For sure, not all articles necessarily need creativity to accomplish their purpose.
For instance, in general, technical readers only want information: numbers, graphs, facts.
That's it.
They're in and out.
No need to charm or impress them with additional tidbits.
Like the TV detective used to say, "Just the facts, ma'am.
" But for the rest of us, creativity fascinates us, draws us in.
It leaves the reader wanting more.
In this case, a demand of "more" from a writer is a sign of success.
So the question begs: If creativity doesn't come naturally, can one become a creative writer? The answer is YES, if you apply the following five methods.
1.
Know Your Niche and Your Audience.
One of the first things to keep in mind when writing creatively is to know the particular niche you're writing for.
For example, your creative juices will flow quite differently if writing a children's book, than writing a 30-second script for a commercial about suntan lotion.
Identifying with both your niche and your audience is a primary step in creative writing.
2.
Organize your thoughts.
Writing creatively doesn't mean leaving everything to chance.
You have to organize your thoughts.
Know where you want the story to go, and take it there seamlessly, not rushing the story at its end to meet your purpose.
One way to do this is to create a simple outline.
It can be divided into three, four or more sections, but by using an outline you'll have a better understanding of where to take the story and at what point.
3.
Use illustrations.
Few techniques will pique the reader's interest as when using illustrations.
Illustrations bring the story alive, give it added punch, and when used just right, drives the point home.
Of course, the illustration used must be appropriate to your audience (see #1).
4.
Mind Mapping.
Mind mapping, a kind of brainstorming method, is a technique that uses a diagram with words, thoughts, ideas, etc.
, and links them to a following random word, thought, idea, etc.
- often without making particular sense.
(The "mapping" can be done on paper or chalkboard, etc.
) Mind mapping is best done in rapid-time.
(If it takes you longer than 10 seconds to think of your next point, you're putting too much thought into the process.
) I once made a mind map that linked apple pie to Sally Field.
Here's how: my original thought was of apple pie, which made me think of candied apples at the circus, putting a graphic in my head of those silly clowns.
From there I thought of the hit, "Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson, and "Smokey" made me think of Smokey the Bear.
And then I thought of "Smokey and the Bandit," which starred Sally Field.
The exercise was merely to stretch my imagination, whether or not it made sense to anyone else.
It worked.
My creative juices began to flow and I was able to come up with a creative PowerPoint presentation.
So when mind mapping, keep in mind that the sole purpose of the exercise is to free your mind - and goes where it leads you.
5.
Feel.
Smell.
Taste.
Tell.
Don't simply tell the reader the woman had short, blonde hair; tell them she sported a strawberry blonde bob cut.
When you write about that ride on the roller coaster, tell them how the rickety old, wooden structure shook until you nearly lost your lunch.
Tell them how the smell of the roses reminded you of your mother's garden, and that its petals felt like fine silk.
Writing can be a powerful tool.
To persuade the reader to willingly go where you want them to go mentally can be rewarding for both you and the reader.
So implement these methods in your writing, and see how creative you can become.
There's no downside, and better still, the techniques are free.
As the pop tune says, "Free you mind, the rest will follow.
"