Lecture Notes Creative Writing - Lesson 1

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LECTURE

L1A |Imagery and Figurative Language


LESSON 1|Introduction to Creative Writing
Literature is a subject that features life. Most
WHAT IS CREATIVE WRITING? people love to read, watch, or listen to other people’s
Creative writing or imaginative writing is the art stories but not all are able to write them. In reading a
of creating and recreating things, feelings, array of literary piece such as poems, essays, short stories and
emotions, and thoughts through words. It is a form of the like, it is important to note that writers employ
writing that goes beyond the rules of professional or literary devices. A literary device is a linguistic technique
technical writing, and it bears the purposes of that produces a special effect when reading a literary
entertainment, sharing human experiences, and piece. This device can help readers in appreciating,
educating the readers. According to Mills (2006), in interpreting, and analysing a literary work. Writers can
creative writing: also employ these techniques to make their work
achieve the aesthetic appeal so that the readers can
Writers build up worlds, make them real, enjoy the beauty of words. In this subject, you will learn
emphasize and illuminate them through images. how to write creatively employing different literary
Through voices they hold our attention, remind us of techniques, elements, and devices in writing.
the varying tones of speech. Through stories told and
heard they show the way our thoughts are shaped by IMAGERY
narrative, how we shape the thoughts and lives of Creative writers used lines with non-literal
others and ourselves (p 1). meaning to artistically convey their message to the
readers. In terms of language of creative writing, it is
Moreover, it is a tool in producing master pieces important to remember that it is figurative and
in literature that can be in a form of poems, short stories, imaginative. In connection to this, imagery is produced
novels, dramas, memoirs, television and movie script when figurative language is in use. Imagery is something
and others. With this, literature may be classified as that appeals to your senses when you read a literary text
prose and poetry according to form, or fiction and non- which is also known as sensory imagery. “Sensory
fiction according to structure. On the whole, these are imagery involves the use of descriptive language to
manifestation of what we call creative or imaginative create mental images. In literary terms, sensory imagery
writing. is a type of imagery; the difference is that sensory
imagery works by engaging a reader’s five senses. Any
CREATIVE WRITING VS. TECHNICAL WRITING description of sensory experience in writing can be
Creative writing and technical/academic writing considered sensory imagery.”
differ in many aspects. Technically, their respective
subject, purpose, target audience, content, format, Describing how something smells, looks, moves,
language, vocabulary, style, and tone set a demarcation feels, sounds, and tastes through the use of figurative
line between the two. To clearly illustrate their language that produces imagery gives flesh and blood
differences, the table below was provided. to words and to the text as whole. In literary terms,
sensory imagery is a type of imagery; the difference is
that sensory imagery works by engaging a reader’s five
senses.

Types of Sensory Imagery


1. Visual imagery. This kind of imagery appeals to
the sense of sight like shape, color, appearance,
shades and others.
2. Auditory imagery. This pertains to the sense of
hearing. In terms of figurative language,
assonance, onomatopoeia, and alliteration aid
the writers to create sounds in the text.
3. Olfactory imagery. It appeals to the sense of
smell. Simile and metaphor are oftentimes used
to create this kind of imagery.
4. Gustatory imagery. It appeals to the sense of
taste.
Reference: 5. Tactile imagery. It engages the sense of touch.
Creative Writing ADM
This is what you can feel, and includes textures
Quarter 1, Version 1 First Edition, 2020
and the many sensations a human being
experiences when touching something.
LECTURE
6. Kinesthetic imagery. It pertains to the feeling of 6. ALLITERATION - Alliteration is a sound device
movement. This means that subject is seen from that layers some additional meaning on top of
one point going to other point (i.e. a bride the literal language of the text. It occurs when a
walking down the aisle). series of words start with the same letter sound.
Examples: Sally sells seashells.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Imagery and figurative language are 7. ASSONANCE - Identity or similarity in sound
inseparable. Figurative language is the tool while between internal vowels in neighboring words.
imagery is its product. More so, “figurative language is Example: The crumbling thunder of seas
phrasing that goes beyond the literal
meaning of words to get a message or point across. 8. ONOMATOPOEIA - In onomatopoeia, words
Writers create figurative language through figures of sound like the thing they describe.
speech and literary devices.” Therefore, both figures of Examples: Tick-tick-tick (denotes time or clock)
speech and literary devices are considered as figurative Brrooom… (sound of an engine)
language. Boom! (pertains to explosion)

