# data[].attributes.body
Informative lessons and quizzes ... free!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Daily Grammar - Improve your writing with our free grammar lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Daily Grammar is a fun, convenient way to learn grammar. By simplifying complex grammar subjects, Daily Grammar is a great teaching tool for both public and home-schooled children, ESL students, and anyone needing to refresh English grammar skills.

# data[].attributes.body
Straightforward resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sign up for free and get access to exclusive content:

Free word lists and quizzes from Cambridge

Tools to create your own word lists and quizzes

Word lists shared by our community of dictionary fans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
English Grammar Today on Cambridge Dictionary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Home page for English Grammar Today on Cambridge Dictionary

# data[].attributes.body
I found this article interesting with their tips to improve your creative writing skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creative writing transcends the realms of technical, business, and academic writing and focuses on elements such as plot, creative development, and narrative structure.

There's no set formula for creative writing, but there are ways you can improve your writing technique.

If you want to learn more about creative writing, keep reading as we discuss what creative writing is, its various forms, and tips on how to get started.

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a style of writing that is focused on expressing the writer's imagination and creativity.

Creative writing often involves the creation of fictional or nonfictional works that go beyond the formal, professional, and traditional styles of writing. This type of writing allows writers to express themselves in a more personal and original way.

What Do You Do in Creative Writing?

Creative writing gives writers the opportunity to be original and express themselves. It involves the use of literary techniques and devices to tell a story or to paint a picture in the reader's mind.

There are many different forms of creative writing, such as novels, poems, screenplays, and even songs.

The main goal of creative writing is to entertain, inspire, or convey an idea or message to the reader. It is a form of self-expression that allows the writer to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

It can also be a way for writers to explore new ideas, to entertain and inspire readers, and to share their perspectives and experiences with others.

Ultimately, the purpose of creative writing is to connect with the reader on a deep level and to leave a lasting impression.

Forms of Creative Writing

Creative writing is an expressive form of writing that takes many forms and styles. Let's look at a few examples of creative writing forms.

Fiction Writing

Fiction involves the creation of imaginary characters, settings, and plots. You can write fiction in many different genres, such as mystery, romance, fantasy, and more.

You can also write fiction in any length you want. For example, flash fiction is shorter than 1,000 words, while the average novel is around 90,000 words.

Poetry is a type of creative writing that uses expressive language. Poets use techniques such as rhyme, meter, and figurative language to create meaning and convey emotions and ideas.

Poems come in many different forms. You can try writing a haiku, a sonnet, a free-verse poem, or any other poetic structure that appeals to you.

Screenplays

A screenplay tells a story through the medium of film or television. It includes descriptions of characters, settings, and actions, as well as dialogue and stage directions.

A play is meant to be performed on stage. It includes dialogue, stage directions, and descriptions of characters and settings. Plays can be a powerful way to engage the audience's emotions and imagination to convey complex themes.

Songs are a musical expression of creative writing. Songs can be written in a variety of genres, such as pop, rock, folk, hip-hop, and more. They can be written to express a wide range of emotions and ideas, from love and heartbreak to social and political issues.

Graphic novels

A graphic novel is a type of creative writing that combines text and illustrations to tell a story. It can be a work of fiction or nonfiction and can be written in a variety of genres.

Nonfiction Writing

Creative writing is typically associated with fiction, but there are nonfiction works that fall under the creative categories, too. These nonfiction works deal with real events, people, and ideas. Creative nonfiction can take the form of personal essays, memoirs, biographies, or even news articles.

Top 8 Creative Writing Tips

There's no scientific formula for creative writing. It all comes down to your own self-expression and the limitlessness of your imagination. However, there are a few creative writing techniques you can use in your next writing.

Here are eight ways you can improve your creative writing skills.

1. Find Inspiration

The first step for any creative writing project is to find your inspiration. This can come from a variety of sources, such as your own life experiences, your interests and passions, or even something as simple as a newspaper article or a conversation with a friend.

Take some time to think about what inspires you, and use that as the foundation for your writing.

2. Read Widely

To be a good creative writer, you need to be a good reader. Reading widely exposes you to different styles, genres, and techniques, and it can help you develop your own voice as a writer.

You'll get to learn from a variety of authors, and you may discover new ways of structuring a story, creating compelling characters, or using language in a way that resonates with readers.

So read widely, and don't be afraid to try out new genres or authors.

3. Try Freewriting

Freewriting is a writing exercise in which the writer allows their thoughts and inspiration to flow onto the page without any prescribed structure or editorial oversight.

It involves letting the mind wander and following the impulses of your subconscious, allowing you to tap into your creativity and explore new ideas.

