writing improved.” While I don’t doubt
that this is true, it is merely your own personal experience. If I enjoy writing several different genres, why
shouldn’t I switch between all of them equally? A bit more explanation on this point would be
appreciated, thank you.
Lily says
September 28, 2016 at 4:07 PM
Well as they said, “Jack of all Trades, master of none”, it is better to find what you work with best rather
than play around with all the genres willy nilly, because using the genre you are best with, will allow you
to convey what you want to say more easily and your focus will be on being creative rather than actually
trying to figure out how to write a short story or a novel, etc. Similar to how an Artist will stick with
particular mediums, Watercolour is far different to Oil paints and so the Artist will stay with they are
familiar with, the best way to convey what they feel.
Reply
Reply
mg gamu says
March 1, 2017 at 7:10 PM
those worried about grammar , i think if you read and write more often ….you are likely to improve your
grammar
writing down raw thoughts,ideas ,emotions does work .you may refine it later ,but the raw idea in itself is
half the work.
regular writing helps one to express ideas more clearlyi also think what drives you to write determines the
quality of workif you are doing it to get published , you put yourself under pressureyou will constantly
feel inadequate
Reply
suleiman musa yusuf says
July 10, 2017 at 2:39 AM
I like creative writing but I don’t how to start, please I want someone to guide me how to write please
thank you
Reply
[…] after learning what creative writing is and how to get started in it, we’re going to compare the two of
[…]
Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing | Writers Treasure says:May 4, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Creative Writing vs. Technical […]
Fiction Writing Elements to Focus On | Writers Treasuresays:May 6, 2010 at 2:39 PM
Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing 4. Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories 5. Poetry […]
[…] And… the last was that I was simply writing too much in one form of writing, i.e., blog posts. When
I wrote fiction or anything else, the problem disappeared because there was less pressure of “under-
delivering” or anything else. If you have this same problem, you really should branch out. I’ve written
about this previously in How to Get Started in Creative Writing. […]
Why You Should Write Like You Talk (And How I Defeated Writers’ Block) | Writers'
Treasure says:July 17, 2010 at 11:07 PM
[…] Creative writing in three steps […]
Creating Writing | Creative Writing Tips says:July 12, 2014 at 5:41 PM
[…] How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps […]
[…] am excited about starting a blog, I want to start writing and being creative on a daily basis and this is
the perfect opportunity to start. The idea of reaching people […]
My start – My View says:January 20, 2017 at 4:40 AM
[…] Read More Here >>>http://www.writerstreasure.com/get-started-creative-writing/ […]
Do You Really Need Creative Writing Classes? - says:October 19, 2017 at 7:55 PM
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BY IDREES PATEL
What is the difference between creative writing and technical writing?
Today, after learning what creative writing is and how to get started in it, we’re going to compare the two
of them.
There are writers all over the world in the two categories – and it boggles the mind to hear
thatmillions have been made from both creative writing and technical writing. Some have made fortunes.
While some have not made anything.
Enjoyment can be gained from both types, but it’s fair to say that they both serve different purposes. They
both have their own do’s and don’ts and they both have their own rules. Both are governed by grammar
and style. Both appear everywhere. So what’s the difference?
Here’s my take: creative writing is written for the right brain (creative) and technical writing is written for
the left brain (logical). Confused yet? Wait, there’s more…
Creative writing is written to entertain and educate. We enjoy reading novels and stories, not because they
are necessary to read or helpful for us, just because we get a certain pleasure from reading them, the
pleasure which can’t be got from reading technical writing.
Creative writing has so many genres and sub-genres that they deserve a whole section of an article for
themselves. It sometimes follows a given set of rules, and sometimes throws caution to the winds and
breaks all of them. Either way, talent is somewhat of a necessary ingredient if you want to write creatively.
Of course, writing can be improved by practice. But if you don’t have the necessary talent, your writing
would not give pleasure to anyone.
Skills and talent both make up creative writing. Hence, they are its constituents.
Further reading: An Introduction to Creative Writing
Technical writing is wholly written to inform and sometimes to trigger the person reading into making an
action beneficial to the one of the writer. Whoa, what a mouthful. That’s not a subject I’m going to cover
here (copywriting), but if you want to know more about it, you can visit the master of its
game, Copyblogger.com.
I already gave the examples of technical writing in the first post of the series. If you look at them with the
context of copywriting, they make much more sense. Copywriters are some of the highest paid writers,
says Copyblogger. Sales letters, pitches, advertisements, etc constitute copywriting.
Technical writing is not written to entertain. It has its own set of rules, conventions, do’s and don’ts,
masterpieces and pieces of rubbish. There is a whole art to mastering technical writing, although it too is
branched: online technical writing and offline technical writing. Personally, I think that if you want to
master technical writing, you should first master concise and magnetic writing that draws the reader in,
regardless of whether it’s creative or technical.
Are you a master or a learner of concise writing? If you are, so am I, and I’m going to cover it here in
future posts. Creative leads or hooks contribute to it.
So that’s it for creative writing. The differences between creative writing and technical writing are that
creative writing is written mainly to entertain with the creativity of the mind and technical writing is
written mainly to inform in a formal manner or to incite the reader to make an action such as purchase the
writer’s product.
This, in a mouthful, is the main difference. In the beginning of this article, I made my own claim: right
brain vs. Left brain. However, they deserve an article of their own, and not here. If you want to know
more, you can always do your own research.
For my part, I’m going to focus on creative writing tips here, mainly because this is a creative writing
blog and I’m much more interested by creative writing than by technical writing. Next post will be solely
on fiction writing elements. Stay tuned.
This is the third instalment in the 8-part series “Creative Writing 101.”
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Creative Writing Skills: Do You Have Them All?
Who Else Wants to Master the Creative Writing Skills?
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Creative Non-Fiction: What is it?
FILED UNDER: TECHNICAL WRITINGTAGGED WITH: CREATIVE WRITING,TECHNICAL

WRITING
Craig says
Great post, and you’ve summed up the difference quite nicely! Technical writing definitely requires a lot
of analytical thinking. Persuasion is still necessary; you have to convince people to read the
documentation, otherwise they don’t bother. You have to give them a good reason to learn. But it’s
definitely more instructive. As a result, technical writers who dabble in fiction tend to write really dry
stuff!
Idrees says
Great comment — I fully agree. Technical writers have to be passive writers. Informal language is of
course a big no-no.
By the way, I checked out your blog, very nice. Just wondering why you don’t allow comments. Anyway,
nice job.
E. Popper says
June 9, 2014 at 11:17 PM
Hi there,
I work in the United States, so it’s possible that the expectations are different, but here in the US, good
technical writing is often quite informal and friendly. I’ve been a lead Technical Writer for more than 18
years, and not only is “informal” acceptable, it’s often expected.
The point of a well-written Technical document is to get the other person to understand the idea you want
to convey. The best way to achieve that is with clear, simple language. Fancy, formal phrasing and
choosing long words just to prove that you know them often distracts from the ideas you want to
communicate.
For example, the first instruction that I give to Junior Tech Writers who work for me is: use contractions!
No “it is” and “you will,” why clutter up the page? Instead, a good Tech Writer will use “it’s” and “you’ll”
which keeps things simpler for the reader.
Passive voice is a real “no-no” when it comes to good Tech Writing. Almost everything is written in the
imperative mood, for example: “Locate the ‘Create HTML’ link and click it.” The reader (at least in the
US/European market that I write for) wants to know how something works as quickly and simply as
possible. Apologetic or passive language is an frustrating distraction from what they want to learn.
Another important thing to note is how helpful a warm tone can be – this is part of the reason that the best
tech docs are written in a casual voice. A warm, friendly, accessible style of writing sends the message
that the topic being covered is not that complicated, and the reader will be able to understand it.
Finally, Technical Writing is one of the most creative kinds of writing out there. You need to be an
extremely creative wordsmith to evoke passion, pathos and humor while discussing the requirements of
an API. You also need very strong graphic and visual design skills. Document layout and the treatment of
images is intrinsic to the clarity of the finished doc.
Take a look at some of those “For Idiots” books – they may not be my favorites, but they give an example
of some of the things I’m talking about.
I hope I’ve given you all some food for thought, and I hope some of you start seeing Technical Writing in
a new way.
Best of luck with your studies!
Idrees Patel says
October 12, 2014 at 9:48 AM
Thanks for such a nice, constructive comment. I just gave an exam on communication in my management
undergraduate degree where I wrote that business writing is creative (going out on a limb). Turns out I
was right, but I don’t know what the examiner will think (it wasn’t in the original answer of 7 Cs of
Business Writing, so I’ll still probably get no marks for that).
Reply
Christian S. says
June 13, 2017 at 4:01 AM

