Millions of children go to sleep every night after hearing bedtime stories. Thousands of people enjoy reading novels everyday. Revolutions have taken place when people have been inspired by books. All of us have had to do with books at some time or the other, in our lives. Creative writers are the ones who are behind the companion of books. They are the people who are instrumental in shaping the ideas and thoughts of the masses. Being a writer has always been a noble profession. In recent years, with the increase in the number of literary works, following the success of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, a lot many takers for creative writing have sprung up. This is a field where one will get high returns for telling stories. One can also earn a lot, by hitting hard at the truth, through non-functional writing.
A writer is a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation or profession. A Creative Writer is one who writes with originality of thought and expression. Creative Writing is different from, and covers all areas of, non-journalistic and non-technical writing.
In common parlance, Creative Writing signifies the product of some in-born talent. It has to be chiseled by learning writing due to ever changing usage of language and styles of writing. A good writer has to be a communicator, as writing is as much about the documentation of facts as it is about the documentation of the facts as it is about expression. This discerning ability to express oneself whether in the field of literature, journalism or advertising is what makes a writer good or bad.
Genres of Creative Writing
Fiction Writing
Non-Fiction Writing
Novel Writing
Play Writing
Poetry Writing
Script Writing
Screen Writing
Memoir Writing
TV Serial Writing
Children’s Book
Mystery Writing
Travel Writing
Science-fiction Writing
Romance
Lyrics
Book Reviews
Interviews
Business Communication
Film Criticism
Art Criticism
Creativity is an in-born talent and mere training cannot make one a good Writer. But there are certain nuances of Creative Writing, which need to be learnt in order to fit into the professional world of Creative Writing. One has to select a particular genre in which one wants to write and specialize in that genre. One can specialize in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script writing and so on. Then, one has to strengthen one’s fundamental understanding of plot, structure, character, voice, dialogue and description. Words are the vehicles, which carry the central idea that a Creative Writer wants to convey. The demands and requisites of publishers have to kept topmost in a writer’s mind though creative freedom has also to be protected. And even though inspiration is the key factor in Creative Writing, technique is equally important. With technique, one can get across the ideas one wants to express; achieve the effects one desires and convey the feelings one wants to impart. These are some of the techniques taught in a course in creative writing. A course in journalism, on the other hand focuses journalism, on the other hand focuses on the techniques of reporting and writing for the print as well as the electronic media.
Creative Writing is a long and arduous process. One has to start with the ideation and research of topics. One has to write synopses, prepare drafts, read and re-read the drafts and edit manuscripts. One also has to choose titles for one’s work and sell the ideas to a publishing house. Finally, one may have to face countless rejections before a publishing house accepts the work and finalises a royalty for the author.
The field of creative writing is marked by intense competition. Hence, even gifted and passionate writers stand to gain value addition by doing a course in Creative Writing. Students are stimulated to develop the technique of writing by the incorporation of powerful courses in Creative Writing. One gets a feedback of one’s own work by doing a course and hence becomes aware as to whether creative writing is fit as a career.
Where to Study:
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110067 Website:www.jnu.ac.in
University of Delhi
University Road,
New Delhi –110007 Website:www.du.ac.in