I had a high school student tell me that she didn't think the assignment choices (that I offered in a recent Creative Writing course) qualified as creative writing.
Before I responded to her comment I took a deep breath. Some students work a bit more patience in me than others. :) This is the gist of what I told her:
Consider each assignment from this angle; you can add your personality to most anything that you write. Through illustrative, efficient, and thoughtful writing, one can express themselves in a unique way. No matter how dull or unappealing an assignment may seem, you have an opportunity to express something that no one else can - your thoughts, perspective, and personal style.
I was not offended by her opinion, but I did pause to consider the definition of creative writing. To me, the assignment fell easily into the category. To her, at first glance anyway, it did not. So back to my original question, how do you define creative writing? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts, so please share liberally.
Speaking of creative writing, I have the pleasure of being the recipient of a few blogging awards.
The Creative Writing Award came to me from Tyrean, of Tyrean's Writing Spot. Thank you, Tyrean! It was a wonderful surprise. It was so kind of you to think of me. I am glad that we've become blogging friends.
Here goes:
1) Pizza. I like the kind we used to get in NJ best, so I am still on the hunt for that kind here in Kentucky. We'll find it one of these days.
2) Sunshine. I like a sunshiny day, temperatures in the mid 50's.
3) A brisk walk. I love to walk and enjoy it with the above mentioned sunshine. If I go more than a day or two without a walk I get antsy.
4) Chocolate. Okay, so most of you knew this. My favorite is dark chocolate.
5) Writing. Just because it made number five on the list doesn't lessen its value and satisfaction to me.
6) Blogging. I love to blog, and love all the friends I've made through it. Thanks and blessings to you all!
7) My children. Tim, David, and Becky are blessings from the Lord. Add my daughter in law Jessica, wife of Tim, to the mix, and I am one happy mom.
8) My grandson. You know, I've had friends tell me that being a grandparent is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Guess what? They're right. When two year old Evan asks Grandma if she wants to play, this Grandma is happy to oblige.
9) My husband Jeff. Where would I be without my soulmate and best friend? He is my greatest earthly treasure.
10) The Lord Jesus. Without Him, I would be nothing. I am thankful everyday for the life and salvation that He has granted to me.
My next task upon receiving this award is to pass it on. I hereby bestow the Creative Writing Award to:
Cecelia of Following My King
Jeanette of Audience of One
Heather of Balance With Purpose
Kathleen at Sassy Granny
Congratulations ladies! Your blogs provide inspiration, info, and wonderful insight. I'm blessed to call each one of you a friend.
Lindsey Edwards of The Write Words surprised me with the Super Comments Award. Thank you, Lindsey! I enjoy Lindsey's blog very much; it is a great source of info to spark my creative writing process.
I pass the Super Comment Award along to these special blogging friends. Their blogs are full of wonderful goodies. Carol and Raymonde, you are treasured friends.
Carol of Everything Home...With Carol
Raymonde of Every Day I Walk With You
I also received the Prolific Blogger Award from Susan J. Reinhardt of Christian Writer/Reader Connection. Thank you, Susan! Your blog was my first example and inspiration. You are a fabulous friend.
Stop by these blogs and say hello. You'll be glad you did!
Don't forget to leave a comment about your thoughts on creative writing. I really want to hear what you have to say.
Happy Creative Writing! :)
Congratulations on your blogging awards!
ReplyDeleteI was a creative writing major in college until my advisor told me I wrote "2nd rate poetry." I then switched to journalism!
ReplyDeleteTell your students that if I weren't creative in writing my how-to, informational, research oriented magazine articles that they would be boring and that no one would buy them. The creative process is what makes one journalist stand out from the next.
Thank you, Karen, for the award. I am honored and will display it proudly.
Blessings,
Carol
Hmm creative writing, is there really a definition, or one direct route to creative writing? I don't think so, I think it's what you make. Rather than the student saying it isn't creative writing she should look at the assignment and make it creative, go outside the box. The creativity isn't just given to you on paper, you have to find it in you. Creative writing is the creative side of YOU. At least that's what I think.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all the awards!!
Cassandra, Thank you! Glad you came by!
ReplyDeleteCarol, This is a good point; I agree wholeheartedly! Congrats to you:)
Jen, Thank you! This is another good point. I don't think you can sum up creative writing in just a couple of words.
Blessings to you all! Have a wonderful day:)
For me creative writing is giving an account or an explanation in a way the offers a unique perspective as seen from the writer's eyes--there is a subjectivity involved. The writing tells, creating an interesting story and not just dessemination of dry facts; and shows so that we can experience the narrative with all of our senses. Creative writing to me like the difference between an outright textbook that teaches about mathmatics and a riveting book that teaches math while incorporating history, theory, relation, opinions, and all the aspects that inspire us to what to know more about the topic.
ReplyDeleteLee
Congrats on your awards!
ReplyDeleteAnd dude, for me, creative writing is any thing written down. My grocery list is creative writing. Isn't that like, the definition of writing? Okay, maybe not. Maybe not NF. But still. I think writing, simply the act, is creative.
