25 Dos And Don'ts Of Creative Writing

Last Updated on April 30, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Are you looking to take your creative writing to the next level? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! As a creative writing expert with years of experience in the industry, I’m here to provide you with 25 essential Dos and Don’ts that will help make your work stand out.

These tips are designed for writers who have an innate desire for innovation; they’ll show you how to capture readers’ attention and create stories that truly resonate. From learning when it’s best not to use pronouns or contractions, to understand what kind of structure works best for different genres — these Do’s and Dont’s are sure to give your writing a boost.

So let’s get started! Read on as we explore everything from language choices and character development, all the way through plotting techniques — preparing you for success no matter what type of story you’re trying to tell.

Do Write Every Day

Writing is an art, and like any other skill, it requires daily practice to hone the craft. If you want to become a better writer, then writing needs to be part of your routine. It’s important to write every day if you hope to see improvements in your work. Establishing regular writing time each day helps make sure that you’re dedicating enough effort towards honing your skills. The more you write, the easier it will become for ideas to flow naturally onto paper.

When creating this routine, don’t forget to include plenty of breaks so that you can take some much-needed rest and recharge. Even though it’s important not to miss days when working on improving your writing, taking small pauses here and there can help increase creativity and focus on the task at hand. With consistent daily practice and periodic self-care breaks woven into your schedule, you’ll find that creative words come more easily with each passing day!

Don’t Overthink!

Writing can be an enriching experience, but it’s important not to overthink! Overanalyzing and stressing too much about your creative work inhibits the organic process of creativity. Instead, stay relaxed and let your ideas flow freely onto the page. This will allow you to create something that is truly unique and meaningful.

Don’t bog yourself down with complex rules or expectations; writing should come from a place of joy and uninhibited expression. Freely explore different possibilities without worrying about what others may think or criticize. You are creating something special when you write–a piece of art that reflects who you are as an artist. Trust in yourself and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way: these moments will teach you valuable lessons about craftsmanship, which can only enhance your writing style.

Do Follow A Schedule

Creating a writing schedule is an essential part of the creative process. It helps writers to stay focused and make progress in their projects, while also allowing them to take breaks throughout the day. Here are some helpful tips for establishing a productive writing routine:

Write regularly – Setting aside time each day (or week) will help you become more consistent with your work and ensure that you’re making progress on your project.
Set deadlines – Having a goal in mind can help motivate you to complete tasks efficiently and on time. Plus, it’s always satisfying when you can check off items from your list!
Create goals – Making small, achievable goals for yourself each week or month can keep you motivated as well as measure how much progress you’ve made since beginning your project.
Take breaks – Allowing yourself moments of rest during long days of writing will help refresh your mind and recharge your creativity.
Celebrate successes – Finishing something is always cause for celebration—no matter how big or small! Reward yourself accordingly whenever possible.

Taking these steps towards creating a writing schedule not only sets up boundaries between work time and leisure time but also allows us to achieve our desired results faster and easier than ever before. Establishing this habit early on in the creative process makes all the difference when it comes to productivity and efficiency. With just a few simple measures, we can establish effective routines that lead us closer to achieving our ultimate goals.

Don’t Get Led By Someone

Having a schedule is an invaluable asset to any creative writer. It helps keep you organized and on track so that your writing can flow without interruption from start to finish. However, it’s important not to get led by someone else while following a writing routine; instead, the focus should be on doing what works best for you as an individual.

In order to create something truly unique and special, it’s essential to draw inspiration only from within. Draw strength from self-reflection and evaluation rather than external sources – use these tools as motivation for creating something extraordinary! Not getting carried away by another person’s thoughts or beliefs will help ensure that each piece stands out with its own voice and style – no matter who reads it.

Don’t Worry About The Word Count!

When it comes to creative writing, one of the most commonly asked questions is ‘How long should my piece be?’ Many writers feel pressure to include as much content and detail as possible in their pieces. However, this can lead to overwriting or even a lack of focus on the story itself.

Therefore, here are three tips for writers who want to avoid worrying about word count:

Engage in writing exercises – try out different styles and genres without being limited by a certain length requirement. This will help you find your own unique voice as an author and give you confidence when approaching longer projects.
Write down ideas that come up during your daily life – these could become great starting points for stories later on! It’s also beneficial to have a few notes handy if writer’s block strikes while working on larger projects.
Connect with other authors or friends – talking through your work with another person can really help you gain clarity and perspective on what works well and what might need editing before submission time.

