You may think that academic writing is the final step in communicating the results of research or thinking to others. However, writing is not just a way to show findings and conclusions; it can also be a powerful tool for thinking, learning and exploring new ideas. By approaching writing creatively, you can use it to deepen your understanding, discover new possibilities and improve your critical analysis.
Discover creative writing ideas by “writing outside the box”
The key to turning writing into a thinking tool is to stop writing for others (Well, at least temporarily!)The first words you write for a project do not have to be for the outside world to see. Forget about a first draft and start with a “zero draft.” The goal isn’t to immediately produce a polished essay but to explore ideas, reflect critically, and discover unexpected connections
Set aside 10 to 15 minutes to write whatever comes to mind about your topic, without stopping to edit or organize.
The key to turning writing into a thinking tool is to stop writing for others. (Well, at least temporarily!). The first words you write for a project do not have to be for the outside world to see. Forget about a first draft and start with a “zero draft.” The goal isn’t to immediately produce a polished essay but to explore ideas, reflect critically, and discover unexpected connections
Shape your paper after “free writing” by looking back
Once you’ve allowed yourself to write freely, take a moment to step back from your work, just as an artist would assess rough sketches. Review what you’ve written to identify patterns, recurring themes, relationships between ideas or gaps in your understanding.
- What ideas stand out?
- Which ones need more development or don’t make sense yet?
- Are there any surprising connections between points you hadn’t thought of before?
This is the point where your creative exploration turns into something more defined. Like refining a sketch into a finished piece, you’ll shape your initial thoughts into a cohesive narrative that reflects the depth of your critical thinking.
Action item!
You can write a page or two creatively and then take it to the Academic Skills Centre (ASC) to get feedback and support for next steps. The ASC team is prepared to support you at any stage of your creative writing process, whether it’s your initial draft or a more polished version. They can facilitate the process of refining your creative sketches into a cohesive piece.
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with an academic skills advisor at the Academic Skills Centre!