which of the following are the two different types of creative writing centers

Getting Started with Writing Centers

One of the biggest issues I hear teachers struggling with is meeting all of their students’ needs with such a wide range of ability levels. I hear you! You probably already know that conferring and working in small groups is the most organic and effective way to differentiate your instruction AND meet your students’ needs. However, that requires YOU to be present.

What about when you’re not present? How can you have your students work on skill-specific strategies to strengthen their writing skills? Not only that, what about when you have your class at all different places in the writing process. Or all different places in your unit. Maybe 1/4 of your class is ready for some next step instruction, but 3/4 of your class still needs some major support in something foundational such as planning? Or you have some high flyers that want to keep writing, but you don’t want to just give them busy work. You want meaningful, rigorous writing opportunities that have them work on specific skills.

These exact questions and my experience teaching test prep writing in 4th grade led me to this resource I want to share with you – writing centers.

In the past when I’ve thought about writing centers, I’ve thought that meant that my students would write about their summer vacation or they would write a letter to a pen pal or something else unrelated to what I was teaching. But that’s not what writing centers have to look like. Writing centers can be directly related to what I am teaching. They can be a skill-specific, standards-based practice that will help them be better writers. And they can be connected to other content areas! And they can be fun!

I want to give you a deep dive into these writing centers so that you can really see how they work, what all is included, and some ideas for how you can organize and implement them in your classroom. I also have a sample writing center to share with you. For the past year, these writing centers have only been available inside the TLL Membership , but will eventually be added to my shop. One of my goals behind creating these writing centers is that I wanted to integrate Science and Social Studies. Currently, there are two volumes of writing centers.The first volume of writing centers is focused on informational and opinion writing based on science topics. (Social Studies – we’re coming for you soon!) The second volume of writing centers is focused on Narrative writing.

which of the following are the two different types of creative writing centers

Each set of writing centers includes 5 types of writing centers. They come in both color and black and white. They are color-coded if you choose to use them this way. For each of the 5 types of writing centers, there are 5 of each writing center. That means you’ve got 25 writing centers to help your students grow! Each writing center also includes an Answer Key so that students can self-check or you can use as a grade when appropriate.

So let’s break down each of these writing centers.

Fix it Up! Editing

This is a simple editing center in which students edit a paragraph. The number of mistakes is located at the bottom, so students know when they have found them all OR they need to keep looking. An answer key is included so students can self-check. The writing centers are also available in black and white so students can write directly on the half-sheet.

I also recommend having students use colored pencils or pens because a) hey can see their own corrections and b) it makes it more engaging.

The goal of this writing center is not just to have students find errors and edit mistakes, but you want them to transfer this critical proofreading over to their own writing. You could use one of these writing centers as part of your writing mini lesson during the active engagement and then have students edit their own writing during independent writing. As you think about using and introducing each center, remember that the goal is for students to transfer the skill from the center to their own writing.

Cool Critters! (Ants)
Sluggish Situation (African Land Snail)
Salamanders
Poison Dart Frog

Transition Mission

When it comes to transitions, there are three major issues that your students will run into.

Not using them at all.
Using too many or the same ones over and over
Not using them appropriately

This center gives students the opportunity to practice adding transition words in a more scaffolded way. Each paragraph is a cloze activity. A transitional words and phrases chart is included to provide options for students to choose from. An answer key is included so students can self-check.

You can also laminate and have students use an Expo marker. This way you can use over and over again. Again, this is also a great resource to use as part of your mini-lesson or in a small group writing lesson.

After students have completed the writing center, they can then use the chart to add transitional words and phrases to their own writing. I also recommend having students edit their writing with a colored pen or pencil. You might even keep the color coding going and use orange for transition words. This is a lesson in my writing units as well, so this writing center is very complementary to the writing units .

Crocs & Gators
Metamorphosis
Animals Impact Their Environment
Endangered Species

Elaboration Station

Oh boy! If I had a penny quarter for every time I heard teachers say their students had difficulty elaborating or adding more detail, I could buy that house on the lake I’ve been dreaming about. Elaboration is quite the art. I have a whole blog post about it where I go into even more detail. (Link at the end of this post.)

You probably know from experience that you can’t just tell students to elaborate, you have to give them specific strategies. One of the most simple ways to teach students to elaborate is to think…

Who cares?
Why does it matter?
Why should anyone care about this piece of information?

This center includes a student notebook chart with some effective elaboration strategies and examples. The center includes a few sentences with facts and information about the topic. After the facts/evidences, students use elaboration strategies to add on to the paragraph. Sample responses are included.

Notebook charts with elaboration strategies are included to help support student response.

Volcanoes (Informative)
Grizzly Bears (Informative)
Drought (Informative)
College Athletes (Opinion)
Physical Education (Opinion)

Paraphrase Practice

Another tough cookie when it comes to writing is paraphrasing. One of the biggest changes with writing in upper elementary over the past few years is the requirement to analyze, synthesize, and accurately use text evidence. This can be really difficult for our little 8-10 year old babies! Um, it can be really difficult for US!

Each center has a paragraph. Students practice paraphrasing the paragraph. A chart for the STP (Stop! Think. Paraphrase) strategy is provided. This is a great reading strategy that you can also use in guided reading, whole group lessons, science, and social studies lessons. I first began using the STP strategy with guided reading. Students use this to talk about the nonfiction text they just read. It is SUCH a great reading strategy that it just makes sense to transfer it on over to writing.

Indicator Species
Pollinators
Tracking Twisters
Invasive Species
Animals in Zoos

Sort + Write

This might be my favorite writing center! This writing center could easily be integrated into your science block. Or you can bring science into your writing workshop. Either way, ANYTIME you can integrate subject areas – YOU ARE WINNING! ?

This center includes a total of 5 sorts that can double duty as a science center. Students have directions for each sort. They are given words and phrases to sort for a specific purpose (i.e. The 3 Types of Rocks).

After they have sorted, they write a multi-paragraph essay using the details and the sort to organize and write their essay. The sort helps students organize into groups, which then become the body paragraph. The actual writing comes from the students. A sample teacher essay is also included.

Students may also need/want to use their science text to support their sort.

After they sort, they write.

Writing Rocks! (Classifying Rocks)
Life Cycles (Complete + Incomplete)
Heat Energy (3 Types)
Writing Matters! (Solid, Liquid, Gas)
People & Their Environment: Helpful or Harmful?

How can I implement the Writing Centers?

T he writing centers can be used in so many ways.

Early Finishers
Small Group (these are perfect for skill-specific small group lessons)
Whole Group (active engagement)
Conferences
Writing Rotations
Give to parents who want extra support for their students
Use them as routine practice throughout the year and have students glue them in their writing notebook.
Quick-checks or exit slips throughout the school year.

How do I organize the Writing Centers?

Option #1 folders + sheet protectors.

Option #2 Craft Keeper Storage Bins

Step 1: Print in color or black and white and laminate to be reused. Students use a fine tip Expo marker to write on the two centers that have write on. (Fix it Up! Editing and Transition Mission

Step 2: Place each center on a binder ring. Keep answer keys on a separate binder ring so that students can self-check. Or skip the binder ring. This card-keeper is perfect for storing the centers. You can find it at Michaels and on Amazon. This brand is Recollections . I found these at Michaels’, but you can sometimes get them cheaper on Amazon. So I’d definitely compare prices between the two.

These can also be stored easily on a binder ring.

Individual Student Packets or Copies

You can also print individual student copies. These are printed on half sheets in black and white, so you could print each center as a packet for students if you want to focus on a skill as a whole group.

So there you have it! If you’re all set to get writing centers implemented in your classroom today, you can grab them using any of the links below. If you’d like to give it a try for free, click here to grab the writing center freebie.

This particular writing center is called Sort + Write. Students are given details about a science topic (i.e. The 3 Types of Rocks). They sort the details, and then use the details to write a multi-paragraph essay. The sort helps students organize into groups, which then become the body paragraph. The actual writing comes from the students. A sample teacher essay is also included.

You can grab these writing centers in my website shop here.

Or if you’d prefer to shop on TpT.

And if you’d like to grab a free writing center – click here!

The Final Draft: A Guide to Writing Centers

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Regardless of your major, every college student has to write; even in subjects like mathematics, science, and technology, the fine arts, writing is required by all disciplines. Writing assignments like essays, research papers, reports, and creative pieces are all part of the college experience and to some students, the sheer volume of writing that is required can feel overwhelming or exhausting.

Because college students today are stretched thinner than ever, writing centers are increasingly becoming significant and necessary resources in colleges across the United States. When so much of a student’s success in college depends on their ability to write and to write well, it’s no surprise that more and more pupils of all disciplines are turning to writing centers for help every year.

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What are writing centers.

A writing center is much more than a study hall or classroom where you can go to write or get advice on your writing. They are institution-run, on-campus centers where students of all disciplines can go to get assistance with any and all of their college writing assignments. The assistance is all-inclusive when it comes to the subject matter, area of study, and type of writing assignment the student needs help with. The service is free and offered to the entirety of the college’s student body. Many writing centers are located within their own private office, classroom, or computer lab, or within the school’s library.

Writing centers strive to collaborate with their college’s students in order to instill formidable writing habits that can be carried into adulthood and eventually, the work force.

In the same manner, most centers aim to strengthen their pupils’ editing and time management skills so that students can successfully complete their assignments and score well on their writing base projects and papers throughout their college careers. As writing center director Dr. Gabriel Sealey-Morris explains, “Good writing centers teach students to help themselves and grow as writers and thinkers – not just fix their “mistakes” for them” – they are places for instruction just like classes.

In addition, oftentimes writing centers can help non-native English speakers by advising them on their English language skills through peer-to-peer teaching moments while reviewing assignments. They are also great resources for students who may have special needs or requests because of a special learning disability .

Writing Centers Are For Everyone

Writing Centers are open for use by all registered students and include all graduate levels, undergrad and beyond, including ESL and Continuing Education students. When you walk into the writing center at your college for the first time you should expect to see more than just English majors at the table. You’ll find a mix of students from a range of disciplines with a variety of assignments in hand. Maybe a physics graduate student is working on her final dissertation, maybe a senior needs help to tidy up his resume, or perhaps a freshman is trying to grasp an understanding of APA. Because the services are open to all students writing in all subjects, finding the right tutor is an easy process with a wide range of personalities and approaches available for each student.

Oftentimes writing centers have opening and closing hours and can require appointments. Others will allow you to drop in at your convenience. Be sure to check in at your own college’s writing center to find out when and how you can receive help. There are also many online writing centers available and the International Writing Centers Association is a great place to learn more about all the options available to you.

The People Who Can Help

No matter what types of tutoring your writing center chooses to employ, it’s important to remember that all the tutors in the center are trained in what they do and ready to help you. There is no need to feel nervous. Trained and experienced writing tutors will be available to help you. These tutors will go through a training process that ensures they know how to provide the right kind of writing assistance, and also to ensure that the assistance you are receiving is consistent from one tutor to the next. One-on-one consultations from peers allow students the option to find a tutor that fits their needs, and ensure the writer feels free in asking for assistance where and when needed.

Typically using peer-to-peer assistance, writing centers provide students with tutors to aid them in all facets of college writing assignments. The benefits of peer-to-peer tutoring are many and oftentimes the tutors themselves are interested in growing their own knowledge of writing through helping others. Sealey-Morris calls the writing center “an apprenticeship in writing, where you work alongside the staff.” Collaborative learning is one of the main missions of most writing centers and in this way, both the student and the tutor excel.

Understanding the Help You’ll Receive

It’s important to understand that writing centers are not there to write your paper for you, nor are they an editing center where you turn your work in to be returned polished and error free. Rather, writing centers are places where students can get free, continued aid in not only completing their college writing assignments but also in becoming better all around writers themselves.

By using peer-to-peer or other tutoring methods, students work through their assignments in all levels of the process if they prefer, from idea conception to final copy. And feedback on papers can be provided at any stage of the process. From research and outlining, to first drafts and final copies, trained tutors are able to guide students regardless of their writing proficiency.

Tutors help in preparing essays and major papers for any course in any department, literature reviews and research projects. They can additionally assist with transcripts for important speeches or presentations and review applications, scholarship or grant materials.

The stages at which they can assist you are many, beginning with simply understanding the facets of your assignment and how to approach the work. Additionally, they may help with finding a topic or identifying an audience or purpose for your assignment. They can help with planning and organizing your information and with writing your rough draft, revisions, final copies, and final edits.

However, it’s important to realize that writing tutors are trained in writing, not specialists in every discipline. They may know no more about geography or biology than you – while they may not be able to be your fact-checkers, they can still help you organize a paper or clarify your language. In other words, they can help you know if you’re writing correctly, but they can’t tell you if what you’re saying is correct.

Some of the stages students can expect to receive help in are:

concept and ideas
structure of the assignment
flow or syntax and grammar
spelling and punctuation
overall delivery of the final project or paper

The Benefits Are Many

Sometimes students feel intimidated by their professors and may even struggle to talk with them or ask for help. Since writing centers are primarily peer-run, students can comfortably approach their peers for help. The trained tutors attempt to create a comfortable environment especially for these students that may feel intimidated to ask for help elsewhere.

Since getting the most out of the college experience is important to most students, it is no surprise that many students find the writing centers on campus to be invaluable. Writing centers take some of the stress off your shoulders, helping you to manage your writing assignments in an approachable, timely manner, while also helping you to improve your writing skills overall.

Dr. Sealey-Morris counsels students that “going to the writing center is nothing to be ashamed of;” instead when a professor suggests you go to the writing center, “it means that your professor sees that you have potential and just need some direction.” For that reason, Sealey-Morris says, “don’t apologize for your writing; the writing center is there for you.”

No matter what job you’re interested in obtaining or what goals you have for college and life after college, writing is important. The ability to confidently and effectively toggle between different kinds of communication, and different kinds of writing, can make a huge difference in success in your career. Business managers and entrepreneurs have to write; nurses, counselors, and therapists have to write; police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers have to write; almost every professional has to write, and college is the time to build those skills. The Writing Center is the place.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-chief.

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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No Time For Flash Cards

preschool activities, preschool crafts, and preschool books.

October 3, 2017 | 1 Comment

How To Make Your Writing Center Fun and Engaging!

Classroom Placement – Every classroom is different, but the writing center should be placed somewhere where there is some traffic so that even if the children aren’t planning on going to it, they may pass by and decide to stay.

The Right Tools – Use tools that are at your students developmental level. Chubby pencils and crayons for toddler’s hands, small clipboards they can manage, kid-sized chalkboards , and notepads.

Slip in Sensory Play . Writing doesn’t have to be on paper. Use writing trays with sensory materials such as salt or sand. Include play dough and letter stamps or tiles to make messages, even slime!
Use Journals – Preschool journals are great, and this post has wonderful developmentally appropriate ways to use them.
Pretend Play Themes – Incorporate pretend play themes such as

Post Office – include a mailbox ( click to see how I make them for my class), envelopes, an address book or laminated address cards with addresses written in, and stickers.

Birthday Cards – pop a birthday crown on a stuffed animal or a birthday banner on your rabbit cage and invite the children to write birthday cards to the stuffed animals or pet. Have birthday cards and envelopes ready, maybe some confetti to add in too. I like to use special pens for this one like glitter pens or smelly markers!

Warm Fuzzies – these are little notes to make people feel warm and fuzzy. Of all places, I actually got this idea from my college sorority. Hey, inspiration comes from all over. Sticky notes are a great material for this in various colors, and students can draw or write happy notes to each other, their parents, or staff. Bright pens and happy face stickers are a must. When setting this center up make a bunch of warm fuzzies to start with, some with drawings and others with sayings like “Great job!” “Smile!” etc… remember writing centers aren’t just for getting kids to write as much as possible they are also teaching children that writing has meaning and can convey messages.

