From journalism to novels to marketing and advertising, creative writing in the modern world is more prevalent than you might think. In fact, creative writing can be used in a variety of ways, including building your personal brand.

The essence of what is creative writing about is expressing yourself in imaginative ways, often without the constraints of academic or professional standards. In contrast to academic writing or basic reporting, which focuses on presenting facts and information in the most direct way, creative writing often employs storytelling, vivid imagery and emotional responses. Your words become more than a communication technique. They morph into a literary vehicle that can take your readers on a ride.

Everything from song lyrics and comic books to speeches and personal essays can be considered creative writing. It might seem as if one has to be born creative in order to be good at creative writing. But the truth is, anyone can learn the fundamentals of creative writing and implement them in their work.

If you’re feeling lost on where to begin as a creative writer, there are a few vital elements you’ll need to know:

Descriptive language and imagery use vivid, sensory details to create a rich picture in the reader’s mind. You want to make your readers feel as if they’re experiencing the story firsthand.

This ability can be leveraged in other capacities as well. For instance, as a marketer, you might routinely rely on your skills as a creative writer to craft a skillfully vivid product description that captivates and appeals to your audience.

The plot is the sequence of events in a story, and story structure refers to how these events are organized. Even in business or technical writing, understanding the plot and story structure can help you present information in a logical and compelling narrative that works to inform, instruct, entertain and connect with your audience.

Characters are the heart of any story, and character development reveals characters’ personalities, motivations, pain points and growth over time. Effective character development in nonfiction writing, such as case studies or profiles, can bring the subject to life.

Style is the unique way a writer uses language, and voice is the distinct personality or perspective that comes through in their writing. Another related element is point of view, which determines through whose eyes the story is told.

These elements give a piece flavor and significantly affect how readers perceive and respond to the story. For instance, a marketer writing about a product might use humor, irony or slang to keep readers interested and create an emotional connection. 

Themes are a story’s underlying ideas or messages, while symbols represent objects, characters or events. These constructs add meaning and depth, making your writing thought provoking and memorable. Even in business writing, incorporating these elements can make your message more impactful and memorable.

There is always room to develop and hone your creative writing skills, whether writing comes naturally to you or requires more discipline and practice. Here are a few ways to jump-start your creative process:

The more you read, the better your writing will be. This is because as you read, you’re not only learning about the subject matter, but you’re also exposing yourself to different writing styles. For example, reading a nonfiction book about a historical figure and a fictional book about a magical world will likely offer completely different techniques that can inspire and influence your own writing.

Take notes on how your favorite authors structure their stories, develop their characters and use descriptive language. While you don’t want to copy them, you can find inspiration in their work to find your own voice. 

Writing is an art, but it’s also a discipline that requires regular practice. Writing regularly will help develop and establish this habit, making it far easier to build your creative routine and improve your skills. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.

By writing frequently, you’ll also have more opportunities to try new things and push yourself as a writer. Practice different types of writing, experiment with styles and formats and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — this can all lead to new, exciting discoveries in your writing.

Classes and courses offer guidance about how to write and provide feedback on your work. Consider taking courses like multicultural literature or creative writing, which can expose you to diverse perspectives and writing techniques.

If you’re passionate about all forms of reading and writing, or interested in pursuing an editorial career, consider earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. This degree program lets you develop advanced writing skills while gaining valuable insight into different literary works.