In short, don’t let yourself get bogged down in worrying about word count; instead use writing exercises, jotting down ideas from everyday life, and engaging with author friends as ways to hone your craft and develop more confident storytelling skills!

Do Write It Down!

Writing down your ideas can be a great way to keep track of them and make sure they don’t slip away. Taking notes is an essential part of the creative writing process, as it allows you to record those fleeting moments when inspiration strikes. Writing down what comes to mind can also help to develop new thoughts and connections that may not have occurred without recording them. Keeping records of your ideas will give you something to refer back to later, so you can refine or expand upon existing concepts with ease.

When embarking on any kind of creative project, it’s important to take note of details both big and small in order to capture every aspect of the idea. Whether recording through the written word, audio recordings, drawings, or photographs – whatever form works best for you – capturing all aspects of the concept will ensure nothing gets lost along the way.

Take time each day (or even throughout) to write down key points and observations so these memories are captured while they’re still fresh in your mind. Doing this regularly helps foster creativity by creating a safe space where ideas can be explored freely without fear of forgetting them!

Do Learn Grammar

It is essential for any creative writer to understand the basics of grammar. A good grasp of grammar can help you convey your thoughts and ideas in the most effective manner, without any confusion or ambiguity. With correct punctuation, a reader will be able to easily follow along with what you are trying to say.

Grammar Basics	Correct Punctuation	Learn Parts Speech
Nouns & Verbs	Commas & Periods	Adjectives & Adverbs
Pronouns & Prepositions	Quotation Marks & Semicolons	Articles & Conjunctions
Phrases & Clauses	Parentheses & Ellipses	Gerunds & Infinitives

Grammar forms an integral part of every language and it is important that writers learn how to use it correctly in their work. Learning the parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc., allows one to express his/her thoughts with clarity and precision. Knowing about correct punctuation also helps in conveying messages accurately by eliminating miscommunication between readers and writers. Furthermore, learning phrases and clauses enable a writer to create more complex sentences which have a greater impact on the readers. All these skills need to be mastered if one wishes to take their writing up a notch.

Therefore, understanding grammar basics not only enhances our knowledge but also makes us better communicators through our writing; something that cannot be overlooked when striving for success as a creative writer!

Do Regular Writing Exercises

Now that you have learned the basics of grammar, it’s time to move on to more creative writing exercises. Doing regular writing drills and prompts can help foster creativity in your work while still following the rules of grammar. Creative writing exercises are designed to stimulate new ideas and allow for experimentation with structure and style. Writing drills involve a combination of free-writing, brainstorming, outlining, developing characters, and creating scenes – all essential components for great creative writing!

With these exercises in mind, take some time out of each day or week (whichever works best for your schedule) to try something new with words. Set yourself up with some simple but effective writing prompts like ‘Describe an experience using only five senses’ or ‘Write a story in fifteen minutes without stopping’ – any activity which encourages you to think differently about how you use language is beneficial.

It may be daunting at first but if you stick with it then you will start seeing results quickly as your skills improve! Remember no matter what type of exercise you do when engaging in creative writing – explore freely, express honestly, and enjoy fully!

Don’t Pay Attention To Others

The worst thing a creative writer can do is pay too much attention to others. Of course, advice and constructive criticism are important for improvement, but one should never forget that the most meaningful input comes from within. It’s critical to listen to your own voice above all else; only you know how best to convey what’s in your heart. Don’t let the opinions of others sway or confuse the message you wish to send through your writing.

When we disregard criticism and ignore those trying to impose their views onto us, our creativity flourishes unhindered by external forces. This allows us to write with freedom and authenticity; when we trust ourselves more than anyone else, our writing will carry its intended meaning accurately without being skewed by other people’s perspectives. In this way, it is essential not to focus on outside voices so that our work becomes truly ours.

It may be difficult at times but always remember: If you want your story told correctly, you must tell it yourself! Listen carefully to your inner muse and don’t let anyone distract you from expressing yourself honestly and genuinely through words.

Do Make Author Friends

Now that you’ve brushed up on the don’ts of creative writing, it’s time to turn your attention toward what you should be doing. One ‘do’ that is essential for any writer is to make author friends and become part of a writing community or author network. By joining forces with other authors, you can benefit from their knowledge, get feedback on your work, receive support when needed, and learn more about the craft of creative writing.

