Creative Writing

What makes a fictional character feel believable or alive, even if they are very different from you? How can a writer use small details—like gestures, habits, or speech patterns—to reveal character without lengthy explanation? What is the difference between an author’s voice and a character’s voice, and how can they be kept distinct? How might a character’s flaws and contradictions make them more compelling to readers? Can you think of a character whose voice stayed with you long after you finished the story? What made it so memorable?

How do changes in pacing—speeding up or slowing down—affect a reader’s emotional experience of a story? What are some common story structures (like the three-act structure) and how might they help a writer organize their ideas? When might it be useful for a writer to break traditional plot structures or play with nonlinear time? How can subplots support or distract from the main storyline in a piece of fiction? Think of a story you enjoy: how does its structure help build tension and lead to a satisfying or unsettling ending?

How does choosing first person, third person, or another point of view shape what the reader can know or feel? What is ‘narrative distance,’ and how can moving closer to or farther from a character’s inner world change a scene? When might an unreliable narrator be a powerful tool, and what risks does this approach carry? How can shifting point of view between multiple characters deepen or complicate a story? Can you recall a book where the chosen point of view surprised you or changed how you judged the characters?

Why do many writers say that ‘the real writing happens in revision,’ and what does that mean in practice? How can a writer decide which pieces of feedback to accept and which to politely ignore? What habits or routines help creative writers keep going when they feel stuck or uninspired? How can sharing drafts in a workshop or writing group improve not just a single piece, but a writer’s skills over time? Can you think of a time when revising your own writing led to a completely new insight or direction?