Thank you very much for the blog post and comment. These tips are useful in fields outside of writing as
well!Source: An engineer by day and comedian by night, who also works in N.A.
Regards!
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Craig says
Thanks! As far as not allowing comments, I’ve found that between writing posts and family obligations, I
just don’t have time to respond to comments. So I figured I’d just remove them. You’re blog is great;
keep up the good work!
Reply
Dorthea says
May 10, 2013 at 2:33 PM
My spouse and I stumbled over here different website and thought Imay as well check things out. I like
what I see so i amjust following you. Look forward to looking into your web pageagain.
Reply
Homer says
April 26, 2015 at 5:55 AM
Great post! However, I feel I have to point out that the whole thing with the right side of the brain being
creative, and the left side being logical is simply pseudoscientific garbage.
Reply
3. Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing […]
Fiction Writing Tips and Elements to focus on | Writers Treasure says:May 6, 2010 at 2:40 PM
[…] Introduction to Creative Writing 2. How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps 3.
Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing 4. Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories 5. Poetry Writing:
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WRITERS' TREASURE
BY IDREES PATEL
Which is one of the most popular forms of creative writing?
You guessed it: fiction writing. Novels are written every month and every year. The vast majority don’t
see the light of day (a fancy expression meaning getting published). Some do. Some become bestsellers.
Some don’t even sell a few copies.
Why?
What makes the difference between writing a really good story that people read with pleasure and a
boring one that makes readers throw it across the room?
Mastering the art of writing great fiction is called fiction writing.
Just in case you missed the earlier instalments of this series, here they are for you. Enjoy:
1. An Introduction to Creative Writing2. How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three
Steps3. Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing
Now, there are a few fiction writing elements which you should know. This isn’t one of those “which you
can’t live without” lists. You can live without this one. But you wouldn’t want to. Once you know all the
elements, you only have to perfect them and there you have it, a masterpiece in your hands…
Only there’s nothing “only” about perfecting elements. But that’s another post. Below are the fiction
writing elements found in all the novels, novelettes, novellas and short stories:
Every story has a main character. If you don’t have any characters, you don’t have any story. You might
have the most exciting plot in the history of the universe, but if you don’t have characters that make the
reader care about them, you might just as well throw out your story.
There is a whole art to character writing. Sure, you can slap up a name on a caricature, give it a few
clichés (qualities so well known that there’s nothing caring about them) and call it a character. But that
doesn’t make it a believable and real character… and I’m not talking just about cardboard cut-outs here.
Unbelievable characters are… well there’s no strong enough word in English to describe them. Don’t
waste your ink making them up.
Every story has a main character. But does every story have a plot? The answer is not every story… but
all the good ones have them. If a story does not have a plot, you can conclude it’s a bad story, not
publishable at all, because there’s nothing happening within it.
Yes, the question you can ask to yourself if you want to know whether your story has a plot or not (what a
mouthful) is: what happens in it?
Action is not plot. Plot is something different. Whether you want to write a detailed plot outline or just
start your story, you must take care of plot. Without characters there is no story even if you have plot, and
vice versa. Without plot there is no story even if you have the best characters in the world. Both are
necessary. Omission of any one can seriously hinder your story.
Your plot can be anything in the world. It can be happy, it can be sad, it can be serious, it can be funny, it
can be realistic and it can be fantastical. Its only function is to draw the reader in.
If you write a plot that makes your readers bored, then you can conclude that it was a failure. Many plots
are failures. Far more are failures than successes. It can be bitter to realize that your plot is not holding the
reader’s attention, but it happens to all of us and it is the way of the world.
If you include subplots in your story, you can increase interest in your novel. But that’s only if you carry
it off well. What are subplots? From Wikipedia:
A subplot is a secondary plot strand that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. Subplots
may connect to main plots, in either time and place or in thematic significance. Subplots often involve
supporting characters, those besides the protagonist or antagonist.
That defines it succinctly.

In your plot, you must introduce conflict between the main character and his surroundings. Conflict is
necessary to make your novel spicy. Conflict between the protagonist (hero) and antagonist (villain),
conflict between the protagonist and the side characters and so on. Without conflict there is no excitement
in a story. People hate to see everyone agreeing with each other. Introduce some conflict.
Where is your novel set? It might be set in modern age India, it might be set in ancient Europe, it might be
set in a fantasy world such as Middle Earth. Wherever, it doesn’t matter. But it must be believable.
What is your novel about? Is it about crime, about politics, about realism or about fantasy? What is the
theme of the story? How will readers feel after reading it? If you answer these questions, you have a
theme.
Writing voice, point of view, style and grammar matter. If you break the rules, sometimes it’s for the
better. But it’s always better to know them before breaking them. If you make a spelling mistake, be sure
to correct it with proof-reading. Nothing gives away the amateurishness of a writer more than a spelling
mistake.
I’m sure I missed some of them out. What are your experiences in fiction writing elements? Have you
found the explanation easy to follow, or was it rambling and not succinct enough? Feel free to give
feedback in the comments.
This is the fourth instalment in the eight part series “Creative Writing 101.”
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What Should Be Told and Shown in the Opening Chapter?
How to pick out a character for your novel
Conflict is Necessary to Make it Spicy

The Best Way of Writing a Compelling Opening Chapter
FILED UNDER: FICTION WRITINGTAGGED WITH: CREATIVE WRITING, FICTION

WRITING, FICTION WRITING ELEMENTS, PLOT
Idrees says
May 6, 2010 at 6:55 PM
I just updated this post to include more fiction writing elements. Please share feedback about the site.
Reply
Sam says
I enjoy reading and writing but since I began to write namely fiction stories which is the field I seem to
feel in my own element I don’t quite seem to build up the entire storyline from start to finish for I seem to
build it all like an essay meaning introduction and body of the storyline and conclusion yet what is the
proper formula how to blend all the ideas into a story book from begining to the end.
Reply
ESTHER ADESANYAsays
THANKS PATEL I HAVE GAINED A LOT WHAT I READ ON YOUR SITE WILL HELP IN MY
NOVEL WRITING.
Reply
Abayomi oluwatoyin says
I like this post and find it really helpful.
Reply
Froylan says
May 25, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Not easily.You’ll only ever rellay make a living off your writing if you hit it big, say work for a
newspaper or become a top-selling author. You likely won’t make a lot of money off of stories on a
website.If you want to try though, look into publishers that sell eBooks, or try self-publishing on sites like
Lulu.com.
Reply
Idrees says
True words. But who said anything about writing stories on a website? This is a how-to blog, not a blog
to showcase stories.
Reply
[…] to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps 3. Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing 4.
Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories 5. Poetry Writing: Forms and Terms […]
[…] Fiction […]
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[…] you’re a different kind of person. Maybe you do need to hunt for a plot. That’s okay, all fiction
writers are different. No need to follow my advice if you love plot hunting, aren’t frustrated […]
Why Hunting for Plots is Worthless says:September 4, 2010 at 7:20 PM
[…] to narrate it. If you’ve got a set of characters, they have to converse, i.e., talk. Talking in fiction
writing is known as dialogue, and narrating or describing anything is known as […]
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[…] Elements of Fiction writing […]
[…] The Elements of Stories […]

