Who doesn’t love a good story?

A sure-shot approach to convince a child to get in bed is a bedtime story recital. It worked on us all. We owe a lot to the creative writing skills of famous authors like Enid Blyton, the Brothers Grimm, and many more. Surely, we still remember Aesop’s Fables, with all the magically conversant animals.

The cunning fox who played to the vanity of the foolish crow, who fell for the false flattery and opened his beak to sing. Thus, losing the piece of cheese that fell into the waiting mouth of the fox.

The ingenuity and hard work of the thirsty crow, who dropped one pebble at a time into the earthen pot to raise the water’s level so he could quench his thirst.

We learned how never to give up, even against all odds. To always continue, with tenacious perseverance from the tortoise who beat the hasty hare in a race.

History of Story-telling

Stories have always been an interesting method of passing on valuable teachings from generation to generation. Homo Sapiens are social beings. Daily ritualistic gatherings around a communal bonfire have been practised by early tribes. Dances were performed and stories were shared.

Epic encounters of brave hunters, relying on their skills of marksmanship and archery to provide food for the entire village. Tales of strength and bravery, where fierce warriors fended off invading tribes to protect the people. Magical powers of the tribe healer who possessed unlimited knowledge in the curative powers of herbs.

This was the earliest form of entertainment that progressed and grew over time to a larger scale.

Ancient Roman civilization hosted the Olympic games every four years to please their Gods. Gladiators fighting to the death and circus events that showcased man against beast contests. Such spectacular events were held in arenas like the Colosseum to entertain the public for political leverage.

Greek theatre, used modified environmental facilities like a cut out in a hill to stage plays, mainly featuring enactments of tragedy and comedy.

Early forms of writing

The earliest form of writing did not require the knowledge or understanding of any language. It was a crude form of expression found on cave walls, comprising of symbols and hieroglyphs. Pictorial representation was the means to preserve events and communicate messages.

Scholars now believe that organized writing processes developed independently in at least four ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the lowlands of southern Mexico and Guatemala.

The birth of Creative Writing

Until the Middle Ages, works of fiction in books were almost non-existent. For most people of the day, books were only seen in places of worship, and hence they considered to contain only facts. All that was read was taken as “Gospel Truth”.

Although far-fetched stories and exaggerated tales were verbally shared to entertain the listener, storytellers faced the challenge of consistency. As they traveled, retelling their stories, numerous improvisations had to be made due to failing memory.

Writing their creative thoughts and ideas on paper, helped preserve their stories poems, and songs in the original form without adulteration.

The first documented work of written fiction was the book about King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. This was written in French by Chretien de Troyes.

Creative Writing as a Profession

Needless to say, the basic requirements for becoming a creative writer is a passion for writing and a creative mind. As the name suggests Creative writing is an imaginative expression of words, born from creative thoughts and ideas.

It is narrative in nature and the boundaries are only limited by the creativity of writer.

Creative writing Course goes beyond the basic recording and communicating of significant facts that you would find in professional forms of writing. Its purpose is to grab the attention of the reader and sustain interest.

A creative writer does not necessarily become a novelist or poet. These are a few job profiles that also fall under creative writing:

• Copywriter
• Web Content writer or blogger
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Executive
• Social Media Manager
• Public Relations
• Proofreader
• Journalist

How do I start Creative writing?

No better time than the present. There are a few practices that would definitely help you on your journey. I know this because it worked for me.

• Write daily– make notes on any thought that floats in your mind. An idea that catches your interest. Even new words that you might pick up during a movie.
• Recreate– advertisement slogans that you could improve on.
• Read– dedicate at least an hour daily reading anything that appeals to your interest. E-readers are great as they offer an inbuilt dictionary, and a word bank to improve vocabulary.
• Creative writing course– this is a definite game-changer as you will get professional insight and technical knowledge to elevate your skills. A reputed institute will provide the icing on the cake in the form of; career guidance, job recommendations, and internship programs.

Creative Writing Courses in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, formally known as Trivandrum was referred to as “The Evergreen city of India” by Mahatma Gandhi. TRV boasts an average literacy rate of 95% and is the capital city of Kerala.

This monumental center for literature and arts hosts the Kovalam Literary Festival every year in October, and Hays Literary Festival in November.