Make sure to join online groups and communities specifically designed for writers so you can connect with like-minded individuals who understand your struggles as an author and have similar goals in mind. Participating in forums will give you advice from experienced professionals and peers alike—both invaluable resources for honing your craft and getting inspired by others’ stories. Additionally, attending readings or events organized by local libraries or bookstores is also a great way to meet new people in the literary world while further developing yourself as a writer.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can expand your horizons both personally and professionally; learning tips from fellow scribes while building relationships within the industry—all at once! In short: if there’s one ‘do’ all budding authors should pursue above all else, it’s becoming part of an active author group or writing community where they can share wisdom with each other and continue growing together.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Rewriting

Writing is a process that requires constant revision. Rewriting and revising are essential components of the creative writing journey; don’t be afraid to start over! Here are some tips for rewriting:

Break it down. If you’re having trouble with an entire piece, focus on sections at a time. This can help make your overall task seem less daunting and also help you identify any parts that need improvement or reworking.
Take breaks. It’s important to step away from your work so you can come back with fresh eyes and different perspectives. Taking regular breaks will give you more energy and creativity when tackling a difficult project.
Get feedback. Ask trusted friends or colleagues for their opinion on what needs to be rewritten or changed in your piece. They may bring up issues that weren’t obvious before and provide helpful insight into how your story could improve.

Remember, rewriting isn’t a failure – it’s part of the writing process. Embrace it as an opportunity to hone your craft and create something even better than before!

Share Your Work

Once you’ve written a creative piece that reflects your innermost thoughts, it’s time to share it with the world. Publishing and promoting your work are key to cultivating a successful career in creative writing, so don’t be shy! Posting your work online will give you access to critiques from experienced writers and readers alike. This can provide invaluable insight on how to improve upon current projects as well as inform future works.

When publishing or sharing your work, remember that an audience is always present–even if they’re not directly commenting on your pieces. Craft each post carefully and consider what kind of impression the reader will have after viewing it. You want them to feel inspired by your creativity rather than put off by poor grammar or unfinished ideas. With thoughtful self-promotion and honest feedback, you’ll begin seeing real progress in no time!

Make Your Point Of View

When it comes to creative writing, making your point of view clear is essential. Whether you’re exploring a new idea or simply telling a story, having a distinct viewpoint can give your piece the edge that sets it apart from the rest. To make your point effectively in creative writing, focus on crafting an engaging perspective and delivering it with confidence.

Start by understanding what viewpoint writing is all about – this includes everything from character development to plot twists and more. Before diving into creating something unique, establish who you are as an author, how you want to tell your story, and why readers should care about what you have to say. By giving yourself ample time for reflection before beginning a project, you’ll be able to find the best angle from which to present your creative perspective.

Once you know where you stand on the subject matter at hand, start putting pen to paper and commit to expressing that opinion clearly throughout the work. When done well, developing a strong point-of-view makes reading enjoyable while also allowing readers to feel connected with the message being conveyed – no matter how abstract or unconventional it may be! So don’t be afraid to take risks when crafting something original – just remember that it’s important stay true to yourself as an artist so that others can appreciate your creativity too.

Use Literary Devices

Now it’s time to take your writing to the next level. That means sprinkling in some literary devices like similes, metaphors, and alliteration. These devices can add depth and interest to your writing without being too overwrought or distracting. For example, a metaphor might be used to compare one character to another; an alliterative phrase could help set a tone for describing a setting; and a simile may be employed when you want to draw attention to two characters’ similar behavior.

Using these tools is not only creative but also effective–it gives the reader something interesting that they haven’t seen before. They won’t expect it either, so make sure you use literary devices sparingly and judiciously! Don’t just stuff them into every sentence, as that will become tedious quickly. Instead, pick out the right moments where using such devices would really drive home your point and evoke strong emotions from readers. This way, your audience will be captivated by what you have written instead of feeling bogged down with too many bells and whistles.

Prefer Carrying A Journal With You

Carrying a journal around with you is an essential part of the creative writing process. It can help to capture ideas, express emotions, and inspire creativity. A journal provides a safe space for you to explore your passions without judgement or fear of failure.

Benefit	Action	Outcome
Convenience	Carrying a journal	Ideas are captured quickly and easily
Creativity	Writing in the journal	Inspiration from within yourself that leads to new possibilities
Safety	Expressing emotion	A secure place to express difficult feelings free from criticism or judgment

With this tool at your disposal, you will be able to make significant progress on any project faster than ever before. Allowing yourself time each day to write down thoughts and reflect upon them can provide clarity in times when focus seems elusive. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that there isn’t one single correct way of using a journal; everyone has different needs and preferences in regard to what works best for them personally. So take some time out of your schedule every day to spend dedicatedly on carrying and utilizing your journal- it could prove invaluable!