Classroom Newspaper – you can get spiral notebooks, reporter ID tags, and even some old laptops to “type” on. Students also love glasses without lense in them to make them look like serious journalists.

Book Reviews – this is informal but fun, include a book or two that the children are familiar with and invite them to draw pictures or write something about that book. If the book has characters that are available as stickers ( Eric Carle books, some Mo Willems, Seuss…) add those to the mix as well. They can be used for the child’s creation.

Holiday Themes if your classroom participates in these holidays- Christmas cards, Valentine’s, Halloween Cards, Easter Cards. Add in fun holiday themed stickers and pencils too. Don’t forget you can also re-cover your mailbox in various wrapping paper to fit the theme.

Remember to rotate these materials using novelty and to tie in topics and themes you might be learning about to make the center that much more relevant and engaging.

This list contains affiliate links.

Fun pens like these , these , and these !

Chunky pencils , markers , and crayons for little hands .

Also, crayon rocks are wonderful!

Magnadoodles – big and little ones.

Letter stamps

Fun stickers

Small chalkboards and dry-erase boards

Letter & Word Magnets

Fun trays for holding cards, paper, and tools.

After all these tips and links to great materials, the best thing any teacher can do is to connect with their students and find out what they love to play with and find ways to incorporate that into every aspect of learning in the classroom. It’s amazing how just having the right color of an envelope ( it’s always purple in my classrooms), can make writing that letter that much more enticing.

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Bright, colorful creative writer's desk with notebook and typewriter -- What Is Creative Writing

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

Short stories
Screenplays
Flash fiction
Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Recommended Tools	Learn More
Jasper AI
Show Not Tell GPT
Dragon Professional Speech Dictation and Voice Recognition
Surface Laptop
Bluehost
Sqribble (eBook maker)

What are Writing Centers in College?

College Board

October 9, 2023

For some college classes, students will need to write need to write papers that run more than 20 pages. Other classes will only require students to write 1-2 page assignments. Regardless of the courses taken, all college students will need to write in school, and that writing is necessary to be successful in college .

Most colleges help students improve their writing by providing writing centers.

What is a writing center?

A writing center provides tutoring and resources to help students with their writing projects.

When should you go to a writing center?

The best time for students to use a writing center is when they need help with an assignment. Many students go to writing centers for help developing writing ideas, structuring their papers, or proofreading their drafts.

Students find many benefits in their school’s writing center. Some of those benefits include:

Personalized instruction on how to improve their writing
Assignments being reviewed by others
Receiving constructive edits on their work
Brainstorming can help strengthen students’ arguments in their writing

How to get the most out of a writing center.

In order to get the most out of using your school’s writing center, here’s a few tips on how to prepare for the visit.

Have your draft ready
Explain the assignment to the tutor
Prepare for honest edits to your work
Make a list of a few questions to ask the person reviewing your work

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10 Writing Center Ideas We Love

Creative writing choices to spark their imaginations.

Make writing time the best time of day with these 10 great writing center ideas we found across the blogosphere!

1. Use dice to create original stories.

SOURCE: WhereTheWIldThingsLearn

Determine the story’s setting, main character, and plot with a roll of the dice. Click on the image for a free downloadable or create your own using the same format.

2. Fill story bags with everyday items in odd combinations to spark their creativity.

SOURCE: Creative Teaching Ideas by Kayla

A pink eraser, a bouncy ball, and a map of Germany … what’s the story? Help your students stretch their imagination with these story bags.

3. Create stencils with key words to get your writers started.

SOURCE: Mrs. Winter’s Bliss

These delightful picture prompts give your students an image to start with and words that a writer would use to create a story about that picture. Download the spring bundle from Mrs. WInter’s Bliss here .

4. Build a deck of story cards.

SOURCE: Teacher Gems

Pick a card, any card! You can buy a prepared set of story cards, like the one above, or create your own with colored card stock (one color for each category—setting, character, and event) and a Sharpie.

5. Play twister with a memory.

SOURCE: The Thinker Builder

Students begin with a real memory but then choose a point in their story to “twist” the events into a fictional story. This freebie includes all the printables, instructions, and ideas you’ll need to keep it fresh.

6. Brainstorm with emojis.

SOURCE: The Teachy Teacher

“Roll” with the trends and use emojis to spark your young writers’ process. Kids will love figuring out the stories behind these familiar pictures.

7. Use these free templates to create graphic stories.

SOURCE: The Maven

For some reason, writing doesn’t feel like as much work when it is in comic book form. This freebie, with its adorable thought bubbles, is a fun way for your students to tell tales in a super creative way.

8. Create this cool bio poem.

SOURCE: Proud to Be Primary

Students will brainstorm words that describe who they are, what they like, and what is important to them. They’ll use those words to create a bio poem, using this cute foldable to create their final presentation.

9. Set up a classroom post office.

SOURCE: Busy Teacher

Get your students jazzed about writing by setting up a post office in the classroom. Include cool stationery, pre-lined postcards, and card stock foldables for your students to compose letters to one another.

10. Provide an ample supply of fresh writing prompts.

SOURCE: Can Teach

Writing prompts are the tried and true standby for inspiring writers. Make sure your collection includes lots intriguing questions and curious scenarios. Put ideas on slips of paper and store them in a large jar. Kids will feel like they’re picking a treat from the treasure chest.

What are your favorite writing center ideas? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, 7 Fun Ideas for Writing and Publishing Student Poetry .

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How To Use Your College’s Online Writing Center

Updated: Jul 2, 2024, 5:41am

How To Use Your College’s Online Writing Center

Key Takeaways

Writing centers can assist students with academic writing in all subjects, as well as with professional writing such as cover letters and résumés.
Any student can use their school’s writing center, regardless of major.
Writing center tutors can offer improvement suggestions, but they won’t edit or proofread your writing for you.
Writing center appointments typically last about 20 minutes to an hour and can take place in person or online.
To get the most out of your writing center tutoring appointment, come prepared with ideas and questions and make sure your tutor understands the assignment details.

If you’re a student at a college or university that has a writing center, you have a valuable resource at your fingertips. Writing skills can benefit you throughout your life, no matter what career path you choose.

Consider visiting your school’s writing center whenever you need assistance with writing projects, from term papers to résumé updates. In this article, we’ll introduce you to everything you need to know about your school’s writing center and how it can help you become a better writer.

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What Are University Writing Centers?

University writing centers employ tutors who provide feedback on their peers’ writing. Writing centers offer generalized writing support and are not set up to provide editing or proofreading services.

Writing centers can assist with any type of writing, regardless of type and subject matter. You can visit your writing center at any point in the writing process as well. For example, you can schedule a consultation to brainstorm ideas for a writing assignment before you’ve written anything at all. You might also visit the center just before the assignment’s due date to discuss your final draft.

The most recent National Census of Writing , released in 2017, showed that 100% of participating four-year higher education institutions operated writing centers. Most writing centers offered services beyond assistance with academic papers, including help with grad school and job applications, oral and multimodal presentations, and online research.

Who Can Use the Writing Center?

Your university’s writing center is available to all students at your school, regardless of their enrollment status, their major or the type of writing task at hand. It’s a misconception that writing centers are only for aspiring writers or English majors; likewise, it’s a misconception that if English isn’t your first language, you won’t be able to seek help at a writing center.

How Do Writing Center Sessions Work?

Every writing center functions differently, but they all aim to help students become better writers.

Some schools require you to make an appointment to visit the writing center. Others accept drop-ins. Harvard’s writing center, for example, offers both: You can schedule an appointment if you don’t want to run the risk of having to wait for a writing tutor, or you can simply drop by at your convenience. Sessions can run from 20 minutes to an hour.

Are Writing Centers Available Online?

Many writing centers offer online services. Using Harvard as an example again, writing center clients can complete their consultations over Zoom. The Indiana University of Pennsylvania even offers asynchronous online tutoring, which does not involve a live consultation with a tutor. Instead, the tutor and client work on the same document online.

What to Expect From Your Writing Center Session

Before we discuss what to expect from your school’s writing center, we’ll outline what you won’t experience there. A university writing center isn’t a place of punishment for poor writers. It also isn’t a drop-off editing service or a place where tutors will write your papers for you.

Writing centers offer clients free assistance with their writing assignments with a broader goal of helping students build strong, lasting writing skills.

Below, we’ll discuss a few tips for maximizing the success of your visit to your school’s writing center.

Ask Lots of Questions

Whether you’ve drafted your entire paper, you only have a rough outline or you aren’t sure what you want to write at all, come prepared with questions for your tutor and some issues you want to tackle. If you’re working on a particular assignment, make sure to give your tutor a sense of the assignment’s instructions so they can properly advise you.

Collaborate With Your Peer Tutor

A writing center session is a collaborative process that inspires you to come up with new ideas and approach your writing assignments with a fresh perspective. Come prepared to work with your tutor, rather than taking a backseat while they drive the process.

Brainstorm for Writing Assignments

You might have an upcoming term paper or essay due, but you can’t figure out which angle to take. Or maybe you’ve written half of a creative writing assignment, but your plot has become unfocused. Your writing center tutor can help you brainstorm new ideas and come up with a writing plan that helps you reach the finish line.

Read Through and Discuss Your Draft

If you’ve got a draft in hand, your writing center tutor can look it over and make suggestions for improvements. Writing center tutors commonly ask clients to read their own work out loud; this helps to catch mistakes and odd phrasing. (That said, you never have to read your writing out loud if you aren’t comfortable doing so.)

Do Not Expect Your Tutor to Edit or Proofread

As previously mentioned, a writing center isn’t a university-provided editing service. While writing center tutors will certainly make suggestions and help you identify improvement areas, it’s up to you to take action and implement changes. Think about a writing center tutor like a coach: They do not play the game for you, but they can help you play the game the best you can.

Writing Center Benefits

Create a comfortable tutoring environment.

Since all writing center tutoring is peer to peer, student writers can feel more comfortable seeking help in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Your tutor is not an authority figure.

Coach Students Through the Writing Process

Writing centers can help with the entire writing process, from brainstorming to outline creation to polishing the final draft. This can help you save time on assignments by ensuring you’re on the right path from beginning to end.

Help Build Strong Writing Skills for the Long Term

University writing centers take a “teach-a-man-to-fish” approach with the goal of shaping clients into better writers. The skills you learn at a writing center can apply in many facets of your life even after you graduate and enter the workforce.

Online Writing Labs (OWLs) for Everyone

If your school doesn’t have a writing center or you are unable to attend tutoring sessions, check out these fantastic resources. The below online writing labs offer free writing services for anyone who needs them.

Purdue OWL®

One of the best-known online writing centers, Purdue OWL offers video- and print-based writing resources and instructional material for students everywhere. Whether you want assistance with grammar basics or you need help putting together a resume, Purdue OWL can help.

Excelsior OWL

Excelsior OWL offers a comprehensive suite of online writing topics. Information is presented in article format and is concise, easy to use and helpful. Topics covered include avoiding plagiarism, rhetorical styles and citation guides.

Writing@CSU

Colorado State University’s online writing hub allows anyone to get feedback on their writing. Writing@CSU includes a university writing center, which serves all writers; CSU Writes, which serves academic writers and professional researchers; and a host of resources for writing tips and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online College Writing Resources

What is a writing center in college.

A writing center is a physical—and often virtual—space where college students can receive help with writing class assignments, from brainstorming to research, composition and editing. Writing center tutors also assist learners with grad school and professional applications, presentations and more.

What are the benefits of writing centers in college?

Writing centers provide collaborative, peer-to-peer support for students who want to become better writers, researchers and communicators. Using your school’s writing center can help you improve your grammar, sentence structure, organization and understanding of your audience, which can boost your grades, help lower your stress and improve your self-confidence.

What degree has the most writing?

Degrees in the humanities and social sciences are often among the most writing-heavy. However, strong written communication skills can benefit students in all majors.

What should you major in if you want to be a writer?

Many students planning careers in writing major in subjects such as English, journalism or communications. However, it depends on what type of writing you hope to pursue. For example, an aspiring technical writer might choose a degree in the field they want to write about, such as computer science or health sciences, and learners who plan to use their writing skills in a business context might choose a marketing or public relations major.

How can you be a better writer in college?

One of the best ways to improve your writing in college is to get a fresh outside opinion. You can ask a friend for help—or better yet, use your school’s writing center to receive support from trained tutors—for free.

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Christin Perry is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets, including WeddingWire, The Knot, Parents and Verywell Family. When she's not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening and hanging out with her husband and four young kids. She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets.

14 Types of Creative Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Apr 6, 2021 | Creative Writing | 20 comments

Which types of creative writing have you tried?

When we talk about creative writing, fiction and poetry often take the spotlight, but there are many other types of creative writing that we can explore.

Most writers develop a preference for one form (and genre) above all others. This can be a good thing, because you can specialize in your form and genre and become quite proficient. However, occasionally working with other types of writing is beneficial. It prevents your work from becoming stale and overladen with form- or genre-specific clichés, and it’s a good way to acquire a variety of techniques that are uncommon in your preferred form and genre but that can be used to enhance it.

Let’s look at some different types of creative writing. As you read through the list, note the types of writing you’ve experimented with and the types you’d like to try.

Types of Creative Writing

Free writing: Open a notebook or an electronic document and just start writing. Allow strange words and images to find their way to the page. Anything goes! Also called stream-of-consciousness writing, free writing is the pinnacle of creative writing.

Journals: A journal is any written log. You could keep a gratitude journal, a memory journal, a dream journal, or a goals journal. Many writers keep idea journals or all-purpose omni-journals that can be used for everything from daily free writes to brainstorming and project planning.

Diaries: A diary is a type of journal in which you write about your daily life. Some diaries are written in letter format (“Dear Diary…”). If you ever want to write a memoir, then it’s a good idea to start keeping a diary.

Letters: Because the ability to communicate effectively is increasingly valuable, letter writing is a useful skill. There is a long tradition of publishing letters, so take extra care with those emails you’re shooting off to friends, family, and business associates. Hot tip: one way to get published if you don’t have a lot of clips and credits is to write letters to the editor of a news publication.

Memoir: A genre of creative nonfiction , memoirs are books that contain personal accounts (or stories) that focus on specific experiences. For example, one might write a travel memoir.

Essays. Essays are often associated with academic writing, but there are many types of essays, including personal essays, descriptive essays, and persuasive essays, all of which can be quite creative (and not especially academic).

Journalism: Some forms of journalism are more creative than others. Traditionally, journalism was objective reporting on facts, people, and events. Today, journalists often infuse their writing with opinion and storytelling to make their pieces more compelling or convincing.

Poetry: Poetry is a popular but under-appreciated type of writing, and it’s easily the most artistic form of writing. You can write form poetry, free-form poetry, and prose poetry.

Song Lyrics: Song lyrics combine the craft of writing with the artistry of music. Composing lyrics is similar to writing poetry, and this is an ideal type of writing for anyone who can play a musical instrument.

Scripts: Hit the screen or the stage by writing scripts for film, television, theater, or video games. Beware: film is a director’s medium, not a writer’s medium, but movies have the potential to reach a non-reading audience.

Storytelling: Storytelling is the most popular form of creative writing and is found in the realms of both fiction and nonfiction writing. Popular forms of fiction include flash fiction, short stories, novellas, and full-length novels; and there are tons of genres to choose from. True stories, which are usually firsthand or secondhand accounts of real people and events, can be found in essays, diaries, memoirs, speeches, and more. Storytelling is a tremendously valuable skill, as it can be found in all other forms of writing, from poetry to speech writing.

Speeches: Whether persuasive, inspirational, or informative, speech writing can lead to interesting career opportunities in almost any field or industry. Also, speech-writing skills will come in handy if you’re ever asked to write and deliver a speech at an important event, such as a graduation, wedding, or award ceremony.

Vignettes: A vignette is defined as “a brief evocative description, account, or episode.” Vignettes can be poems, stories, descriptions, personal accounts…anything goes really. The key is that a vignette is extremely short — just a quick snippet.