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WRITERS' TREASURE
BY IDREES PATEL
In school, we were taught to read poetry. To recite poetry. To understand poetry. But many people do not
like poetry from their young years. Maybe it is because the choice of poems in the educational system is
unsuitable, or maybe it is because some people hate learning anything. Who knows?
For my part, I wrote a lot of prose-poetry a year or two ago, but it wasn’t poetry at all. Great poets are
something different. Great poets always have something to write about. Great poets do not waste time
hunting for rhymes and such stuff. Great poets use pictures in their poems. Great poets convey the theme
of their poems aptly and beautifully. There is something special about them.
But what makes them so special?
Are they God-gifted or do they learn poetry writing skills? Both. Let’s look at the latter, poetry writing
skills. To acquire poetry writing skills, one must read and write poetry regularly. However, it also helps to
know a few things about poetry, such as…
There are many poetry writing forms. A man could make himself hoarse shouting them, but still, they
would not be succinctly defined, explained and illustrated. This article is not meant as a complete guide
on poetry writing forms — rather it is just the introduction. The first form is:
Sonnet: – This type of poem has fallen out of favour now, but it is still my favourite type of poetry to read.
It follows a strict ‘a-b-a-b’ rhyme scheme. It was made popular by Shakespeare. (More info: Wikipedia)
Haiku: – A type of popular Japanese poem. Modern haiku is different from the traditional Japanese haiku.
The modern haiku follows a 5-7-5 syllable rhyming structure. Well-written haiku is lovely and
pleasurable to read. It takes a lot of skill to write great haiku. I tried my hand at one. Needless to say,
even Ididn’t like it. (Writing Forward has a great more substantive article on haiku.)
Tanka: – Tanka means Japanese poem. It is longer than a haiku; when it was westernized poems were
broken to lines and it had a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable structure. Tanka is not as popular as haiku, but poets do
write it. Did you know that some poets write it without any capitalization at all? That’s not uncommon in
modern poetry, but it always strikes me as funny. Here are some sample Tanka poems.
Pantoum: – Although sonnets are my favourite type of poems, pantoums come a pretty close second on
my list. That’s because there are certain types of similarities between the two of them. A lot of lines are
repeated in it, yet you can make use of puns and suchlike and have wordplay.Go here for more
information about pantoums.
For more information about other forms of poetry, go toWikipedia.
As with poetry writing forms, there are a lot of poetry writing terms. Hyperbole, personification,
metaphor, inversion, simile, onomatopoeia, alliteration, enjambment etc are just a few of them. Below
you can find their descriptions…
Hyperbole: – You can say exaggeration in prose, but when it comes to poetry, there is a term for it:
hyperbole. “Ten thousand saw I at a glance,” says Wordsworth referring to daffodils in the famous
Daffodils poem. If that’s true, I’ve yet to hear it, but with skills in wordplay the poem can become better
if this is used with caution.
Personification: – If you can give a human or a living quality to a non living being, then you’re using the
figure of speech named as personification, because you write as if the non living thing is a person. In “the
bus shook itself and gave an important horn” it is said as if the bus is a living thing. Personification is my
favourite poetry writing term (poetry writing terms are also called figures of speech).
Metaphor: – A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to mean another and makes a
comparison between the two. “He has a special place in my life”: that is a metaphor. As with “he
followed in his father’s footsteps.”
Inversion: – Taking a previous example, the line in Wordsworth’s Daffodils “Ten thousand saw I at a
glance”, is not prose. It’s not correct. The correct version would be “I saw ten thousand at a glance.”
Poetry often makes use of inverting the sentence structure: this is known as inversion.
Simile: – Simile means directly comparing one thing with another. The words “like” and “as” are used
frequently in simile. “He’s like a rock” compares the person with a rock in a direct manner. Simile can
paint pictures in our mind, and hence is used a lot in poetry.
Alliteration: – We learn by examples, so let’s have more of them. “In the soft summer cold was the sun.”
The sound of s is repeated for a poetical rhythm and pleasure. That’s called alliteration.
Onomatopoeia: – The rain pitter-patters. The twig snaps. The sheep baa-baas. I’m sure you’re all familiar
with these terms and verbs, and this is onomatopoeia.
Enjambment: – From Wikipedia:
Enjambment is the breaking of a syntactic unit (a phrase, clause, or sentence) by the end of a line or
between two verses. It is to be contrasted with end-stopping, where each linguistic unit corresponds with a
single line, and caesura, in which the linguistic unit ends mid-line. The term is directly borrowed from the
French enjambement, meaning “straddling” or “bestriding.”
I’m sure I’ve missed some poetry writing terms. The term assonance comes to mind. Can you give more
examples?
The best way to master anything is to practise it. So go; write poetry. Let it be bad. Let it be unreadable.
Just write. That’s all I’m trying to tell you. But this type of information will be helpful later, so be sure to
store it up for future use. Meanwhile, my fingers are tired!
Share your experiences on poetry writing. Is there anything I missed while writing this gigantic article?
Be sure to share it in the comments.
This post is the fifth instalment in the Creative Writing 101 series.
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FILED UNDER: POETRY WRITING TAGGED WITH: POETRY WRITING
John Flower says
March 16, 2011 at 5:59 PM
I started looking into poetry writing styles, but let it go for most part. The most important thing for me
now is just that the poem should flow. If it makes use of hyperbole, is written according to a strict form,
but lacks flow, that kind of kills it for me.I write a poem, and then read it out loud, and check it for flow
issues. If it happens to be a haiku, or a tanka, or whatever, then so be it. As long as it flows, I’m happy.
Reply
Lucia says
February 2, 2012 at 7:07 PM
Hi,
I am Lucia, a content writer in many educational communities. I have checked your blog
(www.writerstreasure.com) while surfing in Google and found some quite interesting articles with lots of
information. I would like to give you a unique article on any education related topics or you can also
suggest me any education related topic. I would be really thankful, if you allow me to do relevant
informative guests post in your blog. I’ll be very glad to be your guest writer and I can give you 100%
original informative content for your blog.
The best part is I won’t be charging you a penny, but in return all I need is just ONE LINK within the
article.
Let me know about your thought !
Best regards,Lucialucia@bestonlinedegree.org
Idrees says

I have replied to you by email, Lucia. Please check your mail.
Reply
David Arthur Finney says
If I wanted to write a book how long would it take me?
Reply
Reply
Summer says
July 6, 2012 at 2:33 PM
Thanks for the information Idrees! The information is very useful for beginners who are interested in
writing poems. Will recommend this to my friends!
Idrees says
Yes, do recommend this please, and thanks!
Reply
Reply
Pragyan says
March 20, 2014 at 4:47 PM
Hey, Its nice to learn about the different skills asscociated with peom writing. I believe , poem or stories
all of them are a way of expressing our thoughts, so personally i dont like to bound myself in specific
style, as long as , it has a FLOW but impleting any of the above style can de tried.
Reply
Elma says
May 6, 2014 at 7:18 PM
I love poetry and love writing Poems. A good poem is one written from the heart.
A poem is a very creative way of expressing you feelings, that’s why I started a business writing
personalised poems.
Reply
Ahmed Gulzar says
Hi Idrees, after going through your blog on creative writing, I got my old passion of writing revived.I
have written a poem out of my heart and would be glad if you review it and suggest some improvements.
I would wait for your reply before I try to reach you. … Thanks
Idrees Patel says
Would be glad to review it, bring it on.
Ahmed Gulzar says
Nightmare!!!Yesternight, in my room, while lying down on my right.Looked through the window, saw I,
stars and moon full of light.With drained spirit, groggy body and deep thoughts inside.My eyes closed,
body calmed to get rid of that fight.
In a moment, woke me up, the sound that night.With throbbing heart, glanced I at a man with great
height.“Who you are”, in a feeble voice, murmured I with a plight.“Death Angel!” Replied he and “you
the one going on a ride”.
“But quite young am I with oodles of plans in my mind.Have mercy on me Oh man with a physique of
giant”.“Nope! Gulped down did I young, old and child.So are you, a young man with dreams of such
kind”.
Clutches open, teeth sparkling and his forehead wide.Terrifying was it so that cried I with all might.“Lord!
Save me as the time is not ripe.Nightmare! Stammered I as the dawn around was bright”.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Vicki says
My style of poetry is kind of weird. I usually write in the third person, although I sometimes use the first.
I also include dialogue at points, and I make them somewhat like stories. Here is one of them:
–During a dark nightA girl runs
Far away from it all

The pain, the torture, everythingIt was just too much
“I’m happy,” she whispered,As tears formed in her eyes
Soon, they were flowingFreely
Like the bird whose wingsShe had always envied
Soon, she reached a gapMatching the one in her heart
“Now I’ll fly,” she declared,Taking a step,Shattered heart racing
And for a moment,The girl flew
Before she finally received her wings,The ones she had longed for her entire life
And she flew
“I’m free.”–
So, that’s pretty much how I write poetry. I would like to know if this fits under any category, and I
would also appreciate some feedback as well. Thank you.
Reply
Vicki says
Gah!!! As soon as I hit “post comment,” I was told it was a duplicate, but it was not. And now, it it’s not
showing up. Anyways, I’ll just repost the poem. If it did post, then I’m sorry you have to see it twice. I
would just like some feedback on it, as this is my main style of poetry:
During a dark nightA girl runs
Far away from it all
The pain, the torture, everythingIt was just too much
“I’m happy,” she whispered,As tears formed in her eyes
Soon, they were flowingFreely
Like the bird whose wingsShe had always envied
Soon, she reached a gapMatching the one in her heart
“Now I’ll fly,” she declared,Taking a step,Shattered heart racing
And for a moment,The girl flew
Before she finally received her wings,The ones she had longed for her entire life
And she flew
“I’m free.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this
Reply
Vicki says
Oh great! NOW it shows up!!!
Vicki says
*facewall*
Reply
Reply
V says
Would this work better with an account?
Reply
Zoha Umar says
Greetings!Though I consider myself unworthy of critically appreciating any writer’s work, for I’m neither
a writer, as to say, nor a good composer but I’m afraid this article is irrelevant in accordance with your
title. When I read the title, I was under the impression that I’ll be having some life-saving tips about
poetry writing but what eventually came up was nothing but a description about types of poems, types of
figures of speech, which, in my opinion has no regard with the art of poetry. I hope it will be edited soon
and others may find relevant article about poetry.I must admire the rest of your articles, they were indeed
helpful!
Reply
Lavanya shukla says
May 21, 2016 at 4:45 PM