Let’s walk through the Top 9 Creative writing courses available in Thiruvananthapuram

1. Henry Harvin Academy

The CCWS (Certified Creative Writing Specialist) certification at Henry Harvin is ranked #1 by Trainings 360. It is recognized by the American Association of EFL, UK Cert, UKAF, Content Writing Association in India, MSME & Govt of India.

This is the first Certified Creative Writing Course in South Asia. The course analyses and presents the secrets and individual styles that brought fame and success to legends of the fiction and fantasy world.

The curriculum features detailed study into the works of Stephen King, Shakespeare, J.K. Rowling, Quentin Tarantino will give you an insight into these mainstream genres.

Check Henry Harvin Other Courses

• Technical Writing Course
• Content Writing Course
• Medical Writing Course

Henry Harvin Provide Creative Writing courses in these Cities

Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi, Noida

Henry Harvin Creative Writing Course Ranks #1 in India by India Today, The Statesman

Value add-ons

• One-year free membership and access to Henry Harvin’s online learning program.
• Free monthly follow-up sessions.
• Job support and career guidance.
• Sharpen your acquired creative writing skills with real-world projects from the industry by enlisting in the internship program.

Creative writing Demo session

2. Nestsoft

With over 18 years of experience in Thiruvananthapuram, Nestsoft offers a creative writing program that can be customized as per your requirement.

They will help you finalize a syllabus that is best suited to you with flexible timings. This is ideal for working professionals engaged in a full-time employment role.

For aspiring or experienced marketing professionals a copywriting course is also available. This focusses on

• SEO
• Writing an advertisement copy
• Product promotions and reviews

3. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) Trivandrum Regional Centre

The university has a one-year or two-year DCE (Diploma in Creative Writing in English). The candidate should have completed 10+2 years of education or 20 years and above to be eligible to apply for the diploma course.

The curriculum is designed for those interested in a career in creative writing as a freelance writer. The course is in progressive stages and covers imaginative writing skills for the following:

• Poetry
• Feature articles
• Short stories
• Scripts for TV & Radio

4. The Writers Bureau

Their home-study creative writing course is written by professional writers and is ideal for beginners. The Writers Bureau offers an opportunity for the candidates, to earn back the course fees by taking on projects from the industry during the course.

They have been providing courses in creative writing since 1989 and have a 15-day free trial, with a money-back policy.

The faculty of professional writers provide a valuable and practical approach on how to monetize your writing skills.

5. Medcity School of English

Medcity School of English is South India’s No.1 Institute and their courses are affiliated by the Central Government and certified by Cambridge University.

Their creative writing program teaches fiction writing skills for poetry, plays, novels, and scripts for television and movies. It also includes non-fiction creative writing like speeches, memoirs, and personal essays.

The course topics are:

• Releasing your creativity
• Short story writing
• Point of view
• Descriptive writing skills
• Building interesting characters
• Dialogue writing
• Poetry writing
• Market awareness and career strategy

6. Udemy Creative Writing

Udemy hosts a wide selection of creative writing programs created by renowned authors. You can choose from a range of 2-hours to over 17-hours of lecture time.

These fun-filled, online creative writing courses, are categorized by levels of expertise for aspiring beginners as well as established fiction writers.

The case study sessions dissect highest selling books and blockbuster movies, to unravel essential details that add value to characters and the plot.

7. Ending notes

Creative writing is an art form, the writer is the artist who paints images with words on the mind of the reader that serves as the canvas.

There isn’t a course that can cultivate a passion for writing and a zeal to create. That is something that you either have or you don’t. Once you have determined that this is the right path for you, a creative writing course is what I would definitely recommend to channel your ideas fruitfully, and to utilize your skills optimally.

Recommended Reads:

• Creative Writing Courses in India
• Creative Writing Courses Online
• Creative Writing Courses in UK
• Creative Writing Courses in USA
• Creative Writing Course in Delhi

FAQs

1. What skills do I need to become a creative writer?

Ans: a) Proficiency and fluency in the language you intend to write in.

b) Ruthlessly critical about your own work.

c) Organizational and time management skills.

d) Open to negative criticism.

• What would be examples of creative writing?

Ans: Examples of fictional creative writing are novels, short stories, poetry, scriptwriting, screenplays, songwriting. Non-fiction creative writing examples are speeches, memoirs, essay writing, articles.

• What are the forms of creative writing?

Ans: There are four main forms of creative writing: expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive