Clarity is the new creative.
What do I mean?
Well, what is creative writing?
If you ask me, it’s the ability to transfer highly visual sharp imagery from your mind to the mind of your reader. Or in other words, descriptive writing.
So, how do you do that? How do you make me see the things in your mind? What are the tenets and tools of creative writing?
Four things:
- Shapes
- Colors
- Comparison to things familiar
- Location in Three-dimensional space
Would you like an example?
In the second paragraph of The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien, uses all four points in describing a Hobbit hole. He writes:
“It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle.”
Can you see it?
Of course you can. You can’t help but see it. Tolkien masterfully transferred a sharp image from his mind to ours. And millions of people love him for it.
Here’s the breakdown.
Shapes:
- Round door
Colors:
- Green
- Shiny yellow brass
Comparison to things familiar:
- Like a porthole
Location in Three-dimensional space:
- In the exact middle
When done well, this kind of creative writing exudes an invisible influence. People will be inexorably drawn to your words and they won’t know why. They will be captivated and open to the suggestions and ideas you choose to plant in their hearts and minds.
Please, use this power responsibly.
Evil people have used this potent elixir to evil ends.
But I know you won’t do that. Which is why I’ve entrusted this hallowed formula to your care.
Now, go write great things with it.
– Zac Smith, VC