Hi Idress . Are good poets and writers born so ,extraordinary or is it everything about practice ? And
when u started writing, did you really felt like sitting and writing? Coz I can’t really feel like it and
honestly I don’t even do it coz I don’t have ideas to write so should I stop thinking of being a writer( just
bcoz of the idea problem )?.Was ur first writing was good or..( Mine was a horrible one so I even didn’t
tried of publishing it. Was it a right take . I know I am a really very confused personality).
Reply
3. Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing 4. Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories 5. Poetry
Writing: Forms and Terms Galore […]
[…] there is poetry. I don’t write any poetry now, because I find it harder than writing fiction and hence I
[…]
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[…]
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[…] academic writing, editing, and technical writing. The site ranges from basic breakdowns, like poetry
forms and terms, to incredibly specific topics, like how to finish a chapter. Plus the Treasure’s founder,
[…]
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9:12 PM
[…]http://www.writerstreasure.com/poetry-writing-forms-terms/ […]
About poetry forms and writing | How my heart speaks says:December 24, 2016 at 4:44 PM
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WRITERS' TREASURE
BY IDREES PATEL
Now, we’ve come to Part Six of the Creative Writing 101 series. So far, we have learned:
1. An Introduction to Creative Writing2. How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three
Steps3. Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing4. Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories5. Poetry
Writing: Forms and Terms Galore
Hence we advance to creative nonfiction. What is it? It’s just writing which is true, but which also
contains some creativity. Creative nonfiction differs from other nonfiction because a certain amount of
creativity is needed to write in it, as for example a biography. It uses literary styles and techniques to
create factually correct narratives, says Wikipedia.
Let’s suppose you’ve got knowledge on a famous personality (it needn’t necessarily be famous, just for
saying). But to cover a whole life in a single book is a pretty hard task. The purpose isn’t just to give
information. It’s to show things, it’s to entertain and intrigue the reader, or show them accounts of the
subject in a compelling and creative manner. That, in a nutshell, is the meaning of creative nonfiction.
There is high demand for biographies and autobiographies. But what else constitutes creative nonfiction?
There are memoirs, published by famous business people. Some of them sell for over a million. Then
there are essays. There can be short essays and there can be long essays. There are food and travel books.
There is literary journalism. We’ll look at them in a while. First, let’s take a look at the autobiography…
An autobiography is the book about the whole life of a person, written by the person itself. Hence the
“auto” in autobiography. An autobiography is pretty much essential in some political fields. It is now
expected for celebrities to produce autobiographies. Some people hire a ghostwriter to write their
autobiography.
It is almost needless to say that in autobiographies people tend to portray themselves in a more positive
light. In the same case, when people write unauthorized biographies, it becomes the opposite and all the
negative qualities are brought to the light. The autobiographies and biographies of personalities, heroes,
etc are nowadays sold like hot cakes (although perhaps not in our bookstore — excuse the cliché).
If I were to write the entire history of autobiographies, I would be merely repeating information that can
be easily found on Wikipedia, and boring you all. If you do have an interest in how autobiographies came
to be, click here for appropriate information.
An autobiography differs from a biography in the significant fact that it is written by the person of whom
it is based on. The biography is written by a different person. Then there is the memoir. Memoirs,
although written by the person of whom it is based on, does not cover the whole life of the period. They
cover only a select time period or single experience.
1. Diaries2. Fictional (consider it as first person novel)3. Sensationalist (mostly written by ghost writers)4.
Memoirs may be considered as autobiographies; but not all autobiographies are memoirs.
Consider it same as an autobiography but in some ways vastly different (yeah I know, doesn’t make
sense). A biography is a description or account of someone’s life and the times, usually published in a
book or essay form, sometimes as a documentary using the new media (usually TV).
How to tell if a work is biographical or not? There’s one simple question to ask. It is: Does it cover all of
a person’s life? If yes, then it is a biography. If not, then it does not deserve that title.
There are authorized biographies and unauthorized biographies. You may have never heard the term
before. That’s okay; even I didn’t know of it until a week ago. Authorized biographies tend to portray the
positive sides of a person in their work (that makes human nature sense). Whereas unauthorized
biographies tend to do the opposite. To be honest, I’ve never read a biography and wouldn’t really want to
read an unauthorized one. It can be viewed as an intrusion of privacy in the subject’s life, or so some
people say. Click here to know more about biographies.
I just saw the Wikipedia entry on memoir. Sounds interesting. I may try to write one when I grow up; my
experiences have been pretty interesting…
Jokes aside, here is the Wikipediadefinition (modified a bit):
As a literary genre, a memoir (from the French: mémoire from the Latin memoria, meaning “memory”, or
a reminiscence), forms a subclass of autobiography – although the terms ‘memoir’ and ‘autobiography’
are almost interchangeable in modern parlance. Memoir is autobiographical writing, but not all
autobiographical writing follows the criteria for memoir. It only covers a select period of the subject’s life
or a single experience. The author of a memoir may be referred to as a memoirist
.Have you ever tried writing a memoir? I used to think that they could only be written by politicians,
famous personalities to write about their career, businessmen, military men and generally those that are,
well, known. What an understatement. The vast of us don’t get the title famous. But recently…
Recently I discovered that absolutely anyone can write a memoir and if well written, can give pleasure to
the reader because of its literary style. To be honest, I don’t really like the word ‘literary’, the words
‘stilted’ and ‘formal’ come to mind. But memoirs are bestsellers. In his memoir Palimpsest (heard of it? I
definitely hadn’t), Gore Vidal defines a memoir as “how one remembers one’s own life, while an
autobiography is history, requiring research, dates, facts double-checked.”
Yes, there is no mention of essays and food and travel writing in this post because it’s already gigantic
enough. Perhaps some of you could fill it in the comments section.
Sources:Writing Forward’s Creative Nonfiction CategoryWikipedia – Autobiography
This post is the sixth instalment in the Creative Writing 101 series.
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An Introduction to Creative Writing
How to Write an Essay — Part I
How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps
An Introduction to Academic Writing
POV: What it is and how it matters

FILED UNDER: CREATIVE WRITING TIPSTAGGED
WITH: AUTOBIOGRAPHY, BIOGRAPHY,CREATIVE NONFICTION, CREATIVE WRITING
GENRE, CREATIVE WRITING TIPS, MEMOIR
genres of literature says
I think im gunna subscribe. Impress me with great content in the future please.
Idrees says
*laughs* Well thanks for subscribing, and I’ll do my best to impress you with great content!
Don’t forget to check out thearchives, there are some real gems there which should be enough to make
you wildly impressed.
Reply
Reply
Patricia Bloom says
August 27, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Delightful AND informative!
Idrees says
Wow, thanks!
Reply
Reply
Synz | Synz Memoir says
Wow! You totally got me hooked on your blog. I’m a bit surprised that your just 15 year old. I thought I
was reading an old English professor’s blog. Anyway, I really enjoy reading every bit of information here.
Keep it up!
Idrees says
That’s such a nice comment! I’m now 16 years old, actually. Glad to hear that you liked the blog. Stay
tuned for more great content.
Best regardsIdrees
Reply
Reply
Allia says
Wow… I have been reading through this for the past hour and then suddenly realised your age. I think
you might be going places, keep up the good work!
Kind Regards
Idrees says
Glad to hear that, thanks! By the way, you say “I have been reading through this for the past hour”… do
you mean one particular article or the whole website?
Best regardsIdrees
Reply
Reply
jellymuffin says
Just wondering if you know the difference between biographical fiction/novels and creative nonfiction?
Idrees Patel says
Biographical fiction, to the best of my knowledge, is a part of creative nonfiction (as mentioned in the
article). Creative nonfiction also includes memoirs, food writing, travel writing, etc.
Reply
Reply
Hamayoun says
April 20, 2015 at 1:49 PM
Wow….the best blog for creative writing!
I have a question if you kindly answer it: what is the difference between creative writing and descriptive
writing?
Idrees Patel says
April 25, 2015 at 7:28 PM
Creative writing doesn’t really have any definition as such. You can refer to Creative Writing 101for
more details. As far as descriptive writing is concerned, its primary purpose is to describe a person, place
or thing in such a way that a picture is formed in the reader’s mind.
Reply
Reply
Krishna says
April 3, 2016 at 1:54 PM
I had researching my passion for more than a year . I find out that I enjoy writing. And its been more than
a week that I am reading stuff on wrting. Finding the way out to master my writing before i begin with . I
come across your article. I had read most of your article. And just in the mid of reading your article I just
thought of writing something, just to begin my writing. And I see that when I start writing , I did not
know when did I finish writing 9 complete page. The story just keep on popping up one after another. I
connect all the story. The plot, the subplot, the sets, the theme and so on. I use to write and tell story of
my own imagination back than when I was in high school. I think I had found one more passion. Thank
you buddy. Your article just boost me to do something new which ws my passion which i had not known
for so long. Thank you once again. Keep the good work up.
best regardsKrishna chhetry.
Reply
[…] Creative Non-fiction. It’s strange that non-fiction is a part of creative writing, but then, as goes a
saying, the truth is sometimes better than fiction. Memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, essays and
journals, etc are all part of non-fiction. […]
How to Get Started in Creative Writing | Writers' Treasure says:June 15, 2010 at 8:03 PM
[…] of print writing are: novels, nonfiction books, articles, essays, […]
Web Writing vs. Print Writing says:September 23, 2010 at 11:40 PM