Types of Figurative Language 9. IRONY – The use of words to convey the


opposite of their literal meaning. A statement or
1. SIMILE - A simile is a figure of speech that situation where the meaning is contradicted by
compares two separate concepts through the the appearance or presentation of the idea.
use of a clear connecting word such as “like” or Example: His argument was as clear as mud.
“as.”
Example: 10. SYNECDOCHE – It is the use of a part of an
My love is like a rose, That's newly sprung in object to represent the whole
June; Examples: His parents bought him a new set of
My love is like the melodie, That's sweetly play'd wheels.
in tune. I would like to have your hand in marriage.
-Robert Bums, “My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose”
11. ALLUSION - Allusion is when a text references
2. METAPHOR - A metaphor is like a simile, but another external text—or maybe a person, place
without connecting words. It simply posits that or event. It can be either explicit or implicit.
two separate things are the same. Examples: washing the hands of the matter
Example: (biblical reference)
Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly. You don't always have to carry weight of the
Hold fast to dreams, For when dreams go world on your shoulders. (reference to Atlas in
Life is a barren field, Frozen with snow. mythology)
-Langston Hughes, “Dreams”
12. APOSTROPHE – it is a call to a person, a thing or
3. IMPLIED METAPHOR - Metaphor takes a few a personified idea which is not really present
different forms. Sometimes the object of Example:
comparison is purely implied rather than directly 0 Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done.
referenced. The ship has weathered every rack, the prize
Examples: he barks at his subordinates; she we sought is won
lured the people into her web -Walt Whitman, "0 Captain! My Captain"

4. PERSONIFICATION - Personification projects 13. IDIOM - Idioms are non-literal turns of phrase so
human qualities onto inanimate objects, or common that most people who speak the same
perhaps animals or natural elements. language know them.
Examples: the flowers dances in the field; the Examples: hit the hay (to sleep)
sun greeted me under the weather (not feeling well)
tie the knot (to get married)
5. HYPERBOLE - Hyperbole is extravagant,
intentional exaggeration. 14. PUN - A pun is a play on words. It exploits the
Examples: I love you, dear, I'll love you different meanings of a word or its homonyms,
Till China and Africa meet. usually to humorous effect. It has more than one
-Joseph Conrad, "The Heart of Darkness" possible meaning.
Examples: Using that pencil is pointless
LECTURE
The tallest building in town is the library of words can easily confuse listeners or readers or divert
— it has thousands of stories! them with what you intend to mean. This eventually results
Her cat is near the computer to keep an in misinterpretation of the message intended to be
eye on the mouse. conveyed and generally in miscommunication.

15. OXYMORON – it is a phrase where two opposite Different Kinds of Diction


ideas are joined together. 1. Formal diction. This uses words in formal
Examples: The loud silence of the streets can be situations such as press conferences
heard during the lockdown. and presentations.
2. Informal diction. This uses words and
16. RHETORICAL QUESTION – it is a question that conversation such as writing or talking to
does not need an answer but for emphasis. friends. For you to understand how formal and
Example: Who does not want to be free?
informal diction affects the message, consider
the examples below:
L1B |Diction and Specific Experiences

DICTION Formal: Hello, young man. It is nice to see you.


Diction is the author’s choice of words or How are you today?
phrases in his or her writings. It defines the author’s Informal: Hey, kid. Nice to meet ya. What's up?
creativity, correctness, clearness, and effectiveness
altogether. It also tells the readers the kind of attitude, In the first example, the speaker uses longer
mood, dialect, and writing style the author has. Since no words such as "pleasure" and "acquaintance" as
two authors are alike, it is safe to say that each author well as longer sentences. By contrast, the informal
has developed a unique diction. speaker uses words like "kid", slang like "ya" and
very short sentences. Though both examples
An author’s diction can vary, however, convey the same information, they do so with
depending on the purpose of his/her writings and the
different levels of formality.
type of readers or audience he/she has. In formal
writing, the choice of words or style of writing is
expected to follow prevailing writing conventions or Formal: The man spoke to his father in a low
standards. The words used should be accurate, concise voice so others could not hear.
and well-thought-out to give the impression that the Informal: That guy told his dad secrets on the
author knows what he/she is talking about. On the other down low.
hand, if the audience or readers are the author’s friends
or close affinities, his/her diction can be casual, informal, Formal: Would you care to explain the reason
or even slang. behind your decision to leave the gathering
early?
In sum, diction or choice of words is the author’s Informal: Why'd you leave the party so soon?
prerogative and reflects the quality of his/her writing.
Formal: His terrible temper would not endear
Anon (2018) defined diction as a style of
him to many if he refuses to control her
speaking or writing which is determined by the
outbursts.
choice of words. What makes a text a good one or a bad
one is the choice of words used by the author. Thus, Informal: If he doesn't stop biting people's
diction separates a good writing from a bad writing. heads off, he'll lose all her pals.

