THE ART OF WRITING Free Course Part 2 What to Write?

2. What To Write

Choosing what to write can happen in as many different ways as there are writing projects. You may need to write something for a specific purpose, like an academic essay or a grant application, or you may just be inspired to tell a story, which could become a short story, a poem, a novel, etc. The type of writing is a crucial choice. The more allied it is to who you naturally are, the more flowing the experience can be.

24 Types of Creative Writing; Free writing, stream of consciousness, Prose (ruleless, limitless,) Poetry form, free form, prose poetry, Plays (words, movement, set,) Speech, Vignette, Scripts, Song lyrics, Storytelling, Journal log, Diary, Letters, Memoir nonfiction, Journalism, Blog Honorable Mentions, Short Story, Novellas, Novels, Journalism, Letters To The Editor, Marketing, Speeches, Eulogies, Essays

Before I decide to write something to share, I ask myself;

Is it something that can be shared through the written word?
Will it be worth the time to write it?
Will it be meaningful to others?
Could it be compelling and appealing?
What is the essence of the writing?
Will I be proud to share it?
What is necessary and unnecessary in this writing?
Can I enjoy writing this?
Will I learn by doing it?
Can it expand me?
Is there something universal in it?
Will the effect on others be positive?
How will it affect me writing it and sharing it?

After thoroughly considering these questions, I then try to distill what I want to say with my writing in the fewest words possible. Distilling the story to its briefest form lets me know I know what the story is and can begin fleshing it out. Writing it in its concentrated form shows respect for the reader’s time. I write short stories like painting with words. It is natural for me to include visual elements. I want to invite the audience to see the world the words create.

Sometimes giving yourself the challenge of a specific task can be creatively stimulating. Boundaries can be liberating, like deciding the size of the canvas we are painting words onto. Your interior is a vast wilderness to explore. You can gain so much from venturing there. Putting your feelings into words with specific meanings can be a daunting task. Attempting it deserves admiration. Writing what comes to mind without judging or limiting it can help you discover what you are naturally interested in. When you don’t allow preconceived ideas or any need to get the approval of others to cloud your vision, you see clearly. Finding your authentic curiosities exposes what would be most fulfilling to explore in depth. Writing is a journey of discovery about the subjects of your writing as well as self-discovery. Extemporaneous writing reveals what is spontaneous for you to contemplate.

What will inspire you to write about can be a surprise. You may need to explore and experiment to uncover your fascinations. Trying as many subjects as necessary until you discover what you have a thirst to examine. Exploring your greatest interests is deeply fulfilling. Expanding your understanding is a great reason to write. A path to see what is best for you to write can be what offers you the most gratification to write about. If you keep writing about topics, subjects, ideas, philosophies, stories, or experiences, you will find what you have the enthusiasm to explore in depth. What inspires you can lead to what you will enjoy getting into deeply. What entertains you is a good indication of what others might enjoy. Nothing is more powerful than writing in your voice to write about things that you are genuinely passionate about. Choose carefully what you invest your precious energy into. Ambitious projects such as plays, scripts, and books can be a significant time investment and should be selected wisely. Telling stories before writing them can be an excellent way to see what moves others. Talking about subjects first can reveal what other people find interesting.

You may not know your motivation until you read our writing. Some projects come from a noble desire to be of service to others. Some projects are simply a way to focus your mind on something productive. All reasons are valid.

Next Lesson in the course coming soon!

Read my memoir ➡️ https://www.incandescencebook.com/

See my videos ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@The_Creativity_Show

See my art ➡️ https://clarecooley.com/shop/

This 10-week course is FREE.

Clare Cooley is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant
from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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Praise for Clare Cooley’s Memoir