Honorable Mention: Blogs. A blog is not a type of writing; it’s a publishing platform — a piece of technology that displays web-based content on an electronic device. A blog can be used to publish any type of writing. Most blogs feature articles and essays, but you can also find blogs that contain diaries or journals, poetry, fiction, journalism, and more.

Which of these types of creative writing have you tried? Are there any forms of writing on this list that you’d like to experiment with? Can you think of any other types of creative writing to add to this list? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing.

Ready Set Write a Guide to Creative Writing

20 Comments

What is “flash” writing or stories.

Flash fiction refers to super short stories, a few hundred words or fewer.

its very helpful especially to those students like me who wasn’t capable or good in doing a creative writing

I’m glad you found this post helpful, Elena.

I also found this to be very helpful, especially because I don’t do very well at writing.

Thanks for letting me know you found this helpful. Like anything else, writing improves with practice.

Thank you Melissa. It’s very helpful!

You’re welcome!

Over all good list. Yes blogs can be publishing platforms but only if something is written first. I read what you wrote on a blog.

Thanks a lot Good job

Are these types of creaitve writing the same or different if I need to teach children’s creative writing? Can you recommend a website to teach these?

Hi Marie. Thanks for your question. I’ve come across many websites for teaching children’s creative writing. I recommend a search on Google, which will lead you to a ton of resources.

these are very helpful when it comes to getting in college or essays or just to improve my writing

Thanks, Donte. I’m glad you found this helpful.

Free writing really helps me get going. For some reason my prose are much better when I am not beholden to an overall plot or narrative with specific defined characters. I like to free writer “excerpts” on theprose.com. It allows me to practice writing and receive feedback at the same time. I am also trying to blog about writing my first novel, both for writing practice and to keep myself accountable. It really helps!

I feel the same way. Free writing is always a fun and creative experience for me.

Was trying to give an inservice on writing skills and the different types of writing.

Your wok here really helped. Thanks.

You’re welcome.

Hi, Melissa can you assist me ? I’m trying to improve my writing skills as quickly as possible. Plz send me some more tips and trick to improve my writing and communication skills.

You are welcome to peruse this website, which is packed with tips for improving your writing. I’d recommend focusing on the categories Better Writing and Writing Tips for writing improvement. You can also subscribe to get new articles send directly to your email. Thanks!

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Last updated on Feb 14, 2023

10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You’ll Love)

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Savannah Cordova

Savannah is a senior editor with Reedsy and a published writer whose work has appeared on Slate, Kirkus, and BookTrib. Her short fiction has appeared in the Owl Canyon Press anthology, "No Bars and a Dead Battery".

About Rebecca van Laer

Rebecca van Laer is a writer, editor, and the author of two books, including the novella How to Adjust to the Dark. Her work has been featured in literary magazines such as AGNI, Breadcrumbs, and TriQuarterly.

A lot falls under the term ‘creative writing’: poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is , it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

To that end, we’ve collected a non-exhaustive list of works across multiple formats that have inspired the writers here at Reedsy. With 20 different works to explore, we hope they will inspire you, too.

People have been writing creatively for almost as long as we have been able to hold pens. Just think of long-form epic poems like The Odyssey or, later, the Cantar de Mio Cid — some of the earliest recorded writings of their kind.

Poetry is also a great place to start if you want to dip your own pen into the inkwell of creative writing. It can be as short or long as you want (you don’t have to write an epic of Homeric proportions), encourages you to build your observation skills, and often speaks from a single point of view .

Here are a few examples:

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

The ruins of pillars and walls with the broken statue of a man in the center set against a bright blue sky.

This classic poem by Romantic poet Percy Shelley (also known as Mary Shelley’s husband) is all about legacy. What do we leave behind? How will we be remembered? The great king Ozymandias built himself a massive statue, proclaiming his might, but the irony is that his statue doesn’t survive the ravages of time. By framing this poem as told to him by a “traveller from an antique land,” Shelley effectively turns this into a story. Along with the careful use of juxtaposition to create irony, this poem accomplishes a lot in just a few lines.

“Trying to Raise the Dead” by Dorianne Laux

A direction. An object. My love, it needs a place to rest. Say anything. I’m listening. I’m ready to believe. Even lies, I don’t care.

Poetry is cherished for its ability to evoke strong emotions from the reader using very few words which is exactly what Dorianne Laux does in “ Trying to Raise the Dead .” With vivid imagery that underscores the painful yearning of the narrator, she transports us to a private nighttime scene as the narrator sneaks away from a party to pray to someone they’ve lost. We ache for their loss and how badly they want their lost loved one to acknowledge them in some way. It’s truly a masterclass on how writing can be used to portray emotions.

If you find yourself inspired to try out some poetry — and maybe even get it published — check out these poetry layouts that can elevate your verse!

Song Lyrics

Poetry’s closely related cousin, song lyrics are another great way to flex your creative writing muscles. You not only have to find the perfect rhyme scheme but also match it to the rhythm of the music. This can be a great challenge for an experienced poet or the musically inclined.

To see how music can add something extra to your poetry, check out these two examples:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well, really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Metaphors are commonplace in almost every kind of creative writing, but will often take center stage in shorter works like poetry and songs. At the slightest mention, they invite the listener to bring their emotional or cultural experience to the piece, allowing the writer to express more with fewer words while also giving it a deeper meaning. If a whole song is couched in metaphor, you might even be able to find multiple meanings to it, like in Leonard Cohen’s “ Hallelujah .” While Cohen’s Biblical references create a song that, on the surface, seems like it’s about a struggle with religion, the ambiguity of the lyrics has allowed it to be seen as a song about a complicated romantic relationship.

“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

You can think of song lyrics as poetry set to music. They manage to do many of the same things their literary counterparts do — including tugging on your heartstrings. Death Cab for Cutie’s incredibly popular indie rock ballad is about the singer’s deep devotion to his lover. While some might find the song a bit too dark and macabre, its melancholy tune and poignant lyrics remind us that love can endure beyond death.

Plays and Screenplays

From the short form of poetry, we move into the world of drama — also known as the play. This form is as old as the poem, stretching back to the works of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles, who adapted the myths of their day into dramatic form. The stage play (and the more modern screenplay) gives the words on the page a literal human voice, bringing life to a story and its characters entirely through dialogue.

Interested to see what that looks like? Take a look at these examples:

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.”

Arthur Miller acts as a bridge between the classic and the new, creating 20th century tragedies that take place in living rooms and backyard instead of royal courts, so we had to include his breakout hit on this list. Set in the backyard of an all-American family in the summer of 1946, this tragedy manages to communicate family tensions in an unimaginable scale, building up to an intense climax reminiscent of classical drama.

💡 Read more about Arthur Miller and classical influences in our breakdown of Freytag’s pyramid .

“Everything is Fine” by Michael Schur ( The Good Place )

“Well, then this system sucks. What...one in a million gets to live in paradise and everyone else is tortured for eternity? Come on! I mean, I wasn't freaking Gandhi, but I was okay. I was a medium person. I should get to spend eternity in a medium place! Like Cincinnati. Everyone who wasn't perfect but wasn't terrible should get to spend eternity in Cincinnati.”

A screenplay, especially a TV pilot, is like a mini-play, but with the extra job of convincing an audience that they want to watch a hundred more episodes of the show. Blending moral philosophy with comedy, The Good Place is a fun hang-out show set in the afterlife that asks some big questions about what it means to be good.

It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, an incredibly imperfect woman from Arizona who wakes up in ‘The Good Place’ and realizes that there’s been a cosmic mixup. Determined not to lose her place in paradise, she recruits her “soulmate,” a former ethics professor, to teach her philosophy with the hope that she can learn to be a good person and keep up her charade of being an upstanding citizen. The pilot does a superb job of setting up the stakes, the story, and the characters, while smuggling in deep philosophical ideas.

Personal essays

Our first foray into nonfiction on this list is the personal essay. As its name suggests, these stories are in some way autobiographical — concerned with the author’s life and experiences. But don’t be fooled by the realistic component. These essays can take any shape or form, from comics to diary entries to recipes and anything else you can imagine. Typically zeroing in on a single issue, they allow you to explore your life and prove that the personal can be universal.

Here are a couple of fantastic examples:

“On Selling Your First Novel After 11 Years” by Min Jin Lee (Literary Hub)

There was so much to learn and practice, but I began to see the prose in verse and the verse in prose. Patterns surfaced in poems, stories, and plays. There was music in sentences and paragraphs. I could hear the silences in a sentence. All this schooling was like getting x-ray vision and animal-like hearing.

This deeply honest personal essay by Pachinko author Min Jin Lee is an account of her eleven-year struggle to publish her first novel . Like all good writing, it is intensely focused on personal emotional details. While grounded in the specifics of the author's personal journey, it embodies an experience that is absolutely universal: that of difficulty and adversity met by eventual success.

“A Cyclist on the English Landscape” by Roff Smith (New York Times)

These images, though, aren’t meant to be about me. They’re meant to represent a cyclist on the landscape, anybody — you, perhaps.

Roff Smith’s gorgeous photo essay for the NYT is a testament to the power of creatively combining visuals with text. Here, photographs of Smith atop a bike are far from simply ornamental. They’re integral to the ruminative mood of the essay, as essential as the writing. Though Smith places his work at the crosscurrents of various aesthetic influences (such as the painter Edward Hopper), what stands out the most in this taciturn, thoughtful piece of writing is his use of the second person to address the reader directly. Suddenly, the writer steps out of the body of the essay and makes eye contact with the reader. The reader is now part of the story as a second character, finally entering the picture.

Short Fiction

The short story is the happy medium of fiction writing. These bite-sized narratives can be devoured in a single sitting and still leave you reeling. Sometimes viewed as a stepping stone to novel writing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Short story writing is an art all its own. The limited length means every word counts and there’s no better way to see that than with these two examples:

“An MFA Story” by Paul Dalla Rosa (Electric Literature)

At Starbucks, I remembered a reading Zhen had given, a reading organized by the program’s faculty. I had not wanted to go but did. In the bar, he read, "I wrote this in a Starbucks in Shanghai. On the bank of the Huangpu." It wasn’t an aside or introduction. It was two lines of the poem. I was in a Starbucks and I wasn’t writing any poems. I wasn’t writing anything.

Creative Writing Examples | Photograph of New York City street.

This short story is a delightfully metafictional tale about the struggles of being a writer in New York. From paying the bills to facing criticism in a writing workshop and envying more productive writers, Paul Dalla Rosa’s story is a clever satire of the tribulations involved in the writing profession, and all the contradictions embodied by systemic creativity (as famously laid out in Mark McGurl’s The Program Era ). What’s more, this story is an excellent example of something that often happens in creative writing: a writer casting light on the private thoughts or moments of doubt we don’t admit to or openly talk about.

“Flowering Walrus” by Scott Skinner (Reedsy)

I tell him they’d been there a month at least, and he looks concerned. He has my tongue on a tissue paper and is gripping its sides with his pointer and thumb. My tongue has never spent much time outside of my mouth, and I imagine it as a walrus basking in the rays of the dental light. My walrus is not well.

A winner of Reedsy’s weekly Prompts writing contest, ‘ Flowering Walrus ’ is a story that balances the trivial and the serious well. In the pauses between its excellent, natural dialogue , the story manages to scatter the fear and sadness of bad medical news, as the protagonist hides his worries from his wife and daughter. Rich in subtext, these silences grow and resonate with the readers.

Want to give short story writing a go? Give our free course a go!

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How to Craft a Killer Short Story

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Perhaps the thing that first comes to mind when talking about creative writing, novels are a form of fiction that many people know and love but writers sometimes find intimidating. The good news is that novels are nothing but one word put after another, like any other piece of writing, but expanded and put into a flowing narrative. Piece of cake, right?

To get an idea of the format’s breadth of scope, take a look at these two (very different) satirical novels:

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age, or nationality — all simply store workers.

Creative Writing Examples | Book cover of Convenience Store Woman

Keiko, a thirty-six-year-old convenience store employee, finds comfort and happiness in the strict, uneventful routine of the shop’s daily operations. A funny, satirical, but simultaneously unnerving examination of the social structures we take for granted, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman is deeply original and lingers with the reader long after they’ve put it down.

Erasure by Percival Everett

The hard, gritty truth of the matter is that I hardly ever think about race. Those times when I did think about it a lot I did so because of my guilt for not thinking about it.

Erasure is a truly accomplished satire of the publishing industry’s tendency to essentialize African American authors and their writing. Everett’s protagonist is a writer whose work doesn’t fit with what publishers expect from him — work that describes the “African American experience” — so he writes a parody novel about life in the ghetto. The publishers go crazy for it and, to the protagonist’s horror, it becomes the next big thing. This sophisticated novel is both ironic and tender, leaving its readers with much food for thought.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is pretty broad: it applies to anything that does not claim to be fictional (although the rise of autofiction has definitely blurred the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction). It encompasses everything from personal essays and memoirs to humor writing, and they range in length from blog posts to full-length books. The defining characteristic of this massive genre is that it takes the world or the author’s experience and turns it into a narrative that a reader can follow along with.

Here, we want to focus on novel-length works that dig deep into their respective topics. While very different, these two examples truly show the breadth and depth of possibility of creative nonfiction:

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Men’s bodies litter my family history. The pain of the women they left behind pulls them from the beyond, makes them appear as ghosts. In death, they transcend the circumstances of this place that I love and hate all at once and become supernatural.

Writer Jesmyn Ward recounts the deaths of five men from her rural Mississippi community in as many years. In her award-winning memoir , she delves into the lives of the friends and family she lost and tries to find some sense among the tragedy. Working backwards across five years, she questions why this had to happen over and over again, and slowly unveils the long history of racism and poverty that rules rural Black communities. Moving and emotionally raw, Men We Reaped is an indictment of a cruel system and the story of a woman's grief and rage as she tries to navigate it.

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

He believed that wine could reshape someone’s life. That’s why he preferred buying bottles to splurging on sweaters. Sweaters were things. Bottles of wine, said Morgan, “are ways that my humanity will be changed.”

In this work of immersive journalism , Bianca Bosker leaves behind her life as a tech journalist to explore the world of wine. Becoming a “cork dork” takes her everywhere from New York’s most refined restaurants to science labs while she learns what it takes to be a sommelier and a true wine obsessive. This funny and entertaining trip through the past and present of wine-making and tasting is sure to leave you better informed and wishing you, too, could leave your life behind for one devoted to wine.

Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)

Once relegated to the “funny pages”, the past forty years of comics history have proven it to be a serious medium. Comics have transformed from the early days of Jack Kirby’s superheroes into a medium where almost every genre is represented. Humorous one-shots in the Sunday papers stand alongside illustrated memoirs, horror, fantasy, and just about anything else you can imagine. This type of visual storytelling lets the writer and artist get creative with perspective, tone, and so much more. For two very different, though equally entertaining, examples, check these out:

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure."

A Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. A little blond boy Calvin makes multiple silly faces in school photos. In the last panel, his father says, "That's our son. *Sigh*" His mother then says, "The pictures will remind of more than we want to remember."

This beloved comic strip follows Calvin, a rambunctious six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger/imaginary friend, Hobbes. They get into all kinds of hijinks at school and at home, and muse on the world in the way only a six-year-old and an anthropomorphic tiger can. As laugh-out-loud funny as it is, Calvin & Hobbes ’ popularity persists as much for its whimsy as its use of humor to comment on life, childhood, adulthood, and everything in between.

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell

"I shall tell you where we are. We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell."

Comics aren't just the realm of superheroes and one-joke strips, as Alan Moore proves in this serialized graphic novel released between 1989 and 1998. A meticulously researched alternative history of Victorian London’s Ripper killings, this macabre story pulls no punches. Fact and fiction blend into a world where the Royal Family is involved in a dark conspiracy and Freemasons lurk on the sidelines. It’s a surreal mad-cap adventure that’s unsettling in the best way possible.

