How to Write an HSC English Creative Writing Piece
Expert reviewed • 04 March 2025 • 9 minute read
How to Write a Creative Text
When it comes to writing creatively, there is no real correct way of constructing or writing a piece. This is because creativity and manipulation of form, structure and techniques is encouraged. However, there are aspects that can be included in your writing, to elevate it to a band 6 level.
- As all good creative pieces must have, a storyline is imperative - So as the writer you must decide what it is you want to write about.
- It is good to include underlying meanings/lessons in your storyline, that a reader can discover through further analysis
- Will the storyline be linear, or will it include flashbacks? The choice is up to you. A good story can use any structure, or a combination of more than one.
- Characters are generally a great addition to a creative piece. Developing characters throughout a text can give the reader something to relate to, enhancing their engagement.
- Develop a setting where this story is placed - A setting provides the framework in which the piece is created, and as such, ensures the writers ability to manipulate techniques to relate to the storyline.
Some examples of stylistic features that can be used to elevate your text could include:
- Fragmented structures - Fragmented structures in writing refer to a style where sentences are intentionally broken up. This can be used for stylistic effect, to convey confusion and urgency, or to mimic natural speech. Fragmented structures can also help to create a choppy rhythm or to emphasise particular points.
- Anecdotes - An anecdote is a short, interesting, or amusing story about a real incident or person. Anecdotes are commonly used in both conversational and formal storytelling and can serve to illustrate a point, entertain the audience, or create a connection with the reader or listener.
- Poems/Songs - Using poems and songs in the middle of text or between paragraphs can increase the engagement of the reader and elevate the emotional impact of the narrative. However, you must ensure that they are of good quality and fit into your piece. For example, you can have a character singing or humming a song.
- Run-on sentences - A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) are connected improperly without proper punctuation. For example: "I love to write it is my passion" is a run-on sentence because it consists of two independent clauses that are not separated. Run-on sentences can make text difficult to understand and disrupt the flow of writing.
Practice Question 1
The following passage is an introduction to a creative writing piece:
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the deserted beach. Waves whispered secrets to the shore, their soft murmurs a haunting lullaby. In the distance, a solitary figure stood, shrouded in twilight's embrace, staring into the abyss of the endless sea. The air was thick with the scent of salt and mystery, hinting at untold stories waiting to unfold.
Determine any aspects of the text which could be improved, and compare them with suggestions provided below.
Solution
- The introduction of a character could be included in the given paragraph. Some details about a solitary figure can give readers a hint about who they are or why they are there, adding a personal element which the reader can connect with.
- More vivid and varied imagery can be used to make the introduction more engaging.
- The sensory details of the passage could be improved, by incorporating more of the five senses to create a richer experience.
NOTE: Always remember to provide a title for the text you have created!