Today I thought we could take a break from the regular creative writing prompts in the form of words, sentences, phrases, pictures and the like and do some reading, so to speak. As far as creative writing ideas in general go,they are usually gotten from some outside source and rarely just from within your own mind. Though it can often seem like they do. Reading is because of this of the utmost importance to aspiring as well as established writers as it is through reading that you gain a better understanding of your own personal style, as well as the basics of such elusive elements of writing as tone, rhythm, pace and such. Reading great stories and novels also allows us to see how the narrative, point of view, fictional time, and so on are handled by other authors, which is great for learning how to do it ourselves.
As writers of fiction most of us already tend to read a lot. It sort of goes with the territory, so to speak, and it is also good for us and our own writing. However, once you sit down to write a longer piece of work you should generally put books by other writers aside and just concentrate on your own story, your own voice and style. Too often our written expression is influenced by what we just read and we should avoid that when trying to create something of our own. It is great for Creating Your Own Writing Style http://creativewritingideasandprompts.com/creative-writing-ideas-creating-your-own-writing-style/, but when it comes down to it, your style is your style and must not be an imitation of someone else’s. But you already knew that!
Just in case you have nothing to read just now, I’ve come across a free giveaway of a pdf collection of short stories and some theories from Narrative Magazine titled 18 Lies and 3 Truths. You can get it from their website by signing up (Note: if you’re already signed up you won’t be able to download it, it seems that it is only for new members. In this case, sign up again from a different email address and you’re fine!) You can also buy a hardcopy from Amazon.com.
The collection contains 18 short stories by great authors (and teachers) such as Joyce Carol Oates, Robert Olen Butler, Janet Burroway, Pamela Painter and other. In addition, the book also contains essay on the writing process by Rick Bass, Robert Olen Butler and Gail Godwin, which makes this book that much more of a must have. It is always advisable to do some research into how other writers view the process of writing-it gives you creative writing ideas of your own!
Anyway, enjoy your reading and…
Stay Creative!
Some more creative writing ideas:
Creative Writing Ideas: Get Your Own Creative Writing Prompts
Creative Writing Ideas: Free Writing
Creative Writing Ideas: Seeing Clearly is Writing Well
Creative Writing Ideas: Creating Your Own Writing Style