While the first time you try freewriting you may end up with mostly unusable material, with practice, it can help you refine your writing style and unleash your creativity.

4. Write Often

The more you write, the better you'll be. By writing every day, you'll develop a habit that will make it easier to sit down and write even when you don't want to.

Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, use that time to jot down some ideas or work on a scene.

5. Use Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques writers use to add depth, interest, and emotion to their writing. By using these devices, you can create vivid imagery, convey complex ideas, and engage the reader's emotions in a way that goes beyond simple storytelling.

For example, you can use descriptive language to paint a picture of a character's appearance, which allows readers to feel like they are truly immersed in the story. Other literary devices include symbols, allegory, emotional language, metaphors, and similes.

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, incorporating these techniques into your writing can help you craft more compelling and engaging stories.

6. Get Feedback

Getting feedback from other people helps you improve your creative writing skills.

Sometimes it feels intimidating to share your work, especially when you're new to creative writing, but it's a crucial step to help you progress.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your work and tell you what they think. Alternatively, you can attend a workshop for writers, where you can get more targeted feedback.

You can also join writing communities to meet like-minded creative writers. Spaces such as ProWritingAid's Community allow writers to come together and support each other in their writing journey. You'll get access to feedback and constructive criticism on different aspects of your writing, such as plot, character development, setting, and language use.

7. Edit Your Work

The editing process is an essential part of creative writing. Once you've finished your first draft, it's important to continue making changes to your work, whether it's cutting unnecessary words, reworking a scene, or adding details.

Many successful creative writers suggest editing after you've finished writing so it doesn't interrupt your creative flow.

Editing can be time-consuming, but it's worth it to produce the best work possible. You can use an editing software like ProWritingAid to show you where you can improve your writing.

ProWritingAid goes beyond just correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues by also showing you style improvement suggestions. Plus, if you're looking to improve your creative writing skills, you can use ProWritingAid to compare your work to your favorite authors.

Creative writing is all about originality and self-expression, so above all, have fun with your writing. It's easy to get bogged down in the details and to take things too seriously, but it's important to remember that writing is supposed to be enjoyable.

So relax, let your creativity flow, and have fun with it.

How to Get Better at Creative Writing

Creative writing is a form of self-expression that allows you to use your imagination and creativity to share your ideas and thoughts in a unique way.

Venturing into creative writing can be intimidating at first, but remember that you'll get better with practice.

Take time to read widely, try writing exercises, and gather feedback on your work. Don't be afraid to join creative writing communities so you can access support in your writing journey.

And above all, remember: there's no limit to your creativity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you know how to write creatively? Learn more as we explore these top 8 creative writing tips.

# data[].attributes.body
I loved using Purdue Owl in college and I still find it useful today! This is a link to the best approach to writing a paper via HOC and LOC.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs)
Summary:
This handout discusses the common Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs) in writing.

When you are revising your papers, not every element of your work should have equal priority. The most important parts of your paper, often called "Higher Order Concerns (HOCs)," are the "big picture" elements such as thesis or focus, audience and purpose, organization, and development. After you have addressed these important elements, you can then turn your attention to the "Lower Order Concerns (LOCs)," such as sentence structure and grammar.

Keep in mind, however, that moving between HOCs and LOCs might be a natural process for you. Experienced writers may begin with HOCs and dip into the LOCs as they revise. Inexperienced writers may revise systematically through the HOCs and then the LOCs. In addition, LOCs, such as punctuation and spelling, may affect HOCs. For example, if the first sentence of your introductory paragraph is riddled with punctuation and spelling errors, readers may not move far enough into your work to get to your thesis statement. In these cases, you should address LOCs first.

Some HOCs
Thesis or focus:

Does the paper have a central thesis?

Can you, if asked, offer a one-sentence explanation or summary of what the paper is about?

Ask someone to read the first paragraph or two and tell you what he or she thinks the paper will discuss.

Audience and purpose:

Do you have an appropriate audience in mind? Can you describe them?

Do you have a clear purpose for the paper? What is it intended to do or accomplish?

Why would someone want to read this paper?

Does the purpose match the assignment?

Organization:

Does the paper progress in an organized, logical way?

Go through the paper and jot down notes on the topics of the various paragraphs. Look at this list and see if you can think of a better organization.

Make a brief outline. Does the organization make sense? Should any part be moved to another part?

Ask someone to read the paper. At the end of each paragraph, ask the person to forecast where the paper is headed. If the paper goes in a direction other than the one forecasted by the reader,

is there a purpose for it, or should you rewrite?

