Creative writing is the form of writing that draws on the imagination to convey meaning through the use of imagery, narrative, and drama.
Creative writing uses senses and emotions in order to create a strong visual in the reader’s mind whereas other forms of writing typically only leave the reader with facts and information instead of emotional intrigue.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in 21st Century Teaching and Learning in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Creative Writing that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. You can gain valuable experience by writing for your student newspaper or magazine, volunteering in schools, or getting involved with writers' groups. Also, try submitting work to journals or anthologies, entering competitions, or approaching local drama groups to see if they will use your scripts. Building a portfolio of written work, especially any that you've had published, will help to evidence your writing skills and establish your reputation as a writer.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a Creative Writing course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of writing and research skills and a passion for sharing the written word.
As a writer, you'll be involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction.
This covers various forms of writing, including children's stories, life writing, magazine and newspaper articles, non-fiction, novels, poetry, screen and radio, scripts for theatre, short stories and even web content.
Most writers work freelance and are self-employed. As income from writing may be low and unpredictable, most writers supplement their income with other related activities such as author visits, workshops and events.
Some writers may find avenues to diversify their writing and write in different forms, such as published novelists also writing reviews and literary criticism. In addition, many writers manage their writing work alongside full or part-time jobs, which may be related to their writing (such as lecturing on creative writing courses) or entirely unrelated.
As a creative writing graduate you may work to establish yourself as a writer on a self-employed basis, either writing your own works or writing for others in a freelance capacity.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours. Writers often use weekends and evenings to work, fitting their responsibilities around other employment commitments. However, some writers may adopt a disciplined approach, keeping strict office hours and working away from home to avoid distractions.
After completing a course in Creative Writing you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as teaching, journalism, librarianship, publishing, communication and media studies, English language or literature and the performing arts.
Are there different types of Creative Writing?
Creative writing isn't just limited to novels, short stories, and poems; in fact, this type of writing encompasses at least a dozen different types, each suited to specific situations and kinds of personal expression.
Types of creative writing include:
The majority of writing, by far, is creative. With it, you can pretend anything you want and help a potential reader do the same.
Explore your options here