[…] Creative Non-fiction. It’s strange that non-fiction is a part of creative writing, but then, as goes a
saying, the truth is sometimes better than fiction. Memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, essays and
journals, etc are all part of non-fiction. […]
How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps | Blog do Learning says:April 9, 2015 at
2:34 AM
[…] don’t think I really grok creative non-fiction. Having read this explanation of creative non-fiction,
I know the basics. It’s the use of literary devices and techniques […]
Creative non-fiction | Dark Wine and Shallow Graves says:August 28, 2015 at 2:11 AM
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WRITERS' TREASURE
BY IDREES PATEL
Started out at creative writing but have no idea what to do next? Don’t worry; it’s very simple to improve
your creative writing and grow it to the next level. Everyone has some tips and tricks in his/her sleeve;
some work and some don’t. In this post, you will learn:
1. Why reading up on grammar, spelling and punctuation is the sign of a good writer2. The myth of proof
reading and editing, and how to debunk it3. Why your first draft won’t be up to scratch, and why revising
works4. And why getting rid of flowery prose, adverbs and unnecessary adjectives is good
So, without any further ado, here we go!
Before you get offended for me saying such a suggestion, let me elaborate. There are some common
misspellings found on the internet; two such lists are found here and here. “It’s and its”, “there and their”,
“loose and lose” and so on. So if you make such a common mistake, people will see you as an amateur.
Grammar mistakes are as common as spelling mistakes. Some new school people say go ahead and break
the grammar rules. That may be good advice for a few of them (for example, you should break the no
sentence ending with a preposition rule and you’re perfectly free to begin a sentence with ‘and’ and ‘but’
if it appeals to you).
But not all grammar rules were made by stodgy people, and most make sense. If it appeals to you to break
them, go ahead, but you must know the reason why you broke it in the first place, and why it wasn’t
appropriate. If you don’t know that you broke a rule or why, your credibility goes out of the window.
In the same way, people make punctuation mistakes often without realizing that they did it. The confusion
between “me, myself and I”, the improper and incorrect use of the apostrophe (some people have
campaigned for its being banned since it causes so much confusion among people) etc has become rapidly
larger and larger.
So that is why, if you really want to become a credible writer who is not governed by the rules, go read up
on grammar, spelling and punctuation. A single book or two will clear confusions, enable to break rules
knowing why you broke them, consciously following sensible rules and more.
Tip: – Don’t rely on Microsoft Word’s Grammar Checker. Its spell check is all right, but the grammar
tool is atrocious. Many has been the time that it shows up its infamous green line under my words and
calls out for incorrect and so called grammatically correct changes. Have you ever seen a “Fragment
(consider revising)” call to change? It’s perfectly all right to ignore that, because you’re not writing a
textbook, you’re a creative writer.
Most creative writers hate the task of editing and proof reading. There are a thousand excuses to avoid it.
“It saps my creativity.” “I like my writing as it is.” “I don’t want to correct errors and mistakes.”
Some excuses are pretty funny… I mean, not wanting to correct mistakes! And although some people
seem to just hate the words, they’re actually pretty necessary in the world of creative writing.
Proof reading corrects mistakes so that they won’t happen again. You can actually hire a proof reader if
you don’t like to edit your own work, but my opinion is that you should at least make a first edit and then
hand it to the editor. The editor will suggest changes. Some of them will be for the better, but you won’t
like some of them. That’s because everyone has different tastes. If you proof read your own work, you’ll
be a better creative writer. How?
Because you’ll see what mistakes you made before, and your brain will know not to do them again. By
repeating this process time and time again, you’ll begin to make fewer mistakes and learn more about
style and language. By doing this, you are growing your writing to the next level with proof reading.
Further reading: Editing and Proof Reading: Busting the Myths
So you’ve written something. Full. You’re happy. You’re ready to show it to the world. You’re ready to
say “I’ve written something and it’s good.”
My advice: stop. Your first draft won’t be much good. You might have the greatest plot and characters in
history, and your scenery and everything may be perfect. But still… that first draft is only rough,
unpolished wood. If you want to make something of it, you’re going to have to revise it until it shines.
Revising does include proof reading and editing, but it is much more than that. It takes any time from a
week to months. Editing for structure. For flow. For holes. For cutting a lot of prose. For characters and
setting. For better plot.
When all of that editing is done, you’ve then completed the mammoth task of revising. If you’ve done it
wisely, then the wood ought to be polished, it ought to shine like gold. And it will too, if you’ve got a
great work in the first place.
Most of the time, adjectives andadverbs aren’t necessary. Want an example? You got it:
1. He ate his food quickly.2. He gulped down his food.
Which of the two is better? If you’re like most people, you’ll say no. 2. That’s because it uses a strong
verb rather than relying upon an adverb. Same goes for an adjective, and if you want flowery prose, you
can place your work in the “Literary” genre but few people will come read it. Best to make sentences
short, simple and punchy. And cut all unnecessary adjectives and adverbs.
You should always look for ways to improve your writing regardless of how good it is today. That’s a
habit of famous authors, and the sign of a great creative writer.
What did you think I missed? Anything to add? Share it in the comments.
Read Common Mistakes Made by Creative Writers for Part II of this post. This post is the seventh
instalment in the Creative Writing 101 series. View the series index.Subscribe to Writers’ Treasure today.
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No Method? No Problem!
Proofreading: Catching Contextual Spelling Errors
100 Writing Mistakes to Avoid: A Review
FILED UNDER: CREATIVE WRITING TIPSTAGGED WITH: CREATIVE WRITING TIPS,FICTION

WRITING, GRAMMAR
Renee says
Idrees,I am gobsmacked! You put many adult writers to shame (not that that’s your intent). I’ve just read
your post, How to Master Clarity in Writing and now after discovering your website, I have a lot to
learn.Thanks. Your help couldn’t have come at a better time!
Idrees says
Wow, thanks! I put many adult writers to shame… not really, but still, thanks! I too have a lot to learn —
we all do. Thanks to these exams., I won’t get to post so many articles, but still, will do if there is time.
I went to your blog, and it seems really nice. Also, your comment too couldn’t have come at a better time
for me, it’s really tough studying all this SSC stuff. Again thanks very much!
Idrees
Reply
Reply
Paul Delaware says
IdreesA common mistake I make (although I’m improving) is using the word ‘and’ (which seems to make
the sentence stilted) I find replacing it with a comma makes the sentence flow better. Does anyone else
agree, or disagree with this? Regards Paul
Idrees says
It depends on the sentence. Sometimes ‘and’ is better, sometimes a comma will do the job. Do whatever
is best for your writing, and don’t worry too much about mistakes (although reading about a common
mistake did remind me about my common mistakes article *hint hint*), keep writing and it will come
naturally.
Thanks for the comment, and best regardsIdrees
Reply
Reply
Paul Delaware says
Idreesshould have put an example on my last post.
”We went to paris for the weekend and it was wonderdul””We went to Paris for the weekend, it was
wonderful”
Sorry but I’m a bit nervous about posting comments.Regards Paul
Idrees says
There are a lot of different ways you can write this sentence.
“We went to Paris for the weekend: it was wonderful.”“We went to Paris for the weekend which was a
wonderful [add word].”
So it depends on the sentence actually. Neither of your examples are wrong or anything. Just go with what
you like best.
Oh, and don’t be nervous about posting comments. There’s nothing in it, really, and I love getting
comments. So keep commenting!
Best regardsIdrees
Reply
Reply
Alina says
August 10, 2012 at 6:10 AM
I read the article and it helped me but now I am stuck with the question : How to start?From where do I
come up with topics to write on? Any help?
Idrees says
Read the Archives on this blog. If you have more detailed queries, email me through the contact form and
I’ll be happy to help.
Reply
Reply
tupe says
you’re great, boy!
Reply
akankshapoojary says
October 14, 2012 at 12:08 AM
Idress
thanz!!! A lot!! i won first prize in my class for creative writing !!!! u r great!!!!!! i have a few doubts i
may ask u later!!!!
RegardsAkanksha poojary!!!
Idrees says

