“Unlock Your Imagination: 10 Creative Writing Mantras That Will Transform Your Words into Masterpieces!”
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of prescriptive writing rules, wondering if there’s a lifeboat that could rescue your creativity? If so, you’re not alone! In the world of writing, especially when working with young creators, the mantra “Fun, not homework” has become something of a lifeline for me. As I guide my teen writing group, I emphasize the importance of freedom and inspiration over rigidity and structure. Why? Because when we free ourselves from the chains of convention, magic happens! This article dives deep into the catchphrases that have shaped my approach to writing and teaching. Get ready to explore the insights I’ve gained over the years, some of which have become like a second skin when I talk about what it means to write effectively. So, let’s cut through the noise and get to the heart of it—because less really can be more when it comes to crafting meaningful prose. Curious about what I mean? LEARN MORE.
The Short Of It
The things I just keep on saying
One of my regular rules at the teen writing group I run at my library is: “Fun, not homework.” As middle and high school students, the tweens and teens in my group are so used to (from a school mindset) writing projects being prescriptive that I have to make sure to emphasize that any prompt or challenge we’re doing in the club is allowed to be bent or broken by them in any way their inspiration leads them. I’ve said it so much the teens call it my catchphrase.
Coming into my fifth year of writing about writing here on Medium, I’ve developed some other catchphrases. These ones have evolved accidentally. But as I’ve repeated these certain sentiments repeatedly across multiple writing articles, they’ve solidified as some of my belief systems about writing craft and process. So, for future reference and past reference, when I say these things, this is what I mean.
Let’s dig into it…
Be economical with your words
(I did not come up with this turn of phrase or concept. Google it, and you will find it across multiple sources. I just sure as heck say it a lot.)