Describe Body Language, Actions, And Reactions

The ability to describe body language, actions, and reactions accurately is essential for creative writers. By successfully conveying these elements in your writing, you can enhance the reader’s emotional responses and create a vivid story world.

Body language includes posture, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and more. Pay attention to the physical cues of characters in order to bring them alive on the page; consider how their underlying emotions may influence their movements and words. Actions are what characters do – whether this be walking down the street or making a cup of tea – while reactions involve how they feel about it: fear, excitement, anger, etc. Through carefully crafted descriptions of body language, actions, and reactions readers will gain insight into each character’s motivations and feelings as well as gain a better understanding of the world they inhabit.

Use Active Voice Often

Using active voice in creative writing is an essential tool to make your work more engaging and effective. When you write in an active voice, you are effectively telling a story with greater clarity and focus that readers can relate to. Active sentences also help create tension and suspense, as they take on a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward.

Active writing encourages dynamic sentence structure involving vivid verbs and concrete nouns; this helps draw attention from the reader and makes them feel like they’re part of the action. Moreover, using active voice often allows for fewer words overall which add impactful efficiency to any piece of writing. This gives writers more room for creativity when crafting their stories without sacrificing readability or quality.

Writing in the active voice brings life into your work and can really elevate it beyond what’s expected – so don’t be afraid to embrace it! Whether you’re drafting up poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or even scriptwriting – utilizing the power of active sentences will keep your audience captivated while adding a unique flair to your writing style.

Hook Your Audience

Engaging your audience is the key to success in creative writing. Crafting an effective hook can be daunting, but with a few tips, you’ll be well on your way to captivating and enticing readers.

The most important thing when creating a hook is being mindful of what type of story you’re telling and who it’s for. Consider the genre, tone, and voice – all these are essential factors that play into crafting a successful hook. The best hooks draw readers in by introducing them to characters they will relate to or plotlines they can’t ignore. Make sure whatever opening line you choose makes sense within the context of your story so that it piques curiosity without giving away too much information right off the bat.

Hooking your audience doesn’t have to involve grandiose scenes or flashy visuals; sometimes simple language and subtle hints at deeper meanings can be even more powerful than complex descriptions and big reveals. Keep things interesting and unpredictable as you open up your world – this is how great stories start!

Don’t Use Adverbs Often!

Writing with adverbs often makes your story feel over-stated and cliched. Instead, focus on no-frills language to make sure your writing isn’t predictable or dull. Use creative word choices to amplify the meaning of what you are trying to say without using an adverb. When done right, this can create a more profound impact than relying solely on adverbs.

It’s important to remember that too many adverbs in a single piece of writing can overwhelm readers rather than intrigue them. The key is finding the perfect balance between being descriptive while still allowing the reader room for their own interpretation and imagination when it comes to understanding the scene or narrative at hand. Adjectives should be used sparingly so as not to diminish the power of each one by saturating them throughout your work; instead, use other techniques such as similes and metaphors that allow nuance within your descriptions. This can help draw the audience further into the story than if they were simply bombarded with adverbs alone.

Be careful not to rely too heavily on these types of words—they may sound interesting but will ultimately limit how much creativity you’re able to demonstrate in your writing. Focus more on crafting unique phrases and dialogue that reflect upon who the characters are and how they interact with each other naturally in order for readers to connect with them emotionally. Showcase your talent by bringing out layers of detail through carefully chosen words that engage all senses rather than filling up space with empty adjectives or unnecessary descriptors!

Don’t Take Pressure

It’s important when engaging in creative writing to not take any pressure. Pressure can lead to writer’s block, and that is the enemy of creativity. Instead, you should focus on your own individual creative flow—allowing yourself to write freely without expectations or constraints. Don’t put anything in front of your words; let them come out naturally, just as they are meant to be expressed.

Writing blocks occur when we overthink our ideas or force ourselves into a certain direction with our work. This makes us feel stuck and unable to express ourselves creatively. To avoid this, it’s best to practice no-pressure writing; allow yourself time away from the page so that you don’t become overwhelmed by what you’re trying to create. When you get back to the task at hand, give yourself permission to explore new directions and experiment with different approaches until something resonates with you. In order for creativity to thrive, it needs space—so make sure that you provide it for yourself!