Video Games and RPGs

Probably the least expected entry on this list, we thought that video games and RPGs also deserved a mention — and some well-earned recognition for the intricate storytelling that goes into creating them.

Essentially gamified adventure stories, without attention to plot, characters, and a narrative arc, these games would lose a lot of their charm, so let’s look at two examples where the creative writing really shines through:

80 Days by inkle studios

"It was a triumph of invention over nature, and will almost certainly disappear into the dust once more in the next fifty years."

Named Time Magazine ’s game of the year in 2014, this narrative adventure is based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The player is cast as the novel’s narrator, Passpartout, and tasked with circumnavigating the globe in service of their employer, Phileas Fogg. Set in an alternate steampunk Victorian era, the game uses its globe-trotting to comment on the colonialist fantasies inherent in the original novel and its time period. On a storytelling level, the choose-your-own-adventure style means no two players’ journeys will be the same. This innovative approach to a classic novel shows the potential of video games as a storytelling medium, truly making the player part of the story.

What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow

"If we lived forever, maybe we'd have time to understand things. But as it is, I think the best we can do is try to open our eyes, and appreciate how strange and brief all of this is."

This video game casts the player as 17-year-old Edith Finch. Returning to her family’s home on an island in the Pacific northwest, Edith explores the vast house and tries to figure out why she’s the only one of her family left alive. The story of each family member is revealed as you make your way through the house, slowly unpacking the tragic fate of the Finches. Eerie and immersive, this first-person exploration game uses the medium to tell a series of truly unique tales.

Fun and breezy on the surface, humor is often recognized as one of the trickiest forms of creative writing. After all, while you can see the artistic value in a piece of prose that you don’t necessarily enjoy, if a joke isn’t funny, you could say that it’s objectively failed.

With that said, it’s far from an impossible task, and many have succeeded in bringing smiles to their readers’ faces through their writing. Here are two examples:

‘How You Hope Your Extended Family Will React When You Explain Your Job to Them’ by Mike Lacher (McSweeney’s Internet Tendency)

“Is it true you don’t have desks?” your grandmother will ask. You will nod again and crack open a can of Country Time Lemonade. “My stars,” she will say, “it must be so wonderful to not have a traditional office and instead share a bistro-esque coworking space.”

An open plan office seen from a bird's eye view. There are multiple strands of Edison lights hanging from the ceiling. At long light wooden tables multiple people sit working at computers, many of them wearing headphones.

Satire and parody make up a whole subgenre of creative writing, and websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion consistently hit the mark with their parodies of magazine publishing and news media. This particular example finds humor in the divide between traditional family expectations and contemporary, ‘trendy’ work cultures. Playing on the inherent silliness of today’s tech-forward middle-class jobs, this witty piece imagines a scenario where the writer’s family fully understands what they do — and are enthralled to hear more. “‘Now is it true,’ your uncle will whisper, ‘that you’ve got a potential investment from one of the founders of I Can Haz Cheezburger?’”

‘Not a Foodie’ by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell (Electric Literature)

I’m not a foodie, I never have been, and I know, in my heart, I never will be.

Highlighting what she sees as an unbearable social obsession with food , in this comic Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell takes a hilarious stand against the importance of food. From the writer’s courageous thesis (“I think there are more exciting things to talk about, and focus on in life, than what’s for dinner”) to the amusing appearance of family members and the narrator’s partner, ‘Not a Foodie’ demonstrates that even a seemingly mundane pet peeve can be approached creatively — and even reveal something profound about life.

We hope this list inspires you with your own writing. If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be that there is no limit to what you can write about or how you can write about it.

In the next part of this guide, we'll drill down into the fascinating world of creative nonfiction.

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Cornell Writing Centers

The CWC provides support for individuals at any stage of the writing process. It is a free resource available to all of Cornell—undergraduate students, pre-freshman and high schoolers in summer programs, graduate students, staff, faculty, and alumni—for nearly any kind of writing project: applications, presentations, lab reports, essays, papers, and more. Tutors ( highly trained undergraduate students ) serve as responsive listeners and readers who can address questions about the writing process or about particular pieces of writing. They will ask questions that foster critical thinking about your writing, and they will also consider questions of confidence, reading, analytic thought, imagination, and research. All tutors have training in supporting multilingual writers, working with writers remotely online, and in supporting writers working on application materials.

Make an Appointment

For fall 2024, the Cornell Writing Centers will start tutoring on Monday, September 9. The CWC offers both appointment-based sessions and walk-ins at five locations (Rockefeller 178, Mann Library Consultation Area, 108 Uris Library, 403 Olin library, and B06 Ruth Bader Ginsburg). Writers will need to register for accounts and make appointments on our scheduling platform for all online appointments.

Make an appointment

Tutoring Schedule

Fall 2024 semester schedule .

First Day of Tutoring	Monday, September 9
No Tutoring: Fall Break	Friday, October 11—Tuesday, October 15
No Tutoring: Thanksgiving Break	Friday, November 22—Sunday, December 1
Last Day of Regular Tutoring	Monday, December 9
Limited Exams Tutoring	3:00-5:00pm December 10-13, only in-person in Rockefeller 178

Fall 2024 Location Schedule

Sundays—Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm

108 Uris Library
403 Olin Library
B06 Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Online Shifts, via WC Online

Mondays—Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm

Mann Library Consultation Area
178 Rockefeller Hall

On a wooden table, there is a blank lined notebook, a pen, two crumpled up balls of paper, a black coffee, and a pair of glasses. On the left side, there is a black panel with white text that says "Hiring Writing Tutors."

Wanted: Writing Tutors!

"Come Write with Us" is in a big white font on the bottom of the image, overtop of a blue and purple galaxy picture. In the center, there is a number of yellow pencils that swirl inward, getting smaller and further away.

Why Visit the Cornell Writing Centers?

graduating tutors wishing you a good summer

Writing Centers: Celebrating Graduating Tutors

Commitment to combatting linguistic injustice.

The CWC recognizes and values the rich diversity of writers at Cornell, who come from different educational, national, racial, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds with varying ways of thinking and being in the world. The CWC further acknowledges the racialized ways languages (and their users) are hierarchized based on white linguistic norms. To combat linguistic injustice, our tutors receive ongoing pedagogical training on how to ask questions and provide feedback that encourages writers to value and use their own languages and voices in ways that honor linguistic differences, seek growth in writing and thinking, and advocate for their right to their language. We are committed to respecting each writer as a whole person who has agency over their writing and language choices.

Writing Center Policies

The Cornell Writing Centers are generally flexible in our work with writers, but the following guidelines may help you to better understand how we function as well as some of our limitations.

Tutoring Times

Writers can only make a 60-minute appointment using our online scheduler, WC Online. We recognize that 60-minutes may seem like too much time and/or may be overwhelming. However, this requirement is to protect both your scheduled appointment time (for example, in cases where figuring out technology or wifi issues may take up 10-minutes in the beginning of the session) and to protect our tutors from fatigue. Further, the length of the actual session will be determined by what you bring to work on with the tutor (that is, you do not need to use the entire allotted hour appointment).

Writers are encouraged to only bring 4-6 pages of writing at a time. If you bring a longer piece of writing, we would strongly encourage you to have a smaller section that you'd like to work on. We believe that tutoring is best when the writer and tutor are working together to think through smaller sections.

Appointment Limitations

Generally, writers can only make two appointments per week through our online scheduling system, WC Online. Our goal is to help you understand how your piece of writing works and how you can revise it and grow as a writer. Growing as a writer involves reading and revising your writing on your own as well as working with a tutor; thus, we hope that the maximum of two appointments per week will encourage further time reading and thinking about your writing on your own. Further, we are a limited resource and want to ensure as many people as possible can make appointments.

We encourage writers to work with multiple tutors, rather than only making appointments with the same tutor for every session. We believe that getting multiple perspectives on your writing will prove more useful.

We encourage writers to cancel WC Online appointments no less than 8 hours before the scheduled appointment. Canceling your appointment, when necessary, is a courtesy both to the tutor and to other writers who may wish to make an appointment at that time. If you miss three appointments (without canceling them), your WC Online account will be automatically disabled.

Tutoring Pedagogy

Our tutors are trained to create a collaborative tutoring experience that is interactive and conversational. They will ask you questions about your larger argument and purpose in writing, how you're using evidence and analyzing, and how you're understanding particular vocabulary or language choices. We believe that writers learn about writing through both doing the work (writing, revising) and through talking about their writing and noticing the effect of certain choices. Thus, to get the most out of a tutoring session, we hope that you will come prepared to have a rich and engaging conversation about your writing!

Tutor Agency

The CWC also honors each tutor's agency to make decisions that represent a negotiation of what is best for both the tutor and the writer. This policy acknowledges that both tutors and writers are complex humans with varying needs when it comes to reading, writing, and communicating. That means, your tutor may ask you to print out your essay because that's how they read best, or a tutor may be willing to work with you for an extra half hour or they may need to be done immediately when their tutoring shift is done. Tutors, like writers, have individual reading and tutoring preferences as well as varying comfort levels with different types of situations--we encourage them, like you, to make purposeful decisions that all parties are comfortable with. While this policy does result in a variety of different practices and approaches to different situations, we hope that you'll respect each tutor's requests and sense of what they need, as they will also respect your choices about what you need.

WC Online Scheduling System

We use WC Online ( https://cornell.mywconline.net/ ) for scheduling appointments and keeping track of the number of appointments we have each semester. If you came to the Writing Centers without an appointment, it is likely a tutor created a WC Online account for you in order to track the appointment. If you are trying to login to WC Online and can’t, simply use your Cornell email address and click on “Reset your password.” The “Reset your password” link is right below the login button.

Proof of Appointments

Generally, we do not support tutors (who are peers) providing teachers with proof of an appointment. Since we believe that peers are equals and tutors do not have power over their peers, tutors should not be asked to sign or authorize any documents that prove writers attended a session. However, writers can request that tutors email the writers their client report from, which the writer can use as they please. Client report forms are, generally, an internal document that summarizes and reflects on the tutoring session.

Online Tutoring

How online tutoring works .

Online tutoring is by appointment only, so to get started, writers need to register for an account and make an appointment.

Our online appointments offer the option for video-conferencing or text-box chatting , and in order to “show up” for an appointment, you simply need to login to the schedule , click on your appointment, and then click the yellow link that says “START OR JOIN CONVERSATION.” Our tutors will be prepared to help you navigate technology issues—they will email you to check-in and offer help should you have any trouble “showing up.”

Check-out this video demo for how to make and "show up" for an appointment:

Though we work hard to ensure smooth online appointments, due to the regularity of technical and other unforeseen issues, we ask all writers to make hour-long appointments. If technology/internet issues do arise or you're struggling to "show up," don't worry--our tutors are trained to reach out and help and they all have a back-up plan!

Become a Tutor

Interested in becoming a tutor here are some things our past tutors have valued in the work: .

"As a writing tutor, I enjoy the one-on-one conversations and brainstorming sessions I have with writers from various disciplines. This experience has challenged me to not only quickly learn and dive into a topic that I am not too familiar with, but also tailor my advice to the writers' specific needs and goals. I have become a better writer and critical thinker thanks to this job!" - Sichun Liu

"Being a writing tutor at WC makes me realize writing is not a solitary activity. It gives you access to the workings of so many brilliant minds." - Qijia Yu

"It is incredibly satisfying to have a job as intellectually stimulating as being a Writing Tutor for the Knight Institute. As an international student studying mechanical engineering, I have worked with students of feminist studies, urban planning, music theory, English, and anthropology - to name a few. These interactions - where I get to learn as much as the students who come to the writing center - have allowed me to experience fully the breadth of a liberal arts university despite having a 'technical' major, and have greatly enriched my Cornell experience." - Emad Masroor

Why Tutor?

As the above quotes indicate, tutors find this work to be rewarding for a number a reasons: working with writers from across the disciplines, the intellectual engagement of tutoring, the collaboration, professional development around pedagogy and writing, and the community! We have a vibrant and diverse tutoring community that participates in on-going professional development activities. This work is generative, creative, and an excellent opportunity for students interested in communication, writing, education, and collaborative learning.

Our undergraduate and graduate writing tutors provide support for a diverse pool of writers at various stages of the drafting process for nearly any kind of writing project. We operate out of five campus locations to offer thirty- to sixty-minute individual meetings. During tutorials, writing tutors typically:

help writers get started with essays by reading and discussing a writing assignment, evaluating research material, or brainstorming an outline;
discuss ways to shape coherent arguments, make strong use of evidence, and work with appropriate citation conventions;
consider questions about depth of analysis, organization, thesis definition, audience expectations, paragraph development, stylistics, or sentence structure;
offer specific strategies for diverse writers navigating different parts of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing;
support both native and non-native speakers of English to identify patterns among errors in grammar or usage;
and, help writers understand and address specific feedback from peers and teachers.

In short, writing tutors serve as responsive listeners and readers who can address questions about the writing process or about particular pieces of writing.

Job Descriptions

Writing centers tutor.

Tutors typically work 1-3 tutoring shifts a week. We currently have two tutoring shifts: 3:00-5:00pm or 7:00-10:00pm ET. Tutors usually work between 2-9 hours a week.
New tutors must complete a 7-week, 1-credit training course (WRIT 2101, see below for details). Tutor training is only held in the spring, and begins when the 7-week courses start, midway through the spring semester.
After completing the tutor training course (once hired), tutors are required to attend 4 (paid) staff meetings a semester. Staff meetings are usually at 5:30-6:30pm ET, on varying week nights. During these meetings, as a group, we discuss tutoring pedagogy and practice, workshop a variety of sample student writing, and reflect on tutoring experiences. Staff meetings deepen and extend the introduction to basic tutoring pedagogy and practice covered in WRIT 2101 (tutor training).
Tutors get paid an hourly rate, and there is often the bonus of snacks and cookies at events.

Positions for Advanced Tutors

Social media intern.

The Cornell Writing Centers have an instagram, facebook, and twitter account, as a method for promoting and connecting with writers across campus. We typically hire 1-2 trained Writing Center Tutors to run our social media for one academic year. Social media interns must regularly meet with Dr. Kate Navickas to plan and develop content and discuss different promotion strategies. This position offers the opportunity to gain some communication and promotion skills as well as to develop creative and engaging content. Typically, interns work .5-1 hours per week.

Requirements: Applicants must be trained Cornell Writing Center tutors to apply.
To apply: email Kate Navickas, [email protected], with an explanation of your interest in the work and a resume.

Knight Writing Mentor

Writing mentors are experienced CWC tutors who meet with assigned students for one or two hours each week for the duration of a semester or year to develop effective and sustainable writing habits and strategies. Undergraduate and graduate students can work up to 6 hours per week to support writers enrolled in First-Year Writing Seminars or other writing-intensive courses, and students working on substantial writing projects, like honors theses. Writing Mentors meet regularly for reflection on pedagogy and practice with Dr. Kate Navickas. Though mentors may start tutoring right away, they still are required to attend the same 7-week paid tutor training that new undergraduate writing center tutors do (this starts the week before spring break).

Graduate students, seniors, and current Writing Center tutors are encouraged to apply. Applications from juniors with relevant experience may also be considered.

Learn more and apply here

Writing Centers Assistant Director

The Writing Centers regularly hire graduate students for the role of assistant director. The work involves 5 hours of administrative work per week. The position includes tasks like reviewing tutor applications, participating in tutor interviews, conducting peer observations, analyzing Writing Center data, leading tutor staff meetings, teaching or co-facilitating tutor training, and other necessary administrative work. Assistant directors meet regularly with the director, Kate, to select administrative experiences that align with the program’s needs and the TA’s interests as well as to reflect on the professional value of the experiences.

How to Apply

All tutor applicants must be matriculated Cornell students.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate tutoring applications are only reviewed in the spring
Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one First-Year Writing Seminar
Complete this application form
DEADLINE: Second Friday of February by noon. Spring 2024 deadline: Friday, February 9th.

