Writing Talent
NOT ALL of us are good writers; all good writers are not creative writers. Creative writing is expressing thoughts and ideas in a series of well-planned stages, to create a well-written and highly readable final product. The field of creative writing is also probably the one in which its most difficult to succeed.
You need to have
The art of writing brings together creativity, intelligence, approach and word power.
Academically, a background in English is called for, though of course for other languages, a graduate degree in that language is best suited. Different jobs require different talents and temperaments, but the basic criterion is to have a strong command over the language of choice and the ability of logical expression.
You should be able to work under various constraints as the ability to concentrate amidst confusion, work under pressure and against stiff deadlines is essential.
What areas does it cover?
Creative writing includes all areas of non-journalistic and technical writing. It is a broader term that includes several fields: from fiction to screenplay, scripting, to biographical, nonfiction to novel writing, poetry to children's books, humour to scientific. Virtually, everything thing that be written about!
Where to study
You could choose from any of the following courses through distance learning:
Indira Gandhi National Open University ((www.ignou.ac.in) . Course: 1) Creative Writing in English/Hindi. 2) Certificate in Writing for Radio.
Karnataka State Open University, Manasgangotri, Mysore. Course: Creative Writing in English.
UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University, 17 Maharshi Dayanand Marg, Allahabad. Course: Creative Writing in English/Hindi. The course fee is anything between Rs 1300 to 2000/-
How to get there
Constant practice is one way to reach your goal. Even if you write about hundred words on a subject it is important how you present your idea. Some ideas emerge naturally; rework these ideas creatively. This is not an easy task but not too difficult either. Only the fittest survive the competition.
Job Prospects
Those who plan to become writers should have adequate academic qualifications to opt for alternative occupations so that if they cannot find work as specialist writers, they can enter other fields in line with their qualifications. Writing for newspapers, magazines or for any other medium is easy, given familiarity with electronic publishing and graphics.
There is an increasing demand for writers and editors in a number of publications — both print and on-line, advertising and public relations firms also need people almost always.
Creative writers work as critics - whose work consists of the evaluation and analysis of any piece of work within the arts. Apart from this they review theatre productions, films, books, television programmes; attending film, literature and arts festivals;
As a novelist - concerned with the composition and writing of books primarily for teens and adults, creating the characters, plot and story line for novels
At times they also handle the publicity and marketing of their own writing through workshops and the media.
A playwright constructs a play script from the start of creative dramatic ideas towards their realisation in final production. Consequently, a playwright needs a depth of theatrical knowledge including acting, lighting, directing, technical co-ordination and casting as well as creative writing ability. Playwrights are self-employed and therefore need to understand how the sector works to market themselves and their work.
The market for publishable poetry is comparatively smaller than that of a novelist. Majority of poets work as teachers of workshops, reviewers for newspapers or writing therapists. Many others finance themselves through non-related work. Some of the poets need to be able to treat their writing as a full-time job and much of the work will involve:
Composition of all types of creative writing including novels, children's literature, plays, poetry and scripts for screen and television.
Mostly freelance and self-employed, writers are often required to support themselves through other types of employment. They also often get into teaching, lecturing, therapies and publishing and editing.
Survival tips
If you are looking for a well-paid job then look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are thinking of making money out of a hobby that you thoroughly enjoy, then writing does have great potential. Competition for writing jobs is expected to be keen as many people are attracted to this field in view of tremendous intellectual challenge involved in the work and the immense satisfaction one gets from it.
Dream of becoming an overnight star, try being yourself - sincere and creative, learn and work hard to reach your goal, let your thoughts speak and convey what you want to say.
SRIVIDYA R
srividya.hyd@cnkonline.com
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