Proper diction depends on several factors. 3. Colloquial diction. This uses words common in
1. The word must be correct and accurate. everyday speech which may be different in
2. The words should be appropriate to the context in different regions or communities.
which they are used.
3. The choice of words should be such that the A. Words
listener or reader understands easily. Anon (2015) also emphasized on regional
differences: One famous colloquial difference in
One reason why a communication process the United States is the way a someone refers to a
becomes successful or not is because of diction. carbonated beverage. There are regional borders
Proper diction is important so readers and listeners could that separate the usage of the words “soda, “pop”,
get message across. On the other hand, the wrong choice
LECTURE
“soft drink”, and “Coke” (used as a generic term Ex: "I low key love KPOP, but don't tell
and not just to refer to the brand). anyone!"
1. Contractions: Words such as “ain’t” and H. On point: Outstanding, perfectly executed.
“gonna” are examples of colloquialism. These are Ex: "Her ideas are on point. She’s so
not widely used in English speaking countries. brilliant."
2. Profanity: Some words are considered I. Woke: Slang for "awakened," as in being
profane in some dialects of English where they are highly aware of social injustices.
not at all bad in other dialects. A good example is Ex: "If you're so woke, why did you just let it
the word “bloody” which is a common adjective in happen?"
American English; but in British English it means J. YOLO: An acronym for "you only live
curse. once," encouraging people to seize the day.
Ex: "Live each day like it is your last. YOLO!
B. Phrases
Old as the hills FUNCTION OF DICTION IN WRITING
Eat my dust In literary works, diction plays a pivotal
role in setting the perfect tone, mood and
C. Aphorisms setting of a piece. Tone is the attitude of a writer
I was not born yesterday. toward a subject or an audience conveyed
To see is to believe. through word choice and the style of the writing,
while Mood is the overall feeling, or
4. Slang diction. This is the use of words that are atmosphere, of a text often created by the
newly coined, or even impolite. Also, it is a author's use of imagery and word choice.
language peculiar to a group of people. Anon Authors must choose the correct words to
(ND) stated that one of the characteristics of effectively tell their story or put their message
slang is that it changes through time. Here are across. If the diction is edgy, the whole piece will
the examples of modern slang terms: come across as edgy, and so on. In short, diction
is everything in literature as it affects the reader’s
A. Bae: A term of endearment, meaning attitude and impression towards the overall
"before anyone else," used between quality of a literary work.
romantic partner that can also be used In poetry writing, unique linguistic
between close friends. style, vocabulary and metaphors are used.
Ex: "Bae, you always be my number one.” Poetic diction is usually creative in nature as it
B. Basic: A put-down describing someone or usually includes the usage of rhyming words,
something that's very common or a figures of speech, etc.
conformist In short stories and novels, authors
Ex: "Those game techniques are so basic. employ diction in molding or describing their
Playing ML is not thrilling without those. characters. For instance, if the character is a
C. Coin: Another way to refer to money. teenager, the author is at liberty to use a
Ex: "She's earned a lot of coin by just selling modern-day language; if the character is from
online.” the slum, urban or street slang can be expected,
D. Epic: If somewhat was "epic," it was highly and so on.
enjoyable. In summary, literally everything that is
Ex: "His latest movie was epic." written has diction, with its mood, tone and
E. Fierce: Usually attributed to Beyoncé, depth depending on how the author play with
"fierce" signifies a strong, independent the words.
person.
Ex: "I love him to death. He’s so fierce!" SPECIFIC EXPERIENCES
F. Lit: If something is "lit," it means it's super Another technique in appreciating literary work
cool or "on fire." is to identify the specific experiences of the writer and
Ex: "The Senior High ball was so lit." how the readers relate this experience to their lives.
G. Low key: If someone or something is "low Through this specific experience, the writer and reader
interaction become alive, and they get connected to
key," it means it's being done under the
each other.
radar, or they don't want anyone to know.
LECTURE
"It snowed, and it cleared and I kicked and pounded
VIGNETTE: Definition and Examples in Prose the snow. I roamed the darkening snowy
by Richard Nordquist neighborhood, oblivious. I bit and crumbled on my
tongue the sweet, metallic worms of ice that had
formed in rows on my mittens. I took a mitten off to
In composition, a vignette is a verbal
fetch some wool strands from my mouth. Deeper the
sketch—a brief essay or story or any carefully blue shadows grew on the sidewalk snow, and longer;
crafted short work of prose. Sometimes called a the blue shadows joined and spread upward from the
slice of life. A vignette may be either fiction or streets like rising water. I walked wordless and
nonfiction, either a piece that's complete in itself unseeing, dumb and sunk in my skull, until—what was
or one part of a larger work. that?