Development:

Are there places in the paper where more details, examples, or specifics are needed?

Do any paragraphs seem much shorter and in need of more material than others? (For more help, see our page on paragraphing.)

Ask someone to read the paper and comment if something is unclear and needs more description, explanation, or support.

Some LOCs
Sentence structure, punctuation, word choice, spelling

Are there a few problems that frequently occur? Keep a list of problems that recur and check for those.

Read the paper aloud watching and listening for anything that sounds incorrect.

Ask yourself why you put punctuation marks in certain places. Do you need to check any punctuation rules? (For more help see our handouts on punctuation.)

For possible spelling errors, proofread backwards, from the end of a line to the beginning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Higher, Lower Order Concerns // Purdue Writing Lab

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

# data[].attributes.body
Making grammar fun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing and feed your love of the English language.

# data[].attributes.body
A classic and still one of the best!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
on writing well: the classic guide to writing nonfiction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
composition & creative writing - general

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
composition & writing: business & technical writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
composition & creative writing - general

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
creative writing & creative writing guides

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / style manuals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / writing / authorship

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / writing / general

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines/writing - nonfiction (incl. memoirs)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
education; essays + literary criticism; reference; back to school; graduation; william zinsser books; writing books; art of writing; books on how to write; writing tips; on writing well; writing well; how to write memoirs; how to write nonfiction; guide to writing nonfiction; writing guide; nonfiction; writer; editing; advice for writers; fundamental writing skills; learning to write; guidelines; would-be writers; mfa; teaching; arts; business writing; creative writing; pitching editors; cover letters; writing emails; email etiquette; writing resource; writing for everybody; technology writing; science writing; memoir writing; genre writing; how to write; drafting; revising; workshopping; writing bible; 20th century; advice; communication; composition; crafts; creativity; english; english language; rhetoric; essay; essays; exposition; finished; grammar; guide; handbook; hardcover; home; how-to; instructional; writing instruction; education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / style manuals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / writing / authorship

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / writing / general

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines/writing - nonfiction (incl. memoirs)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
creative writing & creative writing guides

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction [Zinsser, William] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

# data[].attributes.body
You'll hear about these in all my writing courses!

# data[].attributes.body
When I'm not teaching or writing, I'm birding.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Photo: American Tree Sparrow, Blair Bernson
Sometimes birding is the only thing that makes me feel better.

When I'm out walking through the woods, scanning a pond, or scoping out a wetland; when I hear the call of a Barred Owl or focus my binoculars on a Green Heron-the troubles and controversies of the political scene fade away.

When the steady stream of alarming tweets and news alerts gets to be too much, I lose myself in chasing birds.

That's how I ended up on Spencer Island looking for the American Tree Sparrow.

"Have you seen the rare sparrow?" I asked a couple of folks toting binoculars.

"Didn't even know it was here," said one.

"Ask Blair," suggested the other. "He might know."

They pointed to a figure headed toward the bridge. Blair. That could only be the famous BB of numerous eBird posts, one of our local superstar birders. I quickened my pace.

Half a mile later, I came up behind him. He stepped to one side to let me pass, but I stopped in front of him. "Seeing anything interesting?" I asked.

Now that I had found a guide, I wasn't about to let him get away.

"I'm Chris," I introduced myself. "I see your postings on Tweeters and eBird. You do a lot of birding."

"I don't have a life," he joked.

"I'd say you have the life we all wish we had!"

We walked down to the spot where the sparrow had been reported. Blair pulled out his phone and played a recording of the tree sparrow's song. I prefer a more low-tech approach. I quieted my mind, sent out positive thoughts, and visualized the bird appearing before me. "Peace to all feathered things," I whispered.

Whether low-tech or high-tech, the sparrow wasn't buying it. We walked slowly up and down, scanning the willows and blackberry bushes. No luck. I glanced at my watch. It was almost time to go.

Blair said, "I'm going to go up a little farther and see if I can see anything else."

"OK, I'm going to stay here a few more minutes."

Last chance, I told the bird. Still no response. I sighed and headed back.

I was almost back to the main trail when I thought I heard someone call my name. I turned and saw Blair, standing where we had been before, waving me back.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Birding is the Only Thing - Pilchuck Audubon Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sometimes birding is the only thing that makes me feel better. When I'm out walking through the woods, scanning a pond, or scoping out a wetland; when I hear the call of a Barred Owl or focus my binoculars on a Green Heron-the troubles and controversies of the political scene fade away...

# data[].attributes.headline
Everyone needs this book on their shelf!

# data[].attributes.subject
Everyone needs this book on their shelf!