Creative Writing | Writing Forward

Constraints and Creativity for Writers

Lots of writers feel restricted by rules and constraints. I’ve seen writers rail against constraints ranging from the submission guidelines on an agent’s website to the specifications of a creative writing exercise. I once witnessed a rant by an author whose story didn’t fit into any genre that could be found on Amazon (or in…Read More

Get Inspired with Observational Writing

Today’s post is an excerpt from Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from a chapter titled “Observation,” which explores drawing writing inspiration from the things you observe in daily life. Observational Writing When we open ourselves up to our surroundings and take in the details, we will find inspiration in the most unlikely…Read More

Self-Expression in Creative Writing

A lot of people first come to creative writing because they want to express themselves. Emotions are running high, ideas are flying, and opinions are in full supply. What better way to get it all off your chest than writing it down? Self-expression is the act of giving form to our thoughts, ideas, experiences, and…Read More

What To Do When You Need Writing Motivation

Today’s post is an excerpt from Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from a chapter titled “Motivation,” which provides techniques for cultivating writing motivation. Writing Motivation The more inspired you feel, the more motivated you will be to write. But there’s a subtle difference between feeling inspired and being motivated. Inspiration is about…Read More

What’s in Your Creative Writing Notebook?

This post contains affiliate links. I’ve been collecting writing notebooks and journals since I was a teenager. Most writers I know tend to accumulate a lot of stationery and office supplies: notebooks, pens, paper clips, and other odds and ends that we can use to manage and organize our writing projects. Over time, all these…Read More

Writing When You’re Not in the Mood

Today’s post is an excerpt from Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from a chapter titled “Doing the Work,” which focuses on writing when you’re not in the mood. Doing the Work When you experience a burst of inspiration that leads to a satisfying writing session, the results are exhilarating. Whether you’ve gotten…Read More

Getting Creative with Essay Writing

Today I’d like to share an excerpt from my book, Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from a chapter titled “Essay Writing,” which emphasizes the creative aspects of writing essays rather than the academic aspects. Essay Writing The word essay comes from the French word essayer, which means “to try” or “to attempt.” An essay…Read More

Are You Concerned About Originality in Your Writing?

Today’s post is an excerpt from my book Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing, which takes you on a tour through various forms and genres of creative writing, providing you with tools, techniques, and tips to write more and write better. Enjoy! Originality in Writing A lot of artists struggle with originality. Of…Read More

Consuming Art to Fuel Your Writing

Today I’d like to share an excerpt from my book, Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from a chapter titled “Consuming Art.” Consuming Art If we don’t consume art, especially written works, on a regular basis, our creativity will dry up, and our writing will suffer. Art is food for the soul….Read More

Writing While Inspired

Today’s post is an excerpt from Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This excerpt is from a chapter titled “Writing While Inspired,” which explores the concept of cultivating creativity rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. Enjoy! Inspired Writing Sometimes, inspiration appears out of nowhere. You’re taking a walk, and you’re suddenly struck…Read More