Application Process: Applications will be reviewed after the spring deadline. A select number of applicants will be invited to sign-up for small-group interviews. The applicants who will be offered positions tutoring, will begin the 7-week tutor training course (WRIT 2101) after group interviews, roughly midway through the semester. Thus, the application and training process approximately takes a full semester. Newly hired tutors will begin tutoring during the exams period of the semester they get hired and trained. We hope to encourage tutors to apply early in their academic career and to continue tutoring throughout their time at Cornell.

WRIT 2101: Responding to Writing: Theory & Pedagogy (1 credit)

Course Description: This course introduces students to scholarship on writing pedagogy, requiring them to think critically about collaborative learning strategies, multilingual writing challenges, ethical considerations in peer tutoring, and the ways in which race and other facets of identity inform teaching and learning. The learning objectives include: develop an understanding of different theories of writing and the history of writing centers; practice reading and responding to a variety of different writing genres and student situations in ways that connect theory to practice; learn to question assumptions in specific pieces of writing, frameworks for writing, and in pedagogical interactions; self-reflect on individual writing processes, writing, and previous educational experiences; analyze the ways in which writer and tutor identities affect pedagogical interactions and learn strategies for equitable and ethical tutoring; develop confidence in suggesting interventions for other writers at various stages of their writing processes; and, gain flexibility in utilizing a variety of strategies for fostering writer agency and growth.

Spring 2022 Tutor Training Course Details:

Starts the week of March 13
Held weekly, on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00pm (course day will be determined by selected applicant schedules)
Knight Institute staff will enroll hired tutors
Non-tutors interested in taking the course can email requests of interest to Dr. Navickas, [email protected]

Graduate Students

Prerequisite: successful completion of Writing 7100 or previous tutoring or teaching experiences.
Submit a CV and letter of interest detailing relevant employment or coursework to Dr. Kate Navickas, [email protected]
DEADLINE: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

CWC for Teachers

The Cornell Writing Centers (CWC) can help support you and your students through classroom visits and workshops, writing guides, and the Essay Response & Consultation Program. We are always excited to work with you to develop activities, workshops, or resources that are specific to your course and writing needs.

The CWC relies on support and promotion from faculty and instructors across campus; thus, we hope that you will continue to support our services and your students by including the CWC blurb (below) on your syllabus or Canvas site and by periodically reminding students about the work we do.

The Cornell Writing Centers Syllabus Blurb

The Cornell Writing Centers (CWC) provide support for individuals at any stage of the writing process. It is a free resource available to everyone on campus—faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students—for nearly any kind of writing project : applications, presentations, lab reports, essays, papers, and more. Tutors (trained peers) serve as responsive listeners and readers who can address questions about the writing process or about particular pieces of writing. They can also consider questions of confidence, assignment expectations, critical reading, analytic thought, and imagination. All writing tutors are also trained to work with multilingual writers writing in English and to help support application materials. Walk-ins are welcome , or you can make an appointment here: https://cornell.mywconline.net/

Request Bookmarks, Stickers, or Posters

To promote the CWC, we typically print promotional bookmarks, stickers, and posters each semester. All students in first-year writing seminars receive either a CWC bookmark or sticker each semester. If you would like us to send promotional materials to you for your course or to send posters to be hung in your building, please email Director Kate Navickas, [email protected].

Advice for Encouraging Students to Use the CWC

Making an appointment at the Cornell Writing Centers can be intimidating for students. When you talk about the value of tutoring, it helps to explain to students what they can expect. Here are some points we hope you might emphasize:

Tutoring is not only for struggling writers, it's beneficial for all writers. All writers grow from sharing their work, talking about it, and getting feedback on it.
Tutoring is interactive and collaborative because this leads to deeper learning and growth. Writers can expect tutors to ask them questions about their writing, ideas, understanding of the assignment, and hopes for a piece of writing. Tutors may also encourage writers to do some brainstorming, reading, and writing with them during the session as a way to get started on the work.
Tutors will help with language-issues, grammar, syntax, and editing; however, they will do this in a collaborative manner. That is, a tutor will not silently line-edit someone's essay. The goal of tutoring is learning, which means they may ask questions about word choice, vocabulary, intention, and sentence-structure in order to help clarify meaning and discuss possible corrections. The expectation, though, is that the writer will be involved and in-control of their own writing.
Tutors are highly trained undergraduate students who are incredibly friendly and love talking about writing!

Requiring Tutoring Appointments

The Cornell Writing Centers do not officially support requiring students to attend a tutoring session. There are several reasons why it may not be best to require students to get tutored. On a logistical level, we usually have two tutors for each shift at each location; requiring tutoring can lead to one location being overwhelmed, which isn’t great for either tutors or students. On a more pedagogical level, tutoring is primarily about fostering writer agency—that is, tutors are trained to help writers become better writers through the writer’s own work, efforts, writing and thinking. This type of learning environment works best when students make the choice for themselves to come to the Writing Centers. Sometimes, when students are required, they are resistant to feedback or less interested in discussing their work or actively engaging with their writing, which makes tutoring less effective.

While we discouraging requiring tutoring appointments, we do understand the value of giving students a slightly stronger form of motivation. We often hear stories of students who have had meaningful learning experiences through a tutoring session but would have never made an appointment if a teacher had not encouraged them to do so. Instead of requiring tutoring, though, we recommend offering a writing center appointment as extra credit. If you choose to do this, here is some advice:

Make sure you review the above recommendations on what to expect from a tutoring session with all students. In particular, students need to expect an interactive and collaborative experience.
Build in enough time so that students have a week or two to make an appointment. When students are given an extra credit assignment, but only have one weekend to get tutored, our locations get overwhelmed and students get frustrated.
After you visit the Cornell Writing Centers, write a 250-word reflection on the experience. You might consider any of the following questions to guide your writing: What were the most and least successful aspects of the session? What specific writing strategies did you and the tutor discuss? What specific revisions did you and the tutor discuss? How was the tutor's feedback similar to or different from the feedback you have received from classmates or me this semester? What do you plan to do differently after this tutoring session? Why?
Tutors are not allowed to sign off on a student’s appointment. Undergraduate student tutors (who are peers) are not prepared to police, monitor, or evaluate students. So we strongly discourage teachers for asking for proof in the form of a signed slip of paper, etc. What a Writing Center tutor can do, however, is to send the writer a copy of their client report form. All tutors write up a summary of each session for our records, which they are allowed to email to the student. The student, then, is allowed to do whatever they want with that client report form (including sending it to you).

Writing Guides

The CWC has developed a select number of writing guides (with downloadable PDF handouts) on common writing skills. While these writing guides are written for student audiences, we encourage teachers to share them directly with students or to use them to develop in-class activities related to specific assignments. Further, we are happy to meet with teachers to discuss specific writing assignments or challenges and develop course-specific writing guides. For more information on course-specific writing guides, please contact Director Kate Navickas, [email protected].

Classroom Visits & Workshops

The CWC can also help foster productive and engaging small group writing workshops in your class! Kate Navickas, Director of the Cornell Writing Centers, along with some tutors, can schedule classroom visits that promote effective peer responses around higher order concerns, like focus, organization, the development of ideas, thesis sentences, using sources, etc. Tutors will work with and alongside small groups of students as they read and respond to each others' writing.

Workshops are limited by our schedules and capacity. When requesting one, we typically ask for:

Two weeks notice
Course days, times, and location
Syllabus copy
Assignment that students will be working on
Teacher's understanding of writing skills to focus on

Contact Kate Navickas for more details.

Essay Response Consultation

The Essay Response Consultation enables instructors to sit down one on one with tutors to talk about student writing. Because tutors have a great deal of experience in reading student essays and teacher comments, they can usefully support instructors who want to deepen and extend strategies for commenting on student work. Instructors can work with tutors to:

review a set of papers on which the instructor has already commented.
discuss a set of papers when the instructor is in the process of providing response and evaluation.

Meet the Staff

The Cornell Writing Center tutors are a diverse group of primarily undergraduate students from across the disciplines. They are highly trained in tutoring pedagogy, completing both a required half-semester course and ongoing bi-monthly professional development. In addition to their training, tutors share a love of writing and a commitment to collaborative learning. If you're interested in joining our community, learn more about applying to become a tutor here.

	(she/her) CWC Assistant Director Rachel is a PhD candidate in music and sound studies. Her research investigates the intersection between sound, language, and identity, especially in the context of cultural festivals in Spain and Latin America. Rachel looks forward to continuing her work with undergraduate students to help them build confidence and develop their voices as writers (and as writing tutors). A musical theatre kid at heart, Rachel can often be found singing (usually to her cats) when she's not at the writer's desk!
	(she/her) Grace is a College Scholar and French major studying how people read and write about medieval stories about women. She loves to cook, go to trivia, and spend time with friends. She is so excited to talk with students about their work and to help them write more confidently and clearly!
	(he/him) Ethan is a Chemistry major from Chantilly, Virginia. In his free time, he is often found watching historical/geographical videos on Youtube, listening to music from the Romantic period, or studying languages and culture. He is excited to be working at the Writing Center and getting to share his love of language and its functions with other students!
	(she/her) Leah is a Government and English major in the College of Arts & Sciences from New York City. She is an aspiring author who loves researching ancient history, is a life-long fan of sci-fi and fantasy books (her favorite being Frakenstein), and has an unhealthy Mario Kart obsession. She can’t wait to learn from other writers and share her passion for the written word!

	Meghan is a Global Development major concentrating in Food and Agricultural systems in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from Queens, New York. In her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and film. She is excited to work with writers from various disciplines and help them develop confidence in their writing.
	Cassandra (Cassie) is an ILR major from Athens, NY. Outside of the Writing Center, she rides on Cornell’s Equestrian team and volunteers with the Ithaca Youth Bureau. In her free time, she loves to hike and play guitar. As a tutor, she’s excited to work collaboratively alongside Cornell’s writers to help them with the next steps of their writing process.
	Ruby is a Biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences with a focus on evolutionary biology and ecology. She enjoys running, water sports, painting and traveling. At Cornell she participates in Women’s Club Soccer, volunteers with Special Olympics and instructs SCUBA courses! She is a first year tutor excited to meet more members of the Cornell community and share her writing passion!
	(she/her) Caroline is a computer science major from the Bay Area, California. In addition to the Writing Center, Caroline is involved in the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates and the Cornell International Affairs Society, and she enjoys drawing, swimming, and exploring the beautiful nature. She looks forward to collaborating with and supporting the growth of all writers!
	(she/her) Carly is a psych major and Spanish minor in the College of Arts & Sciences from San Diego, CA. She is involved in psychology research across various labs at Cornell and beyond, notably studying child suggestibility in Cornell’s Child Witness and Cognition Lab and childhood anxiety in the Kalin Lab at UW-Madison. Outside of the writing center, you might find her TAing for a class, peer mentoring through the EARS program, practicing for an ear-splitting solo for a Mediocre Melodies concert, or (and this one is most likely) walking aimlessly across campus overthinking life’s most pressing questions.
	(she/her) Adowyn is a College Scholar and English major studying sound/image relationships and nonlinear structures in experimental film. In her free time, she loves writing songs on guitar, reading fantasy books, designing characters, and hugging her cats. Adowyn is excited to provide support, empowerment, and a listening ear to writers as they refine their ideas and their words.
	(he/him) Kevin is an Economics & Statistics double major in the college of arts and sciences, from Shanghai, China. Outside of his work as a tutor, he is passionate about soccer (yay Man City!), frisbee, food, and traveling. Kevin is excited to support writers - particularly non-native speakers & writers - to achieve their writing goals and discover joy in the process!
	(she/her) Jasmine is a Human Biology, Health, and Society major from Basking Ridge, NJ. When she’s not tutoring, you’ll likely find her writing fantasy, lifting, or watching horror movies. She loves working with students and alumni from all backgrounds, and is excited to have plenty more enjoyable and productive sessions with the writing center’s tutees this semester!
	Aj is an Economics and Africana Studies double major on the pre-law track. With a passion for music and songwriting, she loves to bring art and creativity into professional spaces, making the experience more authentic. Although from New York City, Aj loves to take pleasure in the slower, calmer things in life like nature walks, meditation, and journaling. To her, honest writing is a form of vulnerability and sharing your true thoughts enhances the human connection.
	Sia is a Comparative Literature major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Apart from being a tutor, she works as a campus tour guide and is part of the Humanities Scholars Program. Sia loves reading, watching random films with friends, and trying new sports. She is excited to work with writers across different disciplines!
	(she/her) Carolina is studying philosophy and psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences and is from Miami, Florida. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys being a part of the Cornell Rowing Club and loves to bake, crochet, and play the piano. She is looking forward to engaging with and supporting fellow peers and guiding them toward future success!

