Discover more about the art of creative writing, the many genres and sub-genres within this field, and how an MA in creative writing can take your hobby to the next level.
What is creative writing?
Creative writing involves the imaginative expression of ideas, emotions and stories through various literary genres. You’ll discover a little more about these different genres of creative writing further on within this article.
Creative writing is significant as it allows individuals to explore and communicate their innermost thoughts, experiences and perspectives in unique and compelling ways, evoking empathy, understanding and connection among readers.
Are you looking to gain the confidence and practical skills necessary to produce creative writing of a publishable standard? Discover the University of Hull online MA in Creative Writing:
Genres of creative writing
Part of the beauty of creative writing is that no two pieces of work are ever the same, and there are multiple different genres to explore when finding your favourites. Here are some of the different genres of creative writing you will come across:
Fiction
Fiction refers to imaginative, non-factual storytelling in creative writing. Writing within this genre most often involves events, characters and settings which have been invented by the author. Fictional writing spans many sub-genres, including romance, fantasy, mystery, gothic and intimate character studies.
Science fiction is one of the most popular sub-genres of fiction, which encompasses writing that explores futuristic or scientific concepts, often set in alternate realities, or dystopian societies. Through fiction, writers are able to craft unique narratives that can transport readers to new worlds, provoke thought and evoke powerful emotions.
Non-fiction
On the other hand, non-fiction refers to writing that is factual, rather than fictional. This genre of creative writing can include real-life narratives such as memoirs, diaries, biographies and autobiographies, as well as informational essays, newspaper columns and opinion pieces. Non-fiction writers aim to inform, educate, persuade or entertain readers on their subject matter of choice.
Poetry
Another genre within creative writing is poetry, also known as verse. This form is usually characterised by its rhythmic pace, deep meaning and sound when read aloud. Poetry attempts to stir readers’ imagination or emotions, usually in shorter form than a fiction or non-fiction book, by expression emotions, ideas and observations as a poem.
From sonnets, and free verse, to haikus and ballads, poetry as a genre spans an array of forms and structures, each offering its own distinct rhythm and charm.
Drama
Drama in creative writing is typically a script that can be performed for theatre, radio or television. Dramas can be both fictional or factual, and span from the likes of comedies and action-packed thrillers to classic tragedies and even character monologues.
The versatility of a drama allows these pieces of writing to transcend boundaries of culture and time, offering the authors the opportunity to craft boundless narratives for their characters.
How an MA in Creative Writing can help you on your literary journey
Transform your passion for writing into the ability to produce prose worthy of public recognition by embarking on a MA in Creative Writing. Each week, you’ll learn about a new topic and different creative writing techniques.
You will look at your own writing, but also pick apart the writing of well-established authors, and deep dive into research papers, podcasts, videos, and much more, via our online classroom facility.
The course is part-time and 100% online, meaning you can work at your own pace and fit the work around your life – not the other way around. While you study, you’ll also get regular breaks for holiday periods and submitting assessments.
If you’d like to learn a little more, why not take a look at our recent conversation with MA in Creative Writing Programme Director Dr Chris Westoby, to find out how the MA supports writers on their journeys to finding their unique voice.