The term vignette (adapted from a word "The streetlights had come on—yellow, bing—
in Middle French meaning "vine") referred and the new light woke me like noise. I surfaced once
again and saw: it was winter now, winter again. The air
originally to a decorative design used in books
had grown blue dark; the skies were shrinking; the
and manuscripts. The term gained its literary streetlights had come on; and I was here outside in
sense in the late 19th century. the dimming day's snow, alive."

SAMPLE VIGNETTE "Some boys taught me to play football. This


An E.B. White Vignette on Railroads was fine sport. You thought up a new strategy for
"The strong streak of insanity in railroads, every play and whispered it to the others. You went
which accounts for a child's instinctive feeling for out for a pass, fooling everyone. Best, you got to
them and for a man's unashamed devotion to them, is throw yourself mightily at someone’s running legs.
congenital; there seems to be no reason to fear that Either you brought him down or you hit the ground
any disturbing improvement in the railroads' flat out on your chin, with your arms empty before
condition will set in. Lying at peace but awake in a you. It was all or nothing. If you hesitated in fear, you
Pullman berth all one hot night recently, we followed would miss and get hurt: you would take a hard fall
with dreamy satisfaction the familiar symphony of the while the kid got away. But if you flung yourself
cars—the diner departing (furioso) at midnight, the wholeheartedly at the back of his knees—if you
long, fever-laden silences between runs, the timeless gathered and joined body and soul and pointed them
gossip of rail and wheel during the runs, the diving fearlessly—then you likely wouldn’t get hurt,
crescendos and diminuendos, the piffling poop- and you’d stop the ball. Your fate, and your team’s
pooping of the diesel's horn. For the most part, score, depended on your concentration and courage.
railroading is unchanged from our childhood. The Nothing girls did could compare with it."
water in which one washes one's face at morn is still (Annie Dillard, An American Childhood. Harper & Row,
without any real wetness, the little ladder leading to 1987)
the upper is still the symbol of the tremendous
adventure of the night, the green clothes hammock A Hemingway Vignette on a Matador's Death
still sways with the curves, and there is still no "Maera lay still, his head on his arms, his face
foolproof place to store one's trousers. in the sand. He felt warm and sticky from the
bleeding. Each time he felt the horn coming.
"Our journey really began several days Sometimes the bull only bumped him with his head.
earlier, at the ticket window of a small station in the Once the horn went all the way through him and he
country, when the agent showed signs of cracking felt it go into the sand. Someone had the bull by the
under the paperwork. 'It's hard to believe,' he said, tail. They were swearing at him and flopping the cape
'that after all these years I still got to write the word in his face. Then the bull was gone. Some men picked
"Providence" in here every time I make out one of Maera up and started to run with him toward the
these things. Now, there's no possible conceivable barriers through the gate out the passageway around
way you could make this journey without going under the grandstand to the infirmary. They laid
through Providence, yet the Company wants the word Maera down on a cot and one of the men went out for
written in here just the same. O.K., here she goes!' He the doctor. The others stood around. The doctor
gravely wrote 'Providence' in the proper space, and came running from the corral where he had been
we experienced anew the reassurance that rail travel sewing up picador horses. He had to stop and wash
is unchanged and unchanging, and that it suits our his hands. There was a great shouting going on in the
temperament perfectly—a dash of lunacy, a sense of grandstand overhead. Maera felt everything getting
detachment, not much speed, and no altitude larger and larger and then smaller and smaller. Then it
whatsoever." got larger and larger and larger and then smaller and
(E.B. White, "Railroads." The Second Tree From the smaller. Then everything commenced to run faster
Corner. Harper & Row, 1954) and faster as when they speed up a cinematograph
film. Then he was dead."
(Ernest Hemingway, Chapter 14 of In Our Time. Charles
Two Vignettes by Annie Dillard: The Return of
Scribner's Sons, 1925)
Winter and Playing Football

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