	(he/him) James is studying food science and has side interests in lake ecology and science communication. He likes rollerblading, playing Wordle, and watching football & hockey. James is excited to help point you in the “write” direction on your next project!
	Wilson is a government and economics major from Bethesda, MD. Outside the classroom, he is involved in the Translator Interpreter Program and co-facilitates the Cantonese conversation hour. An avid AvGeek, Wilson enjoys traveling and exploring the world around him in his spare time. He is very excited to work with Cornell’s diverse and talented writers!
	Yunoo is a Computer Science and Linguistics student in the College of Arts and Sciences. She enjoys creative writing and going on long walks with her earbuds in. She is thrilled to be working as a writing center tutor and looks forward to talking with fellow students.
	(she/her) Jaein is an ILR major from Queens, NY. In addition to tutoring, she enjoys swimming, photography, playing the piano, and performing with the Cornell Orchestras as a double bassist. As a tutor, Jaein is enthusiastic about making writing a fulfilling and meaningful experience for her students.
	(he/him) Theo is an Animal Science major from New York City. When he’s not staring down viruses in the vet school, you can probably find him poking around on an old bass guitar (or trumpet, sax, or piano), or out on a run on campus.
	(he/him) Lucas is a Linguistics and Computer Science major, as well as a Humanities Scholar, from Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada. As an international student, he is passionate about helping other multilingual writers with their work. Outside of being a writing tutor, Lucas works as a TA for Cornell Bowers CIS and a research assistant in the Computational Psycholinguistics, Natural Language Processing, and Phonetics labs where he studies how humans and machines process and formulate language.
	Bing is a Government and China-Asia-Pacific-Studies student in the College of Arts and Sciences. As a writer for the Roosevelt Institute and research assistant, he is especially excited about persuasive writing and can’t wait to work with the fascinating ideas that writers of all disciplines will bring to the writing center!
	(she/her) Kelly is an ILR major from New York City. Outside of the Writing Center, she is involved in the Cornell University Parole Initiative, Pulseguard, and Speech and Debate. In her free time, she likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, and try out new restaurants. She looks forward to working closely with writers across different disciplines and backgrounds.
	Kevin is an Economics and Data Science major in the College of Arts and Sciences from Woodbridge, Connecticut. Outside of classes, you can often find him chilling in the Low Rises (where he is an RA), manning the popcorn machine in Willard Straight Hall, or just hiking around Beebe lake. Kevin is a fan of all things relating to cows, tea, and Lord of the Rings, and his favorite words to say are “stay salubrious”! So… stay salubrious!
	(she/her) Hannah is studying Government and Psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences and is from the Bay Area in California. She likes to spend her free time dancing, baking, hanging out with friends, and finding new study spots at Cornell. On campus, she’s involved with Big Red Buddies and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. She’s excited to work with writers from all different academic backgrounds!
	Bita is a pre-law Human Development major in the College of Human Ecology from New Jersey. On campus, she is also involved in the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Outside of classes, Bita enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She’s excited to work with a variety of talented writers from all disciplines!
	(she/her) Nnenna is a double major in History and American Studies, and serves as President of the Wari house and Vice President of the Cornell Historical Society on campus. In her free time, she loves to walk around in nature and host movie nights in with her friends. As a tutor, Nnenna looks forward to helping students to express their original ideas and voice in their writing.
	(she/her) Laura is a Materials Science and Engineering major from Philadelphia, PA. Besides tutoring, she is a part of the ChemE Car at Cornell project team, a member of the Cornell Materials Society, an undergraduate TA & researcher, and an avid hockey fan (Go Flyers!!). Laura can't wait to work with Cornell's talented and unique writers on their projects!
	(she/her) Kira is a Biological Sciences, Cognitive Science, College Scholar, and Psychology major in the College of Arts & Sciences from Greenwich Village and Syracuse, New York. Outside of the Writing Center, Kira is a Resident Advisor, TA, and Research Assistant in the Experience & Cognition Lab and loves learning about neuroscience. In her free time, Kira loves playing woodwind instruments, training in mixed martial arts, learning foreign languages, and getting boba with friends. She loves being a tutor and can’t wait to work with Cornell’s awesome writers!
	(she/her) Ava is an Animal Science major from Brooklyn, New York. Aside from being a tutor, she is the President of VAW Global and works at veterinary clinics to help animals in need! In her free time, she loves to read fantasy and dystopian novels, watch TV shows, and take walks in nature. She’s ecstatic to meet students and encourage writers to always believe in their work and themselves.
	(she/her) Parker is double majoring in English and Italian in the College of Arts & Sciences. When not tutoring, she is involved in numerous publications around campus as both a writer and editor and can pretty much always be found typing away in the Olin Stacks. In her free time, Parker loves reading, writing, cooking, frolicking in nature, watering her hordes of plants, and doing massive paint by numbers. She’s looking forward to learning about previously unknown fields through everyone’s writing!
	Stacey is an Industrial & Labor Relations major from Queens, New York, pursuing minors in Business and Information Science. Alongside tutoring, she is also responsible for community engagement initiatives with Cornell’s LGBT Resource Center for sexual wellness and relationship education. Stacey enjoys crochet fashion, intergenerational historical fiction novels, Radiohead, matcha, and anything HBO produces, but you’ll find them most enthused by writing Yelp reviews. Her philosophy is that anybody can be a great writer when they are passionate about something and she’s excited to help every person discover their personal style.
	Marina is a junior in the ILR School, minoring in economics, law and society, and history. This is her first semester tutoring, and she is looking forward to working with all kinds of writers, tackling all kinds of ideas. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, running in the Botanical Gardens, and talking to her dog on facetime.
	(he/him) Henry is a Malaysian double majoring in Economics and Statistical Science. When he’s not doing data analysis and visualization, he gets involved in Cornell REAL A Cappella and enjoys reading at the Math Library. He’s excited to meet students from different disciplines and writing styles and learn about their thoughts and opinions.
	Sanjana is a Computer Science major in the College of Arts & Sciences from East Windsor, New Jersey. At Cornell, she plays on the Chess Team and is a Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar. In her free time, Sanjana loves dancing, ice skating, and reading mysteries. She is looking forward to meeting and working with new writers at the Writing Center!
	Jason is a CALS undergraduate majoring in Nutritional Sciences from Rochester, NY. Outside of the classroom, he loves to spend time reading, playing cello, and hiking the scenic trails around Ithaca. He is looking forward to working with writers in all majors and helping them find their unique voices!
	(any pronouns) Miao is an English and Philosophy major in the College of Arts & Sciences from North Potomac, Maryland. When not tutoring, they can be found editing for the literary magazine Rainy Day, performing with stage combat group Ring of Steel, and playing the occasional video game. They look forward to seeing what work people bring to the writing center this semester!
	Finley is an American Studies major concentrating in the relationship between popular culture and cultural change. When she’s not tutoring, she enjoys hiking, biking, crocheting, and writing prose. She can’t wait to continue helping writers explore and hone their voices!
	(she/her) Kyleena is a double major in computer science and sociology from San Antonio, Texas. Outside of the writing center, she is a part of the women’s club soccer team and loves to cook, crochet, and journal. Kyleena is absolutely thrilled to support and guide her peers toward success in the writing world!

Kate Navickas

Cornell Writing Centers Director, Senior Lecturer

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Mike M. and Margaret P., Writing Center tutors

Creative Writing is a broad category that spans a variety of writing modes, including:

Because of the diverse goals of these types of writing, formulating a definitive how to guide to creative writing would be extremely difficult. However, despite its wide-ranging nature, certain principles apply to all forms of effective creative writing. The following key terms, sample assignments, and web resources were collected to help you through the process of creative composition regardless of the type of creative writing you choose to pursue. Of course, if you would like to explore any creative writing issues beyond the scope of this page, the tutors at DePauls Writing Center are eager to speak with you about your particular project.

Fiction:

This following list borrows from the website, an online guide often recommended by writing instructors at DePaul.

Poetry:

The following list borrows from the Roane State glossary of Literary and Poetic Terms, and provides a foundation of important poetic terms. See the complete list here. the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginnings of nearby words. the repetition of the same vowel sound in nearby words. a pause within a line of poetry. an identical consonant sound preceded by a different vowel sound (e.g., home, same; worth, breath; trophy, daffy). rhyme that comes at the end of lines. a line that ends with a pause. running over from one line to another. a sustained comparison in which part or all of a poem consists of a series of related metaphors. like a simile, makes a comparison between two unlike things, but does so implicitly, without words such as like or as. the rhythmic pattern of stresses recurring in a poem. (off rhyme, slant rhyme, or approximate rhyme): the sounds are almost but not exactly alike. makes an explicit comparison between two things by using words such as like, as, than, appears, or seems. a grouping of lines, set off by a space, that usually has a set pattern of meter and rhyme. Most creative writing assignments are fairly open-ended. Professors often simply ask students to write a short story or write a memoir for example. Below are some creative writing exercises that can help you practice different techniques and that can be incorporated into pieces for your classes.

These exercises are adapted from Brian McKiteleys .

The Poetry Resource Page also has a number of exercises you can use to come up with creative ideas for your poetry.

Poetry:

, including meter, scansion, poetic feet, and line length. .

General Creative Writing Advice:

from Dennis Jerz at Seton Hill University provides advice for fiction writing, including brainstorming, developing characters, and structuring your piece. from the University of Buffalo provides a list of questions to help you generate ideas.

DePaul English Department links:

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Exploring the Different Types of Creative Writing

on Sep 26, 2022
in Writing Tips
Last update: August 23rd, 2024

Writing comes in all forms and sizes. But in order for a work to be considered creative writing, it must come from a place of imagination and emotion.

This is something many people pursuing a creative writing degree online at first struggle to get a handle on. Take for example what Franz Kafa said about creative writing, “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”

Many authors who choose to follow Kafka’s advice—to write “mercilessly” and from the soul—find it comforting that their writing doesn’t have to conform to one style. But this variety of types and forms might leave some writers a bit confused.

That’s why, in this article, we are going to walk you through the most popular types of creative writing, with some great examples from authors who absolutely rocked their respective forms.

In this article:

Creative Writing Definition
Creative Writing Techniques
Free Writing
Journal Diaries
Personal Essays
Short Fiction
Novels/Novellas

What Is Creative Writing?

Think of creative writing as a form of artistic expression. Authors bring this expression to life using their imagination, personal writing style, and personality.

Creative writing is also different from straightforward academic or technical writing. For instance, an economics book like Khalid Ikram’s The Political Economy of Reforms in Egypt is an academic monograph. This means that readers would rightfully expect it to contain analytic rather than creative writing.

So what are some elements that make a written piece more creative than analytic?

Popular Techniques Used in Creative Writing

Despite the fact that creative writing can be “freer” and less traditional than academic writing, it is likely to contain one or more of the following six elements:

1. Literary Devices

Many creative writers use literary devices to convey the meaning and themes of their work. Some common literary devices are allegories , metaphors and similes , foreshadowing , and imagery . These all serve to make the writing more vivid and descriptive .

2. Narrative

Authors often use this technique to engage readers through storytelling. Narrative isn’t limited to novels and short stories; poems, autobiographies, and essays can be considered narratives if they tell a story. This can be fiction (as in novels) or nonfiction (as in memoirs and essays).

3. Point of View

All creative writing must have a point of view; that’s what makes it imaginative and original. The point of view is the perspective from which the author writes a particular piece. Depending on the type of work, the point of view can be first person, third person omniscient, third person limited , mixed (using third- and first-person writing), or—very rarely—second person.

4. Characterization

Characterization is the process by which authors bring their characters to life by assigning them physical descriptions, personality traits, points of view, background and history, and actions. Characterization is key in creative writing because it helps drive the plot forward.

5. Dialogue

An important element used in many creative writing works is dialogue . Assigning

dialogue to characters is a way for authors to show their characters’ different traits without explicitly listing them.

Dialogue also immerses readers in the narrative’s action by highlighting the emotions and tensions between characters. Like characterization, it also helps drive the plot forward.

6. Plot

The plot is the sequence of events that make up a narrative and establish the themes and conflicts of a work . Plots will usually include an exp osi tion (the introduction), rising action (the complications), climax (the peak in action and excitement), falling action (the revelations and slowing down of events), and denouement (the conclusion).

The Main Types of Creative Writing (With Examples)

What’s great about creative writing is that there are so many types to choose from. In this section, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of creative writing, along with some examples.

Type 1: Free writing

Free writing, also known as stream-of-consciousness writing, is a technique that allows words and images to spill onto the page without giving thought to logic, sequence, or grammar. Although authors often use it as an exercise to get rid of the infamous writer’s block , free writing is also useful within a larger work.

For instance, let’s take a look at this excerpt from Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved.

Beloved by Toni Morrison [an excerpt]

the air is heavy I am not dead I am not there is a house there is what she whispered to me I am where she told me I am not dead I sit the sun closes my eyes when I open them I see the face I lost Sethe’s is the face that left me Sethe sees me see her and I see the smile her smiling face is the place for me it is the face I lost she is my face smiling at me

Note how the author uses free writing to convey the character’s disjointed and agitated thoughts. Even punctuation has been set aside here, adding to the rush of the character’s fear and confusion. The imagery is powerful (“the sun closes my eyes”; “her smiling face is the place for me”) and relies on repetitions like “I am not dead” and “I see” to immerse the readers in the character’s disturbed mental state.

Type 2: Journals and Diaries

A journal is a written account of an author’s experiences, activities, and feelings. A diary is an example of a journal, in which an author documents his/her life frequently.

Journals and diaries can be considered creative writing, particularly if they offer more than just a log of events. For instance, if a diary entry discusses how the writer ran into an old friend, it might include details of the writer’s emotions and probably use literary devices to convey these feelings.

It’s almost impossible to read the word “diary” and not think of Anne Frank. Let’s look at this excerpt from her work The Diary of a Young Girl .

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl [an excerpt]

Saturday, 20 June, 1942: I haven’t written for a few days, because I wanted first of all to think about my diary. It’s an odd idea for someone like me to keep a diary; not only because I have never done so before, but because it seems to me that neither I—nor for that matter anyone else—will be interested in the unbosomings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. Still, what does that matter? I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart.

In the extract above, Anne adopts a reflective tone. She uses the rhetorical question “what does that matter?” to illustrate how she arrived at the conclusion that this diary will help bring out what is “buried deep in her heart.”

In this way, the diary serves as a log of events that happened in Anne’s life, but also as a space for Anne to reflect on them, and to explore her resulting emotions.

Type 3: Memoir

Although they might seem similar at first, memoirs and diaries are two different creative writing types. While diaries offer a log of events recorded at frequent intervals, memoirs allow the writer to select key moments and scenes that help shed light on the writer’s life.

Let’s examine this excerpt from the memoir of Roxanne Gay, author of Bad Feminist .

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxanne Gay:

I ate and ate and ate in the hopes that if I made myself big, my body would be safe. I buried the girl I was because she ran into all kinds of trouble. I tried to erase every memory of her, but she is still there, somewhere . . . I was trapped in my body, one that I barely recognized or understood, but at least I was safe.

Roxanne Gay offers readers a powerful work on anxiety, food, and body image by taking them on a journey through her past . Using evocative imagery in the excerpt above (“I buried the girl I was”; “I was trapped in my body”) the author shares her psychological trauma and resulting tumultuous relationship with food.

As with most memoirs—and diaries—this one is intimate, allowing readers into the dark crevices of the author’s mind. However, unlike a diary, this memoir does not provide an account of the writer’s day-to-day life, but rather focuses on certain events—big and small—that the author feels made her who she is today.

Type 4: Letters

Unlike diary and journal entries—which usually don’t have a specific recipient—letters address one target reader. Many famous authors have had collections of their letters published, revealing a side of them that isn’t visible in other works.

Letter writing uncovers the nature of the relationship between sender and recipient, and can include elements of creative writing such as imagery, opinion, humor, and feeling.

Here is an excerpt from a letter by Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood .

Too Brief a Treat: The Letters of Truman Capote , edited by Gerald Clarke

Dear Bob; Have come, am here, am slowly freezing to death; my fingers are pencils of ice. But really, all told, I think this is quite a place, at least so far. The company is fairly good… I have a bedroom in the mansion (there are bats circulating in some of the rooms, and Leo keeps his light on all night, for the wind blows eerily, doors creak, and the faint cheep cheep of the bats cry in the towers above: no kidding.

In his letter to editor and friend Robert “Bob” Linscott, Truman paints a scene of his new setting . He uses hyperbole (“freezing to death”) and a powerful metaphor (“my fingers are pencils of ice”) to convey the discomforting cold weather. Truman also uses sound imagery (“doors creak”; “wind blows eerily”; “cheep cheep of the bats”) to communicate the creepy, sinister mood to his reader.

Type 5: Personal Essays

Many of us don’t normally think of essays as creative writing, but that’s probably because our minds go to academic research essays. However, there are many types of essays that require creative rather than analytic writing, including discursive essays, descriptive essays, and personal essays.

A personal essay, also known as a narrative essay, is a piece of nonfiction work that offers readers a story drawn from the author’s personal experience. This is different from a memoir, in which the primary focus is on the author and their multiple experiences.

A personal essay, on the other hand, focuses on a message or theme , and the author’s personal experience is there to communicate that theme using memorable characters and setting , as well as engaging events . These, of course, all have to be true, otherwise the personal essay would turn into a fictional short story.

Here is an excerpt from a personal essay by writers Chantha Nguon and Kim Green.

The Gradual Extinction of Softness by Chantha Nguon and Kim Green

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge informed the Cambodian people that we had no history, but we knew it was a lie. Cambodia has a rich past, a mosaic of flavors from near and far: South Indian traders gave us Buddhism and spicy curries; China brought rice noodles and astrology; and French colonizers passed on a love of strong coffee, flan, and a light, crusty baguette. We lifted the best tastes from everywhere and added our own.

The opening of this paragraph establishes the author’s strong and unwavering opinion : “we knew it was a lie.” Instead of providing a history of Cambodia, she demonstrates the country’s rich past by discussing its diverse “flavors”: “spicy curries”; “strong coffee”; “light, crusty baguette”, etc.

Using gustatory imagery , which conveys a sense of taste , the authors reveal their personal version of what makes Cambodia wonderful. The writer communicates the essay’s theme of food and memories through a story of her childhood.

Type 6: Poetry

Robert Frost once wrote: “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Good poetry is effective because it uses the power of imagery to convey what it is to be human. Every word in a poem counts, and the best poems are those that evoke the reader’s emotions without unpacking too much.

As one of the most diverse types of creative writing, poetry can come in many forms. Some poets prefer to write in the more traditional forms such as sonnets , villanelles , and haikus , where you have particular structures, rhyme, and rhythm to follow. And others prefer the freedom of free verse and blackout poetry .

Let’s take a look at this excerpt from Maya Angelou’s powerful lyric poem , “Still I Rise.”

