Figuring out a solid creative writing idea can sometimes be tricker than actually writing it. This is because for most of us we cling desperately onto the hope that maybe, the more we ponder and dwell, we might be given some miracle and bestowed a riveting, complex idea packaged nicely with a title, plot, setting and character. This however is hardly the case and we’re often left as fools wishing for something to emerge when the fact is - we need to come up with our own ideas ourselves and prepare as effectively as we can beforehand.
This obviously takes time and the reality is that we need to do a lot of practice before this process becomes second nature to us.
How does one come up with a sturdy, reliable and easily transportable concept that can be deployed in numerous exam scenarios? How do we create pliable and ductile ideas that can be unique and compelling at once, without falling into the many traps that often characterise the process of imaginative writing itself like cliches or melodrama?
Grades aside, we want to craft a story that actually says something i.e., a story that you yourself believe is meaningful, and tells us something about what it means to be human.
From experience, I’ve found that one of the most efficient and effective t strategies for improving one’s creative writing is brainstorming. By definition, brainstorming refers to the spontaneous generation of multiple ideas in relation to a triggering stimulus. The stimulus could really be anything - an image, quote, movie scene, artwork etc., as long as there is an idea waiting to be uncovered.
One of the main reasons why brainstorming is such a good method to improve creative writing is because of its ability to expand the our sensitivity to different ideas that may exist within stimuli, making us more aware and conscious of the multiple approaches and angles that can be taken when analysing a text or coming up the conceptual heart of your story. Additionally, most students find that localising the concept for their story is often the most challenging part of creative writing, as the plot, setting and characterisation typically flow naturally from the chosen idea. A good list that I started with was the following:
- Time
- Identity and self
- Relationships
- Connection
- Truth
- Forgiveness
- Self-acceptance
- The past
- Emotional conflict
- Seeking resolutions
Of course, practice remains the most important thing and we’ll never be able to improve our skills without implementing theory into our work. When I was in high school, I compiled as many images, philosophical quotes, interesting excerpts and saved as many thought provoking youtube videos I stumbled on to bank up on the most uniquely compelling ideas that would work well.
Overall, Imaginative writing in the HSC is a game to be played strategically.
