A Whole New World

There is so much magic and power in words. Their possibilities are boundless. They are only limited by the boundaries of your imagination. However, those boundaries are not rigid. Freedom can be found in the limitless combinations of words. Those words can create entirely new worlds. 

There is so much joy in the ability to communicate but our words can be used in so many more ways. I am specifically talking about creative writing. To me, creative writing is a form of therapy. It allows me to process emotions and trauma in the way I weave the threads of a new world. Maybe others will relate or maybe they will simply just enjoy the story. Either way, writing is my escape. 

It isn’t a painless process. It is arduous. It is slow. It is exhausting. It’s also freeing, rewarding, and gratifying in a way that you’ll only understand once you finish your work. Don’t give up, even if you take weeks, months, or years to complete it. 

So, where to start? Anywhere! No, really. Find a process that works for you. Personally, what really kickstarted my “short” (but long) story was taking a group creative writing class. It gave me details about structure, plot, character development and arcs, figurative language, POV, and more.

I was good with my words before the class, but there were many nuances and strategies that elevated my writing. Many of us aren’t formally taught things like similes, metaphors, idioms, and alliterations. As smart as we are, there is always more to learn. 

I enjoyed just jumping into my story but some people may prefer brainstorming first. This is where you decide what works for you. We must all start somewhere and it’s ok if you don’t feel like an expert. When you’re done with your story, be open to feedback and edits. It’s how you learn and grow in your skill. 

The most important thing is to let loose, have fun, and get lost in your imagination.