“Still I Rise” from And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems by Maya Angelou

Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.

Packed with powerful language, this excerpt from Angelou’s poem gives us absolute

chills! The refrain “I rise” is repeated 7 times in these two verses alone,

hammering home the idea that the speaker cannot be defeated.

The imagery, repetition, and rhyme scheme all work together to convey the emotions of pride and resilience. Both verses also rely heavily on metaphors (“I’m a black ocean”; “I am the dream and the hope of the slave”) to convey the speaker’s power. She is not like an ocean or a dream; she is both, and she is unstoppable.

Type 7: Song Lyrics

Song lyrics are in many ways similar to poems, except that lyrics are meant to be sung . They are a form of creative writing that allows writers to surpass the rules of grammar and punctuation in favor of creating rhyme and rhythm . This means that the creativity of a song lyricist is free from the traditional restrictions of language.

Type 8: Scripts

Scriptwriting is a form of creative writing that relies heavily on character dialogue , stage directions , and setting . Scripts are written for films and TV shows (known as screenplays and teleplays), stage plays, commercials, and radio and podcast programs.

Like song lyrics, scripts are written with the intention of reaching a non-reading audience. In other words, scriptwriters must bear in mind how their writing will be 1) interpreted by other storytellers , such as directors, designers, etc., and 2) performed by actors.

Let’s examine the iconic opening scene from the screenplay of the film Forrest Gump .

Forrest Gump , screenplay by Eric Roth [an excerpt]

THE MAN Hello, I’m Forrest. I’m Forrest Gump. She nods, not much interested. He takes an old candy kiss out of his pocket. Offering it to her: FORREST (cont’d) Do you want a chocolate? She shakes “no.” He unwraps it, popping it in his mouth. FORREST (cont’d) I could eat about a million and a half of these. Mama said, “Life was just a box of chocolates. You never know what you gonna get.”

From the dialogue and stage directions in this opening scene, the audience can see that there is something innocent, kind-hearted, and simple about the character Forrest Gump. This is conveyed through the way he introduces himself with a slight repetition (“I’m Forrest. I’m Forrest Gump.”) to a complete stranger, and the way he quotes his mother to her.

Moreover, the action of Forrest “popping” the candy in his mouth is almost childlike , and that the stranger is reluctant to communicate with him foreshadows the fact that the people Forrest meets are initially suspicious of him and his innocence. Thus, the pauses and silences in the scene are just as important to the work as what is explicitly said.

Type 9: Short Fiction

Short fiction is a form of creative fiction writing that typically falls between 5,000 to 10,000 words ; however, there is definitely room to go lower than 5,000 words, depending on the topic.

For instance, flash fiction is a form of short fiction that can be 1,000 words or less. In the case of flash fiction, the author unpacks the “skeleton” of a story in as few words as possible. For instance, legend has it that Ernest Hemingway wrote a 6-word “story”:

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

In just six words, the reader is led to understand that this is a story of death and loss.

Nevertheless, the average short story is usually structured around the following elements: characterization , setting , plot , and conflict . Many fiction authors start out writing short fiction because it enables them to nail all the essential elements, which they can then expand upon in longer works.

Let’s look at an excerpt from Janet Frame’s short story, “The Bath”

“The Bath” by Janet Frame [an excerpt]

She leaned forward, feeling the pain in her back and shoulder. She grasped the rim of the bath but her fingers slithered from it almost at once. She would not pancic, she told herself; she would try gradually, carefully, to get out. Again she leaned forward; again her grip loosened as if iron hands had deliberately uncurled her stiffened blue fingers from their trembling hold. Her heart began to beat faster, her breath came more quickly, her mouth was dry. She moistened her lips. If I shout for help, she thought, no-one will hear me. No-one in the world will hear me. No-one will know I’m in the bath and can’t get out.

In this paragraph, there is an image of a frail, old woman, physically unable to get out of her bathtub. The diction , or word choice, serves to convey the woman’s sense of fear and helplessness. For instance, words like “grasped,” “slithered,” “uncurled,” and “stiffened,” demonstrate the immense effort it takes for her to try to get out.

The image of her “moistening” her lips illustrates that fear has turned her mouth dry. And the repetition of “no-one” in the last few sentences highlights the woman’s loneliness and entrapment —two of the story’s main themes. Indeed, the bath symbolizes the unavoidable obstacles brought about by old age.

Type 10: Novellas / Novels

Novels are one of the most popular forms of creative writing. Though they vary in length, depending on the subject, they’re generally considered a long form of fiction , typically divided into chapters .

Novellas, on the other hand, are shorter than novels but longer than short stories. Like short stories, novels, and novellas contain characters , plot , dialogue , and setting ; however, their longer forms allow writers a chance to delve much deeper into those elements.

Type 11: Speeches

Speeches are a form of writing similar to essays in that both forms are non-fiction , and both usually entail a discussion of the writer’s personal experiences and include engaging events and a particular theme.

However, speeches differ from essays in that the former are meant to be recited (usually in front of an audience), and tend to be persuasive and inspirational. For instance, think of the purpose of graduation speeches and political speeches: they aim to inspire and move listeners.

One of the most well-known speeches from the 20th century is Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”. Let’s examine the excerpt below:

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King [an excerpt]

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

What immediately catches the eye (and ear) in this paragraph is the speaker’s usage of anaphora : the repetition of the phrase “now is the time” serves to emphasize the urgency of the matter being discussed (i.e. the prevalence of racial injustice).

The speaker’s repetition of the pronoun “our” is an appeal to his audience’s emotions and their sense of unity. Both he and they are in this together, and thus he is motivating them to take on the challenge as one.

Moreover, the use of figurative language is abundant here and can be found in similar inspirational and motivational styles of creative writing. The imagery created by the metaphor and alliteration in “the d ark and d esolate valley of segregation,” and its juxtaposition with “sunlit path of racial justice,” together aim to convey the speaker’s main message. Segregation has brought nothing but darkness and ruin to American society, but there is hope and light on the path toward racial equality.

Final Thoughts

Creative writing acts as a medium for artistic expression. It can come in a variety of forms, from screenplays and speeches to poetry and flash fiction. But what groups all of these different types of creative writing under the “creative” umbrella, regardless of form, is their display of a writer’s imagination, creativity, and linguistic prowess.

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I appreciate you offering such a thought-provoking perspective. It should be useful for academic writing in addition to creative writing, in my opinion. Each method you listed is pertinent and appropriate.

You’re absolutely right! Many of these writing methods can be applied to both creative and academic writing, enhancing the depth and effectiveness of communication.

Robert smith enago

Thank you for sharing this enlightening blog post on the various types of creative writing. Your exploration of different writing methods and styles provides an inspiring perspective on the boundless possibilities within the realm of creativity.

It is remarkable to see how creative writing encompasses an array of forms, each with its unique allure and artistic essence. From poetry, fiction, and drama to screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and even songwriting, each avenue offers writers a chance to express their thoughts, emotions, and imagination in captivating ways.

We truly appreciate your kind words! Creative writing is indeed a vast and fascinating world with endless opportunities for self-expression 🙂

eminem rapboy hoodie

Absolutely Creative writing is a beautiful blend of imagination and emotion. It’s about crafting stories that resonate deeply, whether through prose, poetry, or any other form It’s a journey of expression and connection thank you for posting helpful content

Hello there!

Thank you for your nice words. We are glad you found our content helpful 🙂

Conversation Shaper: How Students’ Experiences With Writing Impact Their Perceptions of Writing Centers

Emily Segrest, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chloe Coy, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Framing Statement

Before a student ever walks into their university writing center, they have already established an emotional, complex relationship with writing. From learning the alphabet to drafting college entrance essays, students constantly engage in writing processes throughout various environments and contexts. This engagement occurs within a community of family members, friends, high school teachers, and college professors, as well as numerous others; the position of these individuals within a person’s writing experience impacts the way one views themselves as a writer. In her piece “ To Write or Not to Write? Students’ Perceptions of their Lived Experiences Within the Academic Writing Process,” Lisa Bompiani-Smith (2015) asserts that writing “connects human beings by sharing innovations, thoughts, emotions, and lives, and many factors contribute to successful written expression and communication” (p. 1). The culmination of these initial writing experiences and relational influences defines the relationship between a student and their writing. As such, it is essential that writing center members are aware of these individual experiences.

At the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis’s University Writing Center, our mission statement emphasizes the importance of “writers supporting writers.” In order to support our writers, however, it’s important to move beyond only guiding our peers in their grammatical structures, finding a central topic for their next assignment, and assisting them in paper revisions. This key concept involves the deeper recognition that every student who walks into the center has a different relationship with writing. These experiences shape the way individuals interact with writing centers as the two are deeply interrelated. Acknowledging the impact of student experiences is essential in understanding why students perceive writing centers in particular ways. The following bibliography features scholarship that examines student experiences with writing, as well as scholarship that specifically focuses on student perceptions and expectations regarding writing centers, and scholarship that explores the crossroads of these subjects. While there is extensive research on these topics individually, there is less scholarship regarding how they interconnect; our writing center work and much of the scholarship listed in this Conversation Shaper attempts to bridge this gap.

Diversifying the bibliography in terms of field, author, and experience brings in numerous voices to help readers gain insight into different students’ journeys with writing. If we only view students, writing, and writing centers through one lens, it is impossible to see a complete and accurate picture. Including scholarship both written by and studying the narratives of queer, disabled, BIPOC, and other marginalized voices is integral to this conversation about writing and lived experiences. The complexity of the multiple identities and intersectionalities each writer embodies makes it essential to highlight the stories of underrepresented groups, so we can connect to, listen, and learn from their experiences. We also present research focused on a variety of age groups, from elementary school students to university writers. This emphasizes the importance writing has throughout the entirety of our lives. Additionally, because writing is an interdisciplinary activity, we include scholarship that showcases experiences with writing across numerous fields, such as education, engineering, and computer science. Adding these valuable perspectives recognizes that students come from a variety of backgrounds; examining this field-specific scholarship in conjunction with writing center pedagogy provides a more complete understanding of students’ experiences.

In purposefully acknowledging the fact that writers have multiple identities and in valuing the complicated lived experiences that come from such diverse identities, we are committed to equity and inclusion, both inside and outside of writing centers. Our university writing center is dedicated to decolonial, antiracist pedagogies and practices that strive to promote a broad and inclusive understanding of writing. We value language diversity and advocate for linguistic justice, going against the notion that there is a so-called standard English and amplifying the voices of those who do not speak White Mainstream English (Baker-Bell, 2020). We also commit ourselves to empowering writers linguistically, academically, professionally, and personally. This involves viewing and engaging with writers not just as students, but more importantly, as complex human beings with various identities and aspects of life. As we explore how students’ experiences impact their perceptions of writing centers, we hope to demonstrate these principles through this bibliography.

Bibliography

Al Murshidi, G. & Al Abd, K. (2014). UAE university students’ awareness of using the writing center. Higher Education Studies, 4 (3), 58-63. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1075603.pdf

Baker-Bell, A. (2020). Linguistic justice: Black language, literacy, identity, and pedagogy . Taylor & Francis Group.

Bompiani-Smith, L. (2015). To write or not to write? Students’ perceptions of their lived experiences within the academic writing process. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global . http://ulib.iupui.edu/cgi-bin/proxy.pl?url=http://search.proquest.com.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/docview/1675024816?accountid=7398

Bromley, P., Schonberg, E., & Northway, K. (2015). Student perceptions of intellectual engagement in the writing center: Cognitive challenge, tutor involvement, and productive sessions. Writing Lab Newsletter , 39 (7-8), 1-6. https://wlnjournal.org/archives/v39/39.7-8.pdf

Buck, O. (2018). Students’ idea of the writing center: First-visit undergraduate students’ pre- and post-tutorial perceptions of the writing center. The Peer Review, 2 (2). http://thepeerreview-iwca.org/issues/issue-2/students-idea-of-the-writing-center-first-visit-undergraduate-students-pre-and-post-tutorial-perceptions-of-the-writing-center

Cedillo, C. V., & Bratta, P. (2019). Relating our experiences: The practice of positionality stories in student-centered pedagogy. College Composition and Communication , 71 (2), 215-240. http://search.proquest.com.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/scholarly-journals/relating-our-experiences-practice-positionality/docview/2350468933/se-2?accountid=7398

Cheatle, J. & Bullerjahn, M. (2015). Undergraduate student perceptions and the writing center. WLN: A Journal of Writing Center Scholarship . https://wlnjournal.org/archives/v40/40.1-2.pdf

Colton, A. (2020). Who (according to students) uses the writing center?: Acknowledging impressions and misimpressions of writing center services and user demographics. Praxis , 17 (3). http://www.praxisuwc.com/173-colton

Denny, H., Nordlof, J., & Salem, L. (2018). “Tell me exactly what it was that I was doing that was so bad”: Understanding the needs and expectations of working-class students in writing centers. The Writing Center Journal, 37 (1), 67-100. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26537363

DiPardo, A. (1992). “Whispers of coming and going”: Lessons from Fannie. The Writing Center Journal, 12 (2), 125-44. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43441901

Dixon, E. (2017). Uncomfortably queer: Everyday moments in the writing center. The Peer Review, 1 (2). http://thepeerreview-iwca.org/issues/braver-spaces/uncomfortably-queer-everyday-moments-in-the-writing-center/

Driscoll, D. & Wells, J. (2020). Tutoring the whole person: Supporting emotional development in writers and tutors. Praxis , 17 (3). http://www.praxisuwc.com/173-driscoll-wells

Giaimo, G. (2017). Focusing on the blind spots: RAD-based assessment of students’ perceptions of community college writing centers. Praxis, 15 (1). http://www.praxisuwc.com/giaimo-151?rq=perceptions

Greenfield, L., & Rowan, K. (2011). Writing centers and the new racism: a call for sustainable dialogue and change . (1st Edition ed.). Logan: Utah State University Press.

Morrison, J. B., & Nadeau, J.-P. (2003). How was your session at the writing center? Pre- and post-grade student evaluations. Writing Center Journal, 23 (2), 25-42. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ677027

Newman, B. M. (2003). Centering in the borderlands: Lessons from Hispanic student writers. The Writing Center Journal, 23 (2), 43-62. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43442849

Petric, B. (2002). Students’ attitudes towards writing and the development of academic writing skills. The Writing Center Journal, 22 (2), 9-27. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43442147

Rowan, K. (2015). Review essay: Towards a disability literacy in writing center studies. The Writing Center Journal, 34 (2), 175-190. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43442809

Sarraf, K. (2019). Extending “the idea of the writing laboratory”: a simulation-based workshop for computer science majors. The Peer Review, 3 (1). http://thepeerreview-iwca.org/issues/redefining-welcome/extending-the-idea-of-a-writing-laboratory-a-simulation-based-workshop-for-computer-science-majors/

Salem, L. (2016). Decisions…decisions: Who chooses to use the writing center? The Writing Center Journal, 35 (2). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/561fea24e4b0355fd7db67b7/t/5a0b6926652dea2f6438af33/1510697254548/Salem%2C+WCJ%2C+35.2%2C+Final+Press+Copy.pdf

Weissbach, R. & Pflueger, R. (2018). Collaborating with writing centers on interdisciplinary peer tutor training to improve writing support for engineering students. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 61 (2). https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8253876

Williams, A. D. (2019). “I can’t do cartwheels, so I write”: Students’ writing affect. Composition Studies , 47 (2), 68-86, 241. http://search.proquest.com.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/scholarly-journals/i-cant-do-cartwheels-so-write-students-writing/docview/2478622113/se-2?accountid=7398

Zumbroon, S., Ekholm, E., Stringer, J.K., McKnight, K., & DeBusk-Lane, M. (2017). Student experiences with writing: Taking the temperature of the classroom. The Reading Teacher, 70 (6), 667-677. https://www.mldebusklane.com/files/picasso.pdf

Where We’d Like to Go

While there is a significant amount of scholarship on students’ relationships with writing and on their perceptions of writing centers, there is less of a focus on the correlation between the two concepts. We’ve found this particularly pertinent as we have embarked on a study focused on the connection between students’ lived experiences with writing and their perceptions of our own university writing center. Notable pieces, such as Anne DiPardo’s (1992) “‘Whispers of Coming and Going’: Lessons from Fannie” and Bojana Petric’s (2002) “Students’ Attitudes Towards Writing and the Development of Academic Writing Skills,” explore this intersection of student experiences and perceptions. This scholarship, which closely examines students’ self-concept as writers and their personal relationships with writing, can help all members of the writing center community better understand why students may have specific notions of what the writing center is and what it is not, in addition to why they do or do not visit the center. The important and relevant pieces listed in our bibliography serve as models for further emerging scholarship on this essential topic.