Which doubts are you talking about? Are they related with writing? If so, I’ll be glad to hear them. And
you’re welcome by the way.
Best regardsIdrees
Reply
Reply
www.pet-files.com says
Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it Imay return yet again since I bookmarked
it.Money and freedom is the greatest way to change,may you be rich and continue to help others.
Reply
Edwin says
January 10, 2013 at 10:32 AM
I liked the way you handle this topics. Its very informative.
Reply
Edwin says
January 10, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Its very informative.
Idrees says
Thanks for the comment.
Reply
Reply
Amy says
Hi Idrees,I just wanted to write to tell you that you have a great post! It is very informative for the
aspiring writer and I am very impressed with your blog. When I was 16, I was very much into the creative
writing scene. However, I suddenly stopped writing – and honestly, I can’t even remember why! Now, I
am trying to write a creative piece for a capstone presentation – basically a huge project that you present
in order to earn a B.A. I am honestly afraid that I will not succeed with my story, so I have been bouncing
from site to site trying to convince myself to be confident in my writing abilities. I am subscribing to your
blog as I continue to bounce from site to site. I am looking for advice on adapting a classic literary work
for adolescents. Perhaps I will find something!Thanks,Amy
Reply
Rupshi says
May 17, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Hi Idress,Great post. Thanks for the share. Very nice web site!! Wonderful.. I will bookmark your site and
take the feeds also…I am glad to find a lot of useful info right here in the article.
Reply
essayswriters.org/paper-writing says
May 22, 2013 at 4:36 AM
Very nice set of tips here. I’ve been in this business for over two decades and I can attest to the fact that
she didn’t miss a thing. Good job.
Reply
how to improve writing skills says
May 30, 2013 at 3:21 PM
I full watch that information detail, again visit here!
Reply
Teresa says
Hola! I’ve been following your web site for some time now and finally gotthe courage to go ahead and
give you a shout out from AustinTexas! Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic job!
Reply
Teresa says
Hola! I’ve been following your web site for sometime now and finally got the courage to go ahead and
give youa shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to say keep upthe fantastic job!
Reply
Kaitlyn McPherson says

This is a tip that I think can help any creative writer no matter the age (I am only a teen, still in
school):When you are trying to write in a certain mood it will often help to listen to a certain genre of
music that you associate with this mood. For example: I usually use pop for my happy/comedic parts, and
something dark and mysterious like evanescence or three days grace for the anger/sorrowful moods.
However, it is best to listen to instrumental versions so the words don’t destract your thoughts.Hope this
tip helps you as much as me!
Reply
Oliva says
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.Your web site provided us with
valuable info to work on.
You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful toyou.
Reply
Holden says
Hey Idrees,I discovered your website about a month ago, and I have to say, it’s wonderful. I’ve learned
more at this blog than any other I’ve visited–you certainly have a lot of useful tips! Keep up the good
work!
Reply
ProPapersWriting says
April 5, 2014 at 1:37 AM
Buy Child Labor Thesis: my mother first felt terrified when she came to America,” or “I can’t recollect
everything about that day, yet this is what I do recall.
Reply
arvinda says
hi!can you give me tips on how to improve the creative writing skill of a grade four school student .
Idrees Patel says

Browse and search this website for resources, ask your teachers for help, and above all don’t forget to
have a good time.
Reply
Reply
Elizabeth R. Bryant says
October 21, 2014 at 12:17 PM
Do you think William Shakespeare was grammatically correct…all the time? A BIG no..but yes he was
one among the best writer in times I think creative writing has no boundaries or limitations, it has to be
as wild, untamed and uncontrollable as thoughts. But then yes, in terms of clarity, it is important to
understand these tips. I suggest reading creative writing articles for best use!
Reply
Elizabeth R. Bryant says
Thanks for sharing wisdom through words! I think creativity is more like a personal expression; it is wild,
untamed and impatient. But whatever it is..it has to be beautiful! Creative writing articles should have that
touch of personal uniqueness so that one can induce the en tropic element.
Reply
David Kranenburg says
January 10, 2015 at 12:28 AM
Why did you make Writers’ Treasure?
Reply
hazel says
August 1, 2015 at 2:27 PM
I am pleased that you have mentioned about grammar , spelling and punctuation because it is a very
sensitive area. I have been a teacher for long and the greatest trouble with students has always been this.to
be an effective creative writer, the students require training on how to check on this and the good thing is
that once they get it, they do not easily forget.
Reply
Panaroshku says

I have a great infographic with tips of famose writers. But i use it only to beat writer\’s block check it
Reply
Iqbal says
May 9, 2016 at 11:21 PM
Hello sir, My name is Muhammad Iqbal.I am learning English as well as writing skill. But when I write
any topic sentences not comes at the time. Same problem I have to face when I write and email to our
clients. How can I improve my writing skills.
Idrees Patel says
May 26, 2016 at 4:39 PM
You have to keep at it. Practice is the only trick for the problem you are facing. In the beginning stage, we
all go have to go through this. You should read more content in your field, brush up on vocabulary and
grammar, and experiment with free-writing.
Reply
Reply
Agnes says
June 30, 2016 at 9:02 PM
Hi,you are wonderful. Reading this post made me gobsmacked,seriously I love it.
Reply
Naveed Gurgunari says
yes sir you are extremely reading up is the solution of this matter i got many points from this page i really
thank you to do such a awesome work for us its fact the more you read the more you learn .
Reply
Donna says
I’ve been writing many articles since the last two years and I admit, creativity is something that isn’t the
first thing you will learn when writing. I learned it by appreciating everything and giving life even to the
boring topics. Thanks for the information though, it is really helpful.
Reply
[…] have “in-born talent,” just keep writing. Everyone, even a crappy writer (means all of us) can
improve their writing […]
Creative Writing Skills: Do You Have Them All? says:September 29, 2010 at 2:46 PM
[…] people work hard and write things which people want to read. They practise. They continue to
improve their writing. They avoid making the common mistakes which is the sign of any amateur writer.
And when they do […]
Who Else Wants to Master the Creative Writing Skills?says:October 5, 2010 at 12:00 AM
[…] hit a block with your creative writing and do not know how to take your skill to the next level.
Follow these tips to improve your style, to feel inspired, and to continue to enjoy […]
Tips to Improve Your Creative Writing says:May 16, 2013 at 3:31 AM
[…] For more excellent tips on writing from Writers’ Treasure, click here. […]
Grammar Up, It’s Important | Editing Addict says:February 4, 2014 at 6:31 PM
[…] Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Creative Writing […]
[…]http://www.writerstreasure.com/how-to-improve-your-creative-writing/ […]
How to improve your creative writing… | Transpiration Edification says:November 28, 2017 at 9:52
AM
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WRITERS' TREASURE
BY IDREES PATEL
Creative writing is a difficult art. We learn and we improve, yet we often slip up and make common
mistakes. These mistakes are so common that everyone is tired of them, no one mentions them anymore.
And as new writers come along, these mistakes are made again and again.
Are these mistakes really unavoidable? No, not at all. By avoiding these mistakes, your writing will be
better, and you will see that by not making them, you became a better writer.
So to solve this problem I created a list of creative writing mistakes to avoid. By being conscious of the
mistakes, you can be careful and not make them in your fiction, articles, reports, etc.
Are you reading other writing? If not, you are in big trouble. Read. If you want to become a better writer,
it goes without saying that you need to read to see how it’s done. If you are a novelist, read novels. If you
are an essayist, read essays. If you are a poet, read poetry. And so on… but if you don’t read, then suffice
to say, your writing will not be professional.
Are you plagiarizing your writing? It sounds easy enough, to copy paste someone else’s writing and pass
it off as your won. It is easy enough. If you are clever enough, you could even reword someone else’s
writing and pass it off as your own. But why would you want to? It won’t gain you any credibility or
readers. It’ll just harm your reputation.
Are you using big words and complicated flowery prose? There was a time when all the books written
used flowery and complicated prose, and readers didn’t seem to mind. That was long ago, though, and as
attention spans keep shortening and the rise of short form media such asTwitter have changed the mindset.
Now, people don’t want to read flowery prose. They want to read short, simple and punchy sentences.
They want short, not long paragraphs. They want something good but short.
Are you copying someone else’s writing voice? Writing voice is unique. Every writer has hisown writing
voice. To test if your writing voice is unique, simply read it aloud and you will know if you compare it by
reading aloud a different text. If you copy someone else’s voice, your story or work will not be as good as
it will be if you used your very own writing voice. It takes time to develop… but it’s worth it. Just
practise writing as you like it; don’t try to copy famous authors’ writing voices. (More resources about
writing voice: here and here. Have trouble finding your writing voice? Then read this post).
Are you using too many adjectives and adverbs?This is kind of from the previous post. If you rely upon
an overused adjective or adverb to do the description work and don’t use a strong verb, you don’t paint a
picture of your writing in the reader’s mind. Adverbs like “suddenly”, “simply”, “painfully” etc are
overused. That’s not to say you can’t use them; do use them but don’t rely upon them for too much
description.
Now you know all the mistakes. You can avoid them. But if you still aren’t satisfied with your writing?
Don’t worry. Some more tips and tricks are found below:
Write as much as you can. This is also pretty well known advice, but just in case you only tried the
advanced tips, remember that beginner tips work very well too. Have a regular writing schedule. Some
popular writers say that you must write every day. That’s all great, but writing is a mental job, and you
can’t expect to have new writing ideas in your head every day. So write as much as you can, but tweak
your schedule according to your needs.
Try to make your openings as compelling and grabbing as possible. If you begin at the beginning, don’t
use well known openings such as first day in school, packing for new house, etc. Grab the reader with
compelling openings. In fiction, your opening chapters must be as interesting as possible. For more,
read How to Write Compelling Opening Chapters in Fiction.
Hunt for new writing methods, processes and advice. It’s all very well to follow a given writing method, a
given process, and some given advice. But after some time, when you feel your writing getting stale, it’s
time to step out of your boundary a little bit and hunt for everything new. Where? Anywhere, of course.
The Internet is a big resource. Then there are creative writing books etc etc.
And that’s it for this post, and the end of the Creative Writing 101series. Feel free to share feedback and
advice about the series. Did I explain everything well? Was the series blah-blah and boring or did it
contain some great advice? Have your say in the comments section below.
Want to read more about creative writing? Then subscribe to Writers’ Treasure for free today.
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Why You Should Write Like You Talk (And How I Defeated Writers’ Block)
100 Writing Mistakes to Avoid: A Review
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Compelling Opening Chapter
Who Else Wants to Master the Creative Writing Skills?
Top Ten Tips to Fight and Defeat Writers’ Block
FILED UNDER: CREATIVE WRITING TIPSTAGGED WITH: COMMON MISTAKES,CREATIVE

