Intro to Creative Writing
Intro to Creative Writing: A Celebration of Creative Energy and Connection
Last November 23, I had the privilege of hosting my 2nd masterclass at Cut-A-Fig, held at Tayo Spaces. This masterclass wasn’t just a gathering of creative minds; it was a fusion of energies from online and onsite students and it was an unforgettable day packed with meaningful discussions, imaginative activities, and shared stories.
A Heartfelt Thanks to My Students and Cut-A-Fig
To my online students, Shiandra, Ivan, May, Danielle, Angelica, Pau, and Belle... I truly hope to meet each of you in person one day! To my onsite attendees, JJ, Popey, Erin, Max, Zaren, and Patricia... thank you for showing up with enthusiasm and contributing your unique perspectives. Your energy and stories were the heart of this session. Of course, this masterclass wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of the Cut-A-Fig team: Elise, Inna, and Joel. Thank you!
The Topics That Sparked Creative Growth
Our session focused on six fundamental areas of creative writing:
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Understanding Creative Writing: We explored what makes creative writing unique and why it’s a powerful form of expression.
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The Basics of Storytelling: The art of creating narratives that captivate and resonate with audiences.
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Developing Strong Characters: Crafting characters that feel real and evoke emotions.
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Exploring Voice, Tone, and Style: Finding that distinct flavor that makes each writer’s work unique.
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The Role of Revision in Creative Writing: Learning to embrace and refine through the editing process.
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Publishing and Sharing Your Work: Discussing ways to share stories with the world.
These topics set the stage for a series of dynamic and engaging activities designed to spark creativity and hone storytelling skills.
Flash Fiction Challenge: A Highlight
From the Flash Fiction Challenge to the Short Story Challenge, our activities encouraged students to think outside the box. We continued the Flash Fiction Challenge from the previous week, building on a collaborative horror story titled “The Beast in the Dark.”
Here’s how my students explored the five senses in storytelling:
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Hearing (Patricia): The doors slammed shut behind her.
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Seeing (Zaren): She was welcomed by a thick fog—a sight not to behold, but to fear.
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Smelling (Max): Carrie retched as a pungent scent filled her nostrils.
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Tasting (Erin): That familiar metallic tang filled her mouth once again.
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Feeling (JJ): She felt the lingering horror of a lucid dream
Through these vivid contributions, the group created a chilling atmosphere that left us all inspired.
A Spotlight on Creativity
One of my favorite moments from the day was during the Picture Prompt Challenge, where students wrote stories or poems inspired by an image. Shiandra selected an image titled “The Lonesome Lighthouse” and crafted this beautiful poem:
Amidst strong winds and a cloudy haze,
A young adventurer awaits.
Young yet mighty, he gazes
Upon the lonesome lighthouse.
Strong like steel, it stood,
With its light cascading
Upon the sea and the sky.
Moreover, it never left
The young adventurer’s heart
As he sailed away.
Her words were a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when we let our imaginations take flight. All my students' entries were truly amazing, showcasing incredible creativity and quick thinking!
Short Story: End-of-Workshop Challenge
First, I want to congratulate everyone for submitting your short stories for this masterclass. It’s been a pleasure to read each one of them. That said, Max’s and Popey’s stories stood out and rate the highest.
Max’s story shines in all areas, with a clear structure, emotional depth, and thoughtful character development. The narrative offers a beautiful journey of rediscovery, and the metaphor “graveyard of past potential” really adds a unique touch. The pacing is balanced, and the conclusion leaves us with an uplifting takeaway. While, Popey’s story is clear and well-structured, with a touching emotional arc that highlights belonging and creative growth. The protagonist’s journey from apprehension to acceptance is subtle but effective. Originality shines through in the idea of finding a creative sanctuary, and the pacing provides a satisfying flow, closing with a meaningful insight.
Max and Popey, I’ll be reaching out to both of you via Instagram to arrange the delivery of your prizes. Please take a moment to check out everyone’s work in the PDF below.
In A Nutshell...
To everyone who participated, whether onsite or online... thank you for bringing your full selves to this masterclass. Your passion, curiosity, and openness made this experience deeply rewarding. I can’t wait for our next session, where we’ll continue this creative journey together. Let’s keep writing, exploring, and sharing our stories with the world.
#AnthonyShieh #CreativeWriting #WritingJourney #WritersCommunity #Masterclass
If you missed the session or want to explore writing techniques in more detail, you can request a copy of "Intro to Creative Writing" deck by contacting us.