Build Your Personal Opinions

Now that you have freed yourself from the pressure of writing and embraced a new, creative approach to your work, it’s time to build up your own personal opinions. Share your thoughts with others in an effortless manner. Expressing feelings through words is a great way to express yourself without any hesitation or second-guessing. It is important to consider how your opinion may be perceived by the readers and ensure that it reflects the overall purpose of your writing piece.

Always remember that having strong foundations for your ideas can help reinforce the credibility of your message. Make sure to take into account any potential biases when forming these foundations as they will ultimately shape what you intend to communicate. Use language that speaks directly to readers and resonates with them on an emotional level; this helps build trust between you and the reader which creates a sense of connection throughout their reading experience. Ultimately, forming solid personal opinions within creative writing pieces allows for more meaningful conversations around topics and encourages further exploration among writers and readers alike.

Write Something That Speaks To You

Writing something that speaks to you is a great way to express yourself and write your own story. It can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some dos and don’ts for creative writing:

Do’s

Embrace the opportunity to tell a unique story in your own words.
- Consider elements like theme, tone, setting, character development, etc. when creating your narrative.
Utilize different literary devices such as imagery and metaphors to create vivid scenes.

Don’ts

Don’t rush into writing without planning or outlining first.
- Avoid clichéd themes or characters which do not reflect the true emotions behind your work.
Refrain from using long sentences with too many conjunctions or unnecessary details; keep it simple yet captivating.

By following these tips, you can craft an inspiring piece of work that will speak volumes about who you are and what matters most to you. Writing should be enjoyable and freeing so take this chance to explore new ideas while expressing yourself authentically through your creation!

Proofread

Proofreading is an essential step in the creative writing process. When you’ve finished your piece, it’s important to go back and look at what you’ve written with a critical eye. Make sure that your grammar is correct, spell check for any mistakes, and edit sentences as necessary.

No matter how well-thought-out or interesting your story may be if there are too many errors readers will be put off by them. Keep an eye out for typos and clumsy language choices; these can really take away from the overall impact of your work! It helps to have another pair of eyes comb through what you’ve written – even experienced writers need someone else to review their work sometimes. So don’t overlook this crucial final step: proofread!

Avoid Over-Explaining

It is important to avoid over-explaining when writing creatively. Too many excessive details can distract from the main point of your story and take away its impact. As a creative writer, you should make sure that every sentence serves a purpose in advancing or explaining your plot or characters. Long-windedness won’t do any favors for your work; instead, strive to be succinct yet effective with your words.

Additionally, it’s essential to trust that readers will fill in some of the gaps themselves. Rather than providing all the answers up front, let them draw their own conclusions by leaving out certain bits of information—this creates more suspense and allows them to become invested in the narrative. Think of yourself as a master puppeteer guiding the reader through an emotional journey rather than spelling everything out explicitly; this way they can use their imagination and have fun while reading!

Write Abstract Words Or Emotional Words!

Writing abstract words or emotional language is one of the most important techniques in creative writing. These elements add depth and complexity to your work, allowing readers to connect with you on a deeper level. To make sure that this technique works for you, here are some dos and don’ts:

First, do think outside of the box when it comes to describing emotions. Instead of just saying “happy,” try out words such as ecstatic, euphoric, jubilant, or blissful. And instead of “sad” use more abstract terms like melancholy, despondent, or disheartened. This will give your story added texture so that readers can feel what the characters are feeling without having to be told directly.

Second, don’t forget about using metaphors and similes! They’re powerful tools that allow you to paint vivid pictures with few words–which is exactly what creative writing needs. For example, if you want to describe someone’s sadness you could say something like “the sorrow was heavy around her like thick fog”. By doing this you create an image in the reader’s mind which helps them become immersed in the story even more deeply than before.

Ultimately, by utilizing abstract words and emotive language in your stories you will be able to capture the attention of your audience and create meaningful connections between yourself and their subconscious desires for innovation. So take advantage of these tips today and watch as they help elevate your writing style!

Conclusion

As a creative writing expert, I would like to conclude by saying that the dos and don’ts of creative writing are essential for any aspiring writer. Writing every day and following a schedule is key to becoming an accomplished author. Moreover, it’s important not to get led by someone else or worry about word count when crafting your story.
Sharing your work with others can help you understand how to make your point of view more pronounced and gain valuable feedback. Also, adding literary devices will give life to what you write! Finally, always carry a journal with you – this way, you’ll never lose sight of that brilliant idea that came out of nowhere! Creative writing requires both discipline and imagination; however, if done right, its rewards can be truly remarkable!

25 Dos And Don’ts Of Creative Writing