WRITING, CREATIVE WRITING TIPS,DOS AND DON'TS
kathleen says
May 26, 2010 at 3:03 AM
Enjoyed the article “Common Mistakes Made by Creative Writers”…ironically, I found a few
punctuation mistakes. In the Dos and Don’ts, you’ve placed a possessive aapostrophe in the header
“Do’s”. Should be “Dos”.And in the page header, “Writers Treasure” SHOULD be possessive, should it
not? Either “Writer’s” or “Writers'”. If it’s not possessive, then I’d ask you to finish the sentence…
writers treasure what?
Idrees says
May 26, 2010 at 8:51 AM
Thanks for the comment and feedback. Wow, I just learned that “Dos” is a word! (I’d seen it before,
thought it was a spelling mistake by other people, it doesn’t really look like a word). As for the site header,
yes I’ve also thought about that in the beginning. Writers’ Treasure is fine, but I didn’t know that “Writers
Treasure” was wrong until you pointed out the reason. I’ll change it now.
Wow, you are the first person to post a comment on this blog! Thanks very much.
Ogungbemi Akinola says
June 23, 2017 at 12:07 AM
Idrees,You are such a humble person. The way you received constructive criticism is really applauded. I
teach creative writing at my University and in fact I stumbled on your article as I prepare to give a
training to would-be writers in Cape-Town this weekend. Good work!
Reply
Reply
Reply
kathleen says
May 27, 2010 at 5:41 AM
Honestly, I don’t think anyone but an editor would notice. It’s the most common mistake there is,
especially when, as you pointed out, it just looks awkward without. That’s why people write “back in the
60’s”. When I can, I avoid the issue by writing “sixties”.
Yesterday, before I posted here, I was watching a show on the History Channel with my son. There in the
intro, big as life, the header read: “UFO’s–Fact or Fiction?” Of course I yelled, Apostrophe abuse!” My
son just groaned, “Can’t you give it a rest, mom?”
And, btw, I noticed several mistakes on my post…the second after I hit SUBMIT. Yeesh.
Idrees says
May 27, 2010 at 5:32 PM
Of course I yelled, Apostrophe abuse!”
You missed out the opening quote mark. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Thanks anyway.
Reply
Reply
kathleen says
May 27, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Touche. These little comment boxes are a bite in the shorts… I have a hard time seeing errors until it’s up,
and then it’s too late. An edit option would be great!
BTW, I got to your site through the Writing Forward site. How are you associated? Is Writers’ Treasure
your blog? Is Idrees your handle or your name? I’m interested to learn more.
Reply
kathleen says
May 27, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Wow, Idrees, I just clicked on the “about” tab and learned that you are 13 years old! Amazing! I’m very
impressed. Hope you’re entering contests, there are a lot of good ones out there. Here’s one from Next
Step U:http://www.nextstepu.com/request-shout-out.aspx?clientId=5707
Idrees says
May 27, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Hmm… the contest asks you to fill out a form, and in the very first field “I’m a/an…” I don’t classify for
any of the options in the dropdown menu. I’m in India and here we don’t classify things such as high
school junior and such… and I’m below even the lowest classification. Any ideas?
By the way, yes, Writers’ Treasure is my blog and Idrees is my real name.
If you are looking for more articles, you could check out the other articles in the Archives or you
could subscribe for new ones.
Reply
Reply
kathleen says
May 27, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Well, I guess these contest are for US residents? You could find out by emailing the organizers. Do a
google search with a number of different combinations…“writing contests for teens worldwide” “writing
contests for teens” etc.
Reply
Melissa Donovan says
May 28, 2010 at 1:13 AM
These are great tips! I am glad to see “read” at the top of the list — I think that is the most important thing
for any writer to do — yet it’s also the one thing many writers neglect.
Kathleen, Writing Forward is my site and while I’m not affiliated with Writers’ Treasure, we are certainly
writing about similar topics..-= Melissa Donovan´s last blog ..Creative Nonfiction: Biography=-.
Reply
Idrees says
May 28, 2010 at 2:57 PM
Kathleen – Yes, I will do these searches. I’ve always wanted to participate in a writing contest, but either
it’s not in my country (in India there are few writing contests) or it has an age limit. I don’t believe there
are any teen writing contests in my country. It there are suitable ones worldwide, I’ll certainly look into
them.
Melissa Donovan – Reading is so much important, but as it’s such a beginner tip and many other writers
have covered it succinctly I was almost ashamed to put it there. Glad you think otherwise! Thanks for
visiting.
As for those wondering how Kathleen came to this site through Writing Forward, I’d better explain that I
linked to Writing Forward and WordPress automatically sends a trackback to posts you have linked to. I
guess Kathleen saw the trackback in one of her posts. Correct me if I’m wrong, Kathleen.
Thanks, both of you, for being the first readers of this blog.
Reply
kathleen says
May 28, 2010 at 10:19 PM
That is a challenge, Idrees, on the few searches I did I ran into problems with location. Many sites are US
based. I’m curious, do you have teachers or mentors where you are that might have insight to help you?
I did find an interesting contest, I believe it’s over now, but the jury includes some very successful Indian
writers. Perhaps you could contact one or two of them to ask their advice?
http://www.sulekha.com/penguin/jury.htm
Reply
Idrees says
May 28, 2010 at 11:06 PM
No, I don’t have any personal teacher or mentor who might have any insight. School ones do encourage
my writing… but as for any help regarding contests… I don’t think so. But I’ll keep searching.
That link looks interesting, but how do I contact any of the authors? As far as I saw, no contact
information was given on their bios. Oh well, someday I’ll enter a contest…
For now, I’ll just keep writing. Next up is an article on concise writing. Who knows, if after some months
I have a popular blog I may just attract the attention of somebody big… ;-). Or not.
Reply
kathleen says
May 29, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Did a little searching, found this…
Sushila RavindranathEditor sushila@epmltd.com
She might be able to connect you with contests. I was trying to find Anita Nair’s address, no luck, but if
you do a search you could write to her publishing house. If you just ask for information, I’m sure they
could help you find resources!
Easter says
Always refrsehing to hear a rational answer.
Reply
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Granite Tiles · says
i’m quite good in witing but i have not yet signed up on a writing contest ”
Idrees says
It’s not that you should sign up for a contest when you get good in writing. Well, you should, but there
are other ways of having fun and receiving rewards. Like running a blog, for instance…
Hope you find a good contest and best of luck!
Reply
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Stories Inc. says
December 30, 2010 at 10:17 PM
I can relate to all this, being an aspiring writer myself. I started blogging (mainly short stories) a few
months ago as a way to improve my writing, make myself write more and try out new things more often
and because it is a great way to interact with an audience. That is something you normally don’t find
when you’re the kind of solitary figure writing in private, like I used to be. I feel it has really helped me
get better.
It is especially the mistakes of using too many adjectives, writing flowery prose with long, complicated
sentences that I used to make very often and still make today, though I try to avoid it. It’s something I see
everywhere and with every, especially every new, writer I come across. This can’t be stressed enough,
because it is so wide-spread. Younger and newer writers should really see that note mentioned
everywhere, so they become more critical of their own writing and do their best to be “more to the point”
(something I generally don’t do in comments ;)) and learn to “kill their darlings”, which must be the
hardest thing there is to writing.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, you compiled an excellent list here.
Idrees says
Great comment, thanks! Concise writing is, indeed, an art form. Take for example, the articles here
at Writers’ Treasure. I get an idea for an awesome post and make a note to myself: “make this one short”,
preferably under 600 words. Then I start writing. Before I know it, it’s 600 words and the post hasn’t even
got to its middle. It makes me mad!
Those who write short write awesome, but you can’t just expect to do it if you’re a beginner. People like
Seth Godin and Chris Brogan have mastered the short post, but each to their own, I personally prefer
longer articles which are more meat-packed! There’s an excellent post by Men with Pens on do short
posts provide value, there was quite a discussion there I think.
Man, rambled so much already! So just let me finish with this quote:
“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”
~ attributed to Mark Twain and others
Thanks again, really appreciate it!
Stories Inc. says
Hi Idrees,
thank you for your reply. I just took a look at your post about concise writing, it looks very useful as well
and does what it is about
But I know the feeling, it’s getting better with the longer stories because I really block any attempt of
them getting longer than 5 pages (spacing included), but I still need to make wording smoother and
shorter.
And unfortunately, I’m not a beginner per se, I have been writing for my entire life, and I still make these
mistakes now, so something really must be done…
Thank you for the links and that quote was very interesting. Then again, it is from one of the Greats in
literature, so no use arguing with that…However, less is more, I guess:)
Take care,
Stories Inc.
Idrees says
I know, it’s kind of frustrating when you still make the same errors after a long time. As with all other
cases, of course, practice makes perfect.
The point you made about the wording is one that needs to be emphasized more for writers. Too many
writers get their wording wrong. For me it’s good because I don’t use any big words. (Why? Well,
because I don’t know any. ;-))
I have to say, your comments have impressed me so much that I’m going to check out your blog now… (I
like stories since I was a kid, so it’s all good!).
Stories Inc. says
I have reached the summit of happiness
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kathleen says
Hi Idrees,
How are you? I was just wondering if you’d had any success contacting Sushila Ravindranath at the email
above. Any response?
Idrees says
Hi, long time no see! Well actually I haven’t contacted Sushila Ravindranath yet because I forgot, and I
was really busy in the last few months because of school work. However, I will email her in January, and
let’s see what happens then!
Where were you all these months? I’m fine, but was missing you just a month ago, reading all these
comments. Thanks for being the first commenter of Writers’ Treasure back in May!
(Wow, this post has got the largest amount of comments yet in this blog! 26 of them… I didn’t even
dream of such a high number!).
Reply
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Serita Pulfrey says
May 30, 2011 at 6:41 PM
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most persons will approve with
your website.
Idrees says
June 2, 2011 at 12:38 AM
Thanks! Didn’t really understand the last sentence though. “Most people will approve with your
website…” Could you explain a bit more?
Reply
Reply
shajedul says
July 28, 2012 at 1:00 AM
all about is effective and applicable to start at least as beginner of creative writing
Idrees says
What? I couldn’t understand a word. Please rephrase that sentence, will you?
Reply
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gallian says
Nowadays there are various good tools available for duplicate content detection. Usingplagiarism
checkerplagiarism checker is one of the smartest ways to check duplicity. Main benefit of using
plagiarism checker is that it consumes very less time and easy to use.
Reply
Mohammed says
Salaam Idrees. i spent hours today, reading your creative 101 piece and other relevant things and
comments that people made. the way you wrote was really succulent yet easy for beginners like me. i
never read any guideline in the past regarding creative writing, nevertheless all your wrote are, i suppose,
pretty much spot on not to mention many people commended the way you laid it out. i am really
impressed to know that u were only 13 when you wrote this piece. i wish you all the best , good luck. i
really look forward to read more on your blog.
Idrees Patel says
Walaikumasalam. Wow, thanks for the nice comment! I don’t really know what to say in reply to it, but
comments like this give inspiration and a great feeling. Once again, thanks, and keep commenting.
Reply
Reply
MAE says
June 2, 2014 at 8:44 PM
Hello! I’m a teacher and I am teaching creative writing in high school this year. I’m so grateful you have
this blog. Your work has really made my work seem stress free. You do explain the topic very clearly. I’d
like to ask if I can use your notes on Creative Writing 101 in my class. My students and I will benefit
from your topics since I plan to write together with them. Thank you and God bless!
Idrees Patel says
Yes, most definitely they can: I would be very pleased. Maybe even give a verbal attribution to me if
possible!
Reply
Reply
MS says
Hi! I am going to University next year and am thinking of doing an English Literature and Creative
Writing Degree. I love reading and am currently in the process of writing my first ever book however I
don’t have much experience writing in the creative aspect and have only written 5 chapters, around 3,000
words as I find it hard to fit it in with my studies. I am worried that due to my lack of experience I will
find this degree very hard. Do you have any advice for me? Thank You
Idrees Patel says
I don’t have any experience with creative writing degrees, however if you really are serious about
handling all the work and assignments then by all means go for it. Experience doesn’t matter as much as
the desire to learn does. I’m stuck doing an undergraduate degree on management (not that bad though).
As for not finding the balance between studies and creative writing, that’s also a very common situation.
Even though I’ve been writing for six years, I still haven’t even managed to complete a single novel
myself. Maybe next year?
Reply
Reply
G. Aartsen says
True, it was a long time ago that “readers didn’t seem to mind” long flowery prose, but “as attention
spans keep shortening” should creative writers become accomplices and subject themselves to the terror
of tweet-sized paragraphs? Creative writers are in the unique position to counter the continuous attack on
attention spans by modern media and help readers redevelop the skills of paying sustained attention to
interesting lines of thoughts.
Reply
Linda J. Brooks says
April 20, 2016 at 7:38 PM
Idrees, nice suggestions! I also think that reading different writings is one of the most effective ways to
embrace your creativity. You can compare and combine fresh ideas, but be very careful not to copy
someones thoughts. I believe that people sometimes even don’t understand that they copying other
writings and it’s a big disappoint when you find mostly the same text as yours. Plagiarism is the worst
thing that can happen with a creative writer((( So I surf and found a great article about plagiarism
checkershttp://www.teacherswithapps.com/teaching-with-technologies-a-list-of-the-best-plagiarism-
checkers-for-educators/Some of them are not so popular but very easy to use. Now it’s the first thing to
do after I wrote my post-to check it for plagiarism!)I hope it would be useful,cheers))
Reply
Anusmita says
May 5, 2016 at 2:17 PM

