Creative writing often questions or even breaks conventional academic writing "rules." Here are a few resources that introduce key concerns within different creative writing genres.

Long fiction and short fiction

Struggling in the writing process? Visit these three Purdue OWL resources on writing fiction: Considering plot and character; Understanding theme, conflict, and point of view; and Using metaphors: types of metaphors.

For help with dialogue, try this page on Writing dialogue and/or this page on How to write dialogue that captivates your reader.

Creative nonfiction

Creative non-fiction: not all creative writing tells fictional stories. This handy page introduces creative nonfiction and its genres before offering pointers for writers.

Poetry

"Learning the Poetic Line: How Line Breaks Shape Meaning": we like how this article walks readers through poetry that isn't necessarily perfectly metrical or end-stopped

Creative Writing Workshopping

Creative writing often involves small- and large-group workshopping. For general help in giving and receiving feedback on your writing, check out our Peer Review page.

Workshop discussion questions: starting points for workshopping your work and others' work.

Students looking to find a supportive community of writers should check out the creative writing club Word is Born Writers’ Society. The organization is open to all writers and hosts events such as open mic nights, free writes, and workshops. Meetings are held on Wednesday nights from 7-8 PM in Keezell Hall room 303, located next to Wilson Hall. More information can be found on the Word is Born webpage or on BeInvolved.