The Artistry of Imaginative Writing

All too often students approach writing with trepidation and a reluctance to put pen to paper. We all have the potential to be creative and storytelling is an innate skill, yet too many individuals claim to be unable to write effectively. All students can write well when they are inspired and feel supported to take risks.

Imaginative writing like the finger paintings we all once did at school is messy. Students need to be reassured that writing in the initial stages is not perfect. It takes time, effort and practice to achieve artistry, and the process is iterative.

This book gives students the opportunity and support through examples and technical information to reimagine, redraft and redefine their writing, and become increasingly confident and proficient writers.

Contents

Aiming for artistry

• Permission to play and experiment with writing
• Harnessing the power of language
• Verbs, the muscles of writing
• The art of syntax
• Structure

The art of story-telling

• Begin with vignettes
• Key aspects of the narrative writing process
• Complication or Problem
• Resolution
• Enriching ad improving narrative writing
• Vocabulary

Poetry to stimulate and inspire writing

• Capturing the details of life
• The sound and rhythm of language
• Tapping into emotions
• Telling stories through poetry
• Being creative with poetry

Creative non-fiction

• Content based on interests, passions or personal experiences
• Audience, purpose and form
• Point of view
• Language
• Creative non-fiction ideas

Owning the writing

• Knowing our students
• The positive and supportive learning environment
• Narrative writing success checklist
• Feedback
• Self and peer-critiquing