Wow! Such a great article and it kept me sticking till the end, through all the links and pages. It was
simple, clear, with proper links and each part of it was as relevant as it could be. People like me, who are
novice writers, will definitely appreciate the help. Good job and thank you..
Reply
tinasaraha says
April 24, 2018 at 11:45 AM
Thanks for the blogIts is good to inform that your my competitor for all success behind the market zone .
The Business is going at zone of height in which the business is developing the output result in the given
solution of treasurer
Reply
tinasaraha says
April 24, 2018 at 12:23 PM
Thanks for the blogIt is more of adding values in creating more and more of opportunities in the given
level of an organization and it is helpful for the Read as much as possible. Whether it’s a story book or a
novel, try to spend hours behind it if possible. Even if you find that you are not able to extract an inch of
interest from that particular book, try to analyze the facts and reasons
Reply
tinasaraha says
April 25, 2018 at 11:43 AM
Thanks for the blogIt is nice to be your competitor in developing the standards for the living and bring
more of the client in acting as an mediator in the business
Reply
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I want to join your class

Danyal Zia says

March 11, 2015 at 8:50 PM

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Arę You a writer blogger or autobiographer

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December 5, 2016 at 8:10 AM

Great stuff man… Very informative. Keep up the great work

April 8, 2017 at 2:17 PM

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