As college students, our lives revolve around analytical writing. Across the spectrum of majors and minors, writing is often strictly formal. It is comprised of research, textual evidence, and footnotes. Little room is left for creativity. There is no place for imagination or whimsy within the context of academia. Apart from a few creative writing courses offered here at Saint Mike’s, writing appears to be designated for a clear purpose. Maybe you had to construct a lab report, a research paper on the Cold War, or an essay on William Faulkner. All have set formats or ‘rules’ that the writer must follow. Grammar must be exact. Vocabulary must be articulate. It must be straight forward and to the point. There is no room for fluff.
Analytical writing, though strict, can be immensely joyful. For English, it enables a reader to delve deep into symbolism and meaning within a book. It allows for great connections and moments of brilliance when things all come together. As an English major, the majority of my homework involves writing formally. It is time consuming, but worth it. It is difficult, yet rewarding I love analytical writing
However, many do not find joy in analytical writing. For some, they may enjoy conducting experiments in sciences more, solving math equations, or dwelling on some other focus. Writing is not the moments of ‘eureka’ it is for those who enjoy analytical writing: It instead becomes a tedious burden. It seems like a drawn out process. Sometimes, page requirements and instructions limit a writer: a longer paper already appears overwhelming from the get-go. With that overwhelming fear, one would push the assignment off until the day before it is due. At that point, it becomes rushed and simply a summary or filled with unimportant information. It is nothing you are proud of. This process may be repeated again and again. People then dread writing.
For this reason, I look for a revival of creative writing. As children, it was common to make up stories after learning to read and write. They were often fantastical and filled with mystical creatures. They entailed the harrowing adventures of our protagonists as well as the redemption of wrongdoers and their conversion to good. The provocations of our imaginations were noted in short stories, chapters of dream-up novels, or short poems. They had no prescribed rules or page requirements. No analysis was needed. They were enjoyable to write, and even more enjoyable to share. We were proud of the creative pieces we created, unlike the frantic analysis we may create.
I wish for the carefree joys of creative writing to stem back into our lives. Some may never have stopped, and of that I am quite jealous. For others, especially for those who hate writing, taking up creative writing may become a joyful experience. Start by reading creative pieces: pick up one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, or a book of poetry, or a collection of short stories. Then simply read. Read and read and read. Fill yourself with inspiration, and then write. Write and write and write. It may be rough to begin. It may be sloppy and unfocused. However, the process will be wonderful. Writing will become fun again.
https://timgatewood.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/12-advantages-of-keeping-a-journal/