What is creative writing?

Creative Writing is the art of making things up with words and expressing ideas in an artful way, but it's more than that; it's also conceptual and strategic. Copywriting is the standard in terms of branding and marketing copy, so how does Creative Writing fit in? Well, it doesn't. It's layered and nuanced and more experiential.

For a start, creative writing is copywriting but dressed for the occasion; think cosplay or festival-style - creative writing is not afraid to be generous and fabulous! More is more when you can play with linguistic style, tempo, length and storytelling devices.

Also, it must be said, that sequin jacket pairs beautifully with those plum-coloured velvet bell-bottoms, you go girl! Hey, it's always the weekend in the world of creative writing and, sorry to say, copywriting get's a lot of blue jean Mondays!

We get nervous when copy gets wordy because we're up against limited attention spans to communicate our messages - we need to hook attention in the first line and quick, it's true. But, it doesn't mean you have to dumb your copy down to 'simple language' or a one-liner to be effective.

Think of a brand you follow on social media, now think of a recent post of theirs you saw: Do you remember the image? My bet is you do, that's how it came to mind. Do you remember what the caption said? Probably not, unless the copy was particularly striking (or the word FREE was visible in the first line, just kidding, but also, let's not rule that out).

When you capture your audiences attention, own the moment in words! Give them an experience to remember. Lead them on a micro-adventure, spark imagination with evocative language, make them forget, for a moment, that they're mere mortals on planet earth scrolling on their phones to escape reality in the first place.

Functional copywriting is often mundane and forgettable, desperately trying to fit in with 'how everyone says it should be'; it's the basic bitch that forgot to dress up for the party - and if she cornered you outside the bathroom and told you about her favourite brand of tea, would you remember it the next day?

Not if you were drinking champagne all night in that outfit, darling.

Thanks for reading.
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