Hello Karen...Congratulations on all your well deserved awards! To me, creative writing is writing that expresses a person's feelings, thoughts, emotions, and opinions. It's very personal and heartfelt. You can have one subject, have 10 people write about it, and there will be 10 totally different versions! That's great! That's how it should be. Creative writing is very personal. At least that's my opinion! Sincerely, Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Karen -
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the awards. They're well deserved. :)
For me, creative writing is what flows from the heart to the page. It's about transparency, passion, and tenderness.
Blessings,
Susan
Lee,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. All the possibilities with creative writing - just amazing! We could be writing forever...Thanks for coming by!
Elana,
Who knows, your grocery list could be considered creative! I think that NF can be creative too - so many angles and perspectives and good things can be added to the mix. Our blogs are creative, ya know?
Blessings to you both for a good weekend,
Karen
Susan W.,
ReplyDeleteNicely put. The potential is incredible, isn't it? Thanks, as always, for coming by.
Susan R.,
That's a good way to put it too. I like the three words you chose to define it.
Blessings to you two faithful followers for stopping by,
Karen
Congratulations on your awards, Karen! And to all those you passed them along to!
ReplyDeleteCreative writing? Anything that allows a writer to inject originality and expressiveness. An article/piece that allows the writer to use imagination!
God bless you!
Maria,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your definition of creative writing sounds good to me. I like all the different, yet similar answers from everyone. Have a blessed weekend,
Karen
Oh dear ... ONLY 10?!!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts & talents here, in cyberspace. You bless us. Also, for passing along the spotlight. What an added blessing to be considered among the "creatives."
I've got some thinking to do.
Hugs,
Kathleen
P.S. For me, creative writing is the ability to flesh out in words what the heart already knows.
Hello Karen, I love reading creative writing, I love to see the writer's imagination even with the dullest of subjects!
ReplyDeleteI really like your list!
Congratulations on the award!
Have a beautiful Saturday and a Blessed Sunday. Big hug. (((♥)))
Congrats on the awards!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question about creative writing. I think anyone can write creatively on any topic. It's not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to challenge us.
Have a great weekend!
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteThank you, and congratulations to you as well. You are a blessing!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Karen
Raymonde,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to put it, creative writing, that is. Congrats to you; your blog is a treasure.
Happy weekend to you too,
Karen
Jill,
ReplyDeleteI like your take on the subject. You're right, it is supposed to be a challenge. How would we stretch otherwise?
Thanks and blessings,
Karen
I think creative writing can be anything. It just depends on how we approach it. Congrats on your awards. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shannon! Thanks for coming by.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Karen
I went to collect my little panda, he is so cute! Thank you!xxx
ReplyDeleteKaren:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the award.
Creative writing is JUST that. Writing someone creates out of thoughts given them. Writing a 'thank you' note or a note of encouragement is creative writing.
ANY writing is creative writing.
Raymonde,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add the picture of the award to this post. Sorry about that!
It's been a busy week, but still, how oould I forget that? Oh well:) You are so welcome, and so deserving of it!
Blessings,
Karen
Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you! I like your take on creative writing. We're all creative writers:)
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen:
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for this award! What an honor, especially coming from you, a highly creative lady indeed.
We do put the title "creative writing" in a box, don't we? I agree that we can offer our own style of creativity and sparkle to whatever we write, blending inspiration with information to present the reader with our unique way of viewing each topic.
I find myself praying more and more, "Give me words, Lord." I know He has ways to help me find the correct words to wrap around an idea, so that His Spirit can effect change and growth and delight in those who read.
His creativity is a bottomless well. When we embrace Him, we tap into His limitless brain. Wow.
Jen,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Thanks for the compliment, too. I agree with your thoughts!
Blessings,
Karen
Karen, congrats. Very much deserved. You are the GREATEST!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the links too.
Pizza, chocolate all on my list. And since I'm on this DANG diet I now crave them. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I cry for my taste buds. These days they don't have a lot to choose from.
The student saw the outside of the assignment. She needs to look at the inside. That's where she finds the meat (or pizza in my case).
Great discussion going on here. =)
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Sorry to mention food to you now:) You make a good point about looking at the inside of the assignment.
Blessings,
Karen
I don't think there is a definition of creative writing, if you enjoy it great and if by way of a bonus other people enjoy it, you have been creative!!!
ReplyDeleteLyzzy,
ReplyDeleteGood point! I think you may have hit the nail on the head.
Blessings,
Karen
Karen,
ReplyDeleteNo wonder I like this place. We have "favorites" on all but TWO of those ten items.
Hmmm. Creative writing? My thoughts?
Right now I love it but I'm tearing my hair out over editing.
Tomorrow will be better, I just know it!!!
Blessings,
Patti
How cool, many of the things that make you happy are things that also make me happy! *smile* I agree with the brisk walk. Always gets my creative juices flowing!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all the blog awards, you deserve them all!
Patti,
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is usually better:) Great minds think alike, eh? Thanks for dropping in!
Lindsey,
Thank you! Here again, I'm thinking great minds think alike:) Thanks so much for coming over.
Blessings to you both,
Karen