Additionally, we hope to see further scholarship on this connection that particularly examines non-traditional university students. Although the lived experiences of middle-class, white university students are valuable, they tend to dominate writing center scholarship. We are heartened by Denny et al.’s (2018) focus on working-class students and Giaimo’s (2017) survey of students at a two-year community college, as they both study the lives of students who have historically been underrepresented in mainstream scholarship. Furthermore, Dixon (2017) centers her work on queer students, while Driscoll and Wells (2020) discuss mental illness, which is particularly relevant during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scholarship all emphasizes the importance of diverse students and their stories. As such, we would love to see the field continue to highlight the lived experiences of students who have been considered to be outside of the mainstream, as well as their perceptions of writing centers and writing as a discipline.

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Understanding the 4 Writing Styles: How to Identify and Use Them

General Education

A piece’s writing style can help you figure out what kind of writing it is, what its purpose is, and how the author’s voice is unique. With so many different types of writing, you may think it’s difficult to figure out the specific writing style of a piece or you'll need to search through a long list of writing styles.

However, there are actually just four main types of writing styles, and together they cover practically all the writing you see, from textbooks to novels, to billboards and more. Whether you’re studying writing styles for class or trying to develop your own writing style and looking for information, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we explain the four styles of writing, provide examples for each one, go over the one thing you need to know to identify writing style, and give tips to help you develop your own unique style of writing.

The 4 Types of Writing

There are four main different styles of writing. We discuss each of them below, list where you’re likely to see them, and include an example so you can see for yourself what each of the writing styles looks like.

Writers who use the narrative style are telling a story with a plot and characters. It’s the most common writing style for fiction, although nonfiction can also be narrative writing as long as its focus is on characters, what they do, and what happens to them.

Common Places You’d See Narrative Writing

Biography or autobiography
Short stories
Journals or diaries

“We had luncheon in the dining-room, darkened too against the heat, and drank down nervous gayety with the cold ale. ‘What’ll we do with ourselves this afternoon?’ cried Daisy, ‘and the day after that, and the next thirty years?’ ‘Don’t be morbid,’ Jordan said. ‘Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.’ ‘But it’s so hot,’ insisted Daisy, on the verge of tears, ‘and everything’s so confused. Let’s all go to town!’ - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

You can quickly tell that this passage from the novel The Great Gatsby is an example of narrative writing because it has the two key traits: characters and a plot. The group is discussing eating and drinking while trying to decide what to do for the rest of the day.

As in this example, narrative writing often has extended dialogue scenes since the dialogue is used to move the plot along and give readers greater insight into the characters.

Writers use the expository style when they are trying to explain a concept. Expository writing is fact-based and doesn’t include the author’s opinions or background. It’s basically giving facts from the writer to the reader.

Common Places You’d See Expository Writing

Newspaper articles
Academic journals
Business memos
Manuals for electronics
How-to books and articles

“The 1995/1996 reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) into Yellowstone National Park after a 70 year absence has allowed for studies of tri-trophic cascades involving wolves, elk (Cervus elaphus), and plant species such as aspen (Populus tremuloides), cottonwoods (Populus spp.), and willows (Salix spp.). To investigate the status of this cascade, in September of 2010 we repeated an earlier survey of aspen and measured browsing and heights of young aspen in 97 stands along four streams in the Lamar River catchment of the park’s northern winter range. We found that browsing on the five tallest young aspen in each stand decreased from 100% of all measured leaders in 1998 to means of <25% in the uplands and <20% in riparian areas by 2010. Correspondingly, aspen recruitment (i.e., growth of seedlings/sprouts above the browse level of ungulates) increased as browsing decreased over time in these same stands.” -”Trophic cascades in Yellowstone: The first 15 years after wolf reintroduction” by William J. Ripple and Robert L. Beschta

This abstract from an academic journal article is clearly expository because it only focuses on facts. The authors aren’t giving their opinion of wolves of Yellowstone, they’re not telling a story about the wolves, and the only descriptions are number of trees, streams, etc. so readers can understand the study better.

Because expository writing is focused on facts, without any unnecessary details or stories, the writing can sometimes feel dense and dry to read.

Descriptive

Descriptive writing is, as you may guess, when the author describes something. The writer could be describing a place, person, or an object, but descriptive writing will always include lots of details so the reader can get a clear and complete idea of what is being written about.

Common Places You’d See Descriptive Writing

Fiction passages that describe something

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or eat: it was a hobbit hole and that means comfort. It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle. The door opened on to a tube-shaped hall like a tunnel: a very comfortable tunnel without smoke, with panelled walls, and floors tiled and carpeted...” - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the opening passage of the novel The Hobbit . While The Hobbit is primarily an example of narrative writing, since it explores the adventures of the hobbit and his companions, this scene is definitely descriptive. There is no plot or action going on in this passage; the point is to explain to readers exactly what the hobbit’s home looks like so they can get a clear picture of it while they read. There are lots of details, including the color of the door and exactly where the doorknob is placed.

You won’t often find long pieces of writing that are purely descriptive writing, since they’d be pretty boring to read (nothing would happen in them), instead many pieces of writing, including The Hobbit , will primarily be one of the other writing styles with some descriptive writing passages scattered throughout.

When you’re trying to persuade the reader to think a certain way or do a certain thing, you’ll use persuasive writing to try to convince them. Your end goal could be to get the reader to purchase something you’re selling, give you a job, give an acquaintance of yours a job, or simply agree with your opinion on a topic.

Common Places You’d See Persuasive Writing

Advertisements
Cover letters
Opinion articles/letters to the editor
Letters of recommendation
Reviews of books/movies/restaurants etc.
Letter to a politician

“What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’ - “This was their finest hour” by Winston Churchill

In this excerpt from his famous “Their finest hour” speech, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is clearing trying to convince his audience to see his viewpoint, and he lays out the actions he thinks they should take. In this case, Churchill is speaking to the House of Commons (knowing many other British people would also hear the speech), and he’s trying to prepare the British for the coming war and convince them how important it is to fight.

He emphasizes how important the fight will be (“Upon this battle depends the survival of the Christian civilization.” and clearly spells out what he thinks his audience should do (“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties…”).

Common Writing Styles to Know

Each of the four main types of writing styles has multiple subsets of styles within it. Here are nine of the most common and important types of writing you’ll see.

Narrative Writing

Character voice.

Character voice is a common writing style in novels. Instead of having an unknown narrator, the audience knows who is telling the story. This first-person narrator can help the reader relate more both to the narrator and the storyline since knowing who is telling a story can help the reader feel more connected to it. Sometimes the narrator is completely truthful in telling what happens, while other times they are an unreliable narrator and will mislead or outright lie to readers to make themselves look better.

To Kill a Mockingbird (Scout is the narrator) and The Hunger Games (Katniss is the narrator) are two examples of this writing style.

Stream-of-Consciousness

This writing style attempts to emulate the thought process of the character. Instead of only writing about what the character says or does, stream-of-consciousness will include all or most of the characters thoughts, even if they jump from one topic to another randomly or include incomplete thoughts.

For example, rather than writing “I decided to take a walk to the ice cream shop,” an author using the stream-of-consciousness writing style could write, “It’s pretty hot out, and I feel like I should eat something, but I’m not really that hungry. I wonder if we have leftovers of the burgers Mom made last night? Is Mom staying late at work tonight? I can’t remember if she said. Ice cream would be a good choice, and not too filling. I can’t drive there though because my car is still in for repairs. Why is the repair shop taking so long? I should have listened when David said to check for reviews online before choosing a place. I should text David later to see how he is. He’ll think I’m mad at him if I don’t. I guess I’ll just have to walk to the shop.”

James Joyce and William Faulkner are two of the most well-known writers to have regularly used the stream-of-consciousness writing style.

Epistolary writing uses a series of documents, such as letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, or even text messages to tell a story. They don’t have a narrator, there’s just whoever purportedly gathered the documents together. This writing style can provide different points of view because a different person can be the author of each document.

Well-known examples of epistolary writing include the novels Dracula (written as a series of letters, newspaper articles, and diary entries) and Frankenstein (written as a series of letters).

Expository Writing

You’ll find this style in textbooks or academic journal articles. It’ll focus on teaching a topic or discussing an experiment, be heavy on facts, and include any sources it cited to get the information. Academic writing often assumes some previous knowledge of the topic and is more focused on providing information than being entertaining, which can make it difficult to read and understand at times.

Business writing refers to the writing done in a workplace. It can include reports, memos, and press releases. Business writing typically has a formal tone and standard formatting rules. Because employees are presumably very busy at work, business writing is very concise and to the point, without any additional flourishes intended to make the writing more interesting.

You’ll see this writing style most commonly in newspaper articles. It focuses on giving the facts in a concise, clear, and easy-to-understand way. Journalists often try to balance covering all the key facts, keeping their articles brief, and making the audience interested in the story.

This writing style is used to give information to people in a specific field, such as an explanation of a new computer programming system to people who work in software, a description of how to install pipes within a house for plumbers, or a guide to new gene modifications for microbiologists.

Technical writing is highly specialized for a certain occupational field. It assumes a high level of knowledge on the topic, and it focuses on sharing large amounts of information with the reader. If you’re not in that field, technical writing can be nearly impossible to understand because of the jargon and references to topics and facts you likely don’t know.

Descriptive Writing

Poetry is one of the most challenging styles of writing to define since it can come in many forms. In general, poems use rhythmic language and careful word choice to express an idea. A poem can be an example of descriptive writing or narrative writing, depending on whether it’s describing something or telling a story. Poetry doesn’t need to rhyme, and it often won’t follow standard grammatical or structural rules. Line breaks can, and often do, occur in the middle of sentences.

Persuasive Writing

Copywriting.

Copywriting is writing that is done for advertising or marketing purposes. It’s attempting to get the reader to buy whatever the writer is trying to sell. Examples of copywriting include catalogs, billboards, ads in newspapers or magazines, and social media ads.

In an attempt to get the reader to spend their money, copywriters may use techniques such as descriptive language (“This vanilla was harvested from the lush and exotic island of Madagascar"), exciting language (Stop what you’re doing and learn about this new product that will transform your life!”) and exaggeration (“This is the best cup of coffee you will ever taste!”).

Opinion

People write opinion pieces for the purpose of stating their beliefs on a certain topic and to try to get readers to agree with them. You can see opinion pieces in newspaper opinion sections, certain blog posts, and some social media posts. The quality of opinion writing can vary widely. Some papers or sites will only publish opinion pieces if all the facts in them can be backed up by evidence, but other opinion pieces, especially those that are self-published online, don't go through any fact-checking process and can include inaccuracies and misinformation.

What If You’re Unsure of a Work’s Writing Style?

If you’re reading a piece of writing and are unsure of its main writing style, how can you figure which style it is? The best method is to think about what the purpose or main idea of the writing is. Each of the four main writing styles has a specific purpose:

Descriptive: to describe things
Expository: to give facts
Narrative: to tell a story
Persuasive: to convince the reader of something

Here’s an example of a passage with a somewhat ambiguous writing style:

It can be tricky to determine the writing style of many poems since poetry is so varied and can fit many styles. For this poem, you might at first think it has a narrative writing style, since it begins with a narrator mentioning a walk he took after church. Character + plot = narrative writing style, right?

Before you decide, you need to read the entire passage. Once you do, it’ll become clear that there really isn’t much narrative. There’s a narrator, and he’s taking a walk to get a birch from another man, but that’s about all we have for character development and plot. We don’t know anything about the narrator or his friend’s personality, what’s going to happen next, what his motivations are, etc.

The poem doesn’t devote any space to that, instead, the majority of the lines are spent describing the scene. The narrator mentions the heat, scent of sap, the sound of frogs, what the ground is like, etc. It’s clear that, since the majority of the piece is dedicated to describing the scene, this is an example of descriptive writing.

How Can You Develop Your Own Writing Style?

A distinctive writing style is one of the hallmarks of a good writer, but how can you develop your own? Below are four tips to follow.

Read Many Different Styles of Writing

If you don’t read lots of different kinds of writing, you won’t be able to write in those styles, so before you try to get your own writing style, read different writing styles than what you’re used to. This doesn’t mean that, if you mostly read novels, you suddenly need to shift to reading computer manuals. Instead, you can try to read novels that use unreliable narrators, stream-of-consciousness writing, etc.

The more you read, the more writing styles you’ll be exposed to, and the easier it’ll be able to combine some of those into your own writing style.

Consider Combining Multiple Types of Writing Styles

There’s no rule that you can only use one style for a piece of writing. In fact, many longer works will include multiple styles. A novel may be primarily narrative, but it can also contain highly descriptive passages as well as expository parts when the author wants the readers to understand a new concept.

However, make sure you don’t jump around too much. A paper or book that goes from dense academic text to impassioned plea for a cause to a story about your childhood and back again will confuse readers and make it difficult for them to understand the point you’re trying to make.

Find a Balance Between Comfort and Boundary-Pushing

You should write in a style that feels natural to you, since that will be what comes most easily and what feels most authentic to the reader. An academic who never ventures outside the city trying to write a book from the perspective of a weathered, unschooled cowboy may end up with writing that seems fake and forced.

A great way to change up your writing and see where it can be improved is to rewrite certain parts in a new writing style. If you’ve been writing a novel with narrative voice, change a few scenes to stream-of-consciousness, then think about how it felt to be using that style and if you think it improved your writing or gave you any new ideas. If you’re worried that some writing you did is dull and lacking depth, add in a few passages that are purely descriptive and see if they help bring the writing to life.

You don’t always need to do this, and you don’t need to keep the new additions in what you wrote, but trying new things will help you get a better idea of what you want your own style to be like.

The best way to develop your own writing style is to expose yourself to numerous types of writing, both through reading and writing. As you come into contact with more writing styles and try them out for yourself, you’ll naturally begin to develop a writing style that you feel comfortable with.

Summary: The 4 Different Styles of Writing

There are four main writing styles, and each has a different purpose:

If you’re struggling to figure out the writing style of a piece, ask yourself what its purpose is and why the author wants you to read it.

To develop your own writing style, you should:

Read widely
Consider mixing styles
Balance writing what you know and trying new things

What's Next?

Literary devices are also an important part of understanding writing styles. Learn the 24 literary devices you must know by reading our guide on literary devices.

Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Are you reading The Great Gatsby for class or even just for fun? Then you'll definitely want to check out our expert guides on the biggest themes in this classic book, from love and relationships to money and materialism .

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Types of Creative Writing

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Novels (The Long Journey)

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

Conciseness

Consistency

Is Creative Writing Easy?

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

What are Writing Centers in College?

What is a writing center?

When should you go to a writing center?

How to get the most out of a writing center.

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10 Writing Center Ideas We Love

1. Use dice to create original stories.

2. Fill story bags with everyday items in odd combinations to spark their creativity.

3. Create stencils with key words to get your writers started.

4. Build a deck of story cards.

5. Play twister with a memory.

6. Brainstorm with emojis.

7. Use these free templates to create graphic stories.

8. Create this cool bio poem.

9. Set up a classroom post office.

10. Provide an ample supply of fresh writing prompts.

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