Creative Writing 101

Have you ever thought about trying creative writing?
Maybe you love to tell stories or have been told you have a way with words, but you’ve never known where to start writing them down.
This introductory creative writing lesson covers all the essential elements of good stories, different types of creative writing, as well as some basic ideas and tips to get you started.
Miss the webinar? Watch the replay here: • Replay of Live Manuscr...
Watch Jerry ferociously edit two submissions (fiction and nonfiction) from writers like you at this LIVE webinar. He’ll be brutally honest (but kind) and show exactly what needs to change and why.
Take Jerry’s writing assessment here: jerryjenkins.com/quiz/
This video Discusses:
[00:53] What is Creative Writing
[01:33] Elements of Creative Writing
[02:00] Theme
[02:40] Characters
[03:59] Setting
[05:16] Point of view
[05:58] Plot
[06:48] Conflict
[07:23] Resolution
[08:15] 14 Types of Creative Writing
[11:28] Creative Writing Tips for Novelists
[15:42] More to think about
[15:45] Be prepared
[16:07] Start small
[16:36] Keep perfectionism in its place
For more beginner writing tips, check out Jerry's list of must-read books for aspiring authors! leveragecreative.lpages.co/re...

[@akioasakura3624]

THE KING IS BACK 🔥🔥🔥 SIR THANK U FOR UPLOADING TYSM IVE MISSED YOUR VIDEOS. JUST IN TIME AS ALWAYS ITS AS IF YOU HAD POWERS 😂😂😂😂. Thank u sir 🙏🙏🙏

[@KARIMATHER]

I'm in the middle of writing my first book,and I found myself enveloped in a case of WB. I watched this and took notes. This video was instrumental in helping me overcome it. Thank you so much. ~ K.L. Mather

[@ng1n369]

I happened upon Jerry Jenkins almost two years ago and my writing never would have been what it is today without his advice. Good to know that he's still sharpening his techniques and making an impact, I am forever grateful.

[@writerjay]

The way you teach really clicks with me. I can learn so much faster and retain it longer when you explain techniques. Thank you!

[@arzabael]

Jerry. I hope you realize that you are still the young version of the oldest version of you. It looks to me like you have twenty years of being a badass before the walker and the slowing of the life down and what have you. So please, know even after reaching so many pinnacle moments of a good lifetime, your greatest days and day is honestly still ahead of you. Bless you and bless your entire family Jerry, and thank you so much.

[@noravillasana4072]

I have wasted decades hoping to write a biographical novel. I have allowed lack of time and of resources to keep me from embarking into a writing adventure. Thirty minutes ago I discovered Mr. Jenkins's Creative Writing 101 video and I am deeply inspired by his wisdom and humility. I just finished reading Elizabeth Jenkins's Wives and Daughters, a great classic novel that embodies the elements Mr. Jenkins considers important. Thank you, sir, for so generously sharing your talents with us.

[@williamr.c.4168]

This came out right as I was struggling to write a chapter. Impeccable timing lol.

[@tinastone3772]

I loved Jerry Jenkins' books when I was a young adult, and now that I have developed a passion for writing, I find this videos and newsletters priceless. I owe him so much and he is so kind and generous to make so much of his wisdom and skills FREE to those who will listen to him.

[@katien3022]

I’m only three and a half minutes in and he is spitting bars. So many basic concepts I never heard articulated so clearly. Mind you, I’m only just starting creative writing but this is such a good overview.

[@keeganmet257]

Always a good day when Jerry uploads.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Had no idea you were Dallas' dad until I saw your stained glass window on Facebook, then it all clicked. I've been following you on here for longer than I've been watching the Chosen and I want to thank you so much. God bless you and your son!

[@barbielockett5839]

Very Greatful, for Jerry..Thank You for taking time for us .❤

[@GazBadger]

Watching your videos has become as much a part of my daily routine as sitting down to do a couple of hours on my book. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. It really has helped develop my storytelling telling to the point where I may actually produce something worthwhile. If I do go to print, you will make an appearance in my acknowledgements.

[@curleysimon3183]

Just found your channel in my suggestions and this is your second video I'm saving to my writing and composition playlist. I really appreciate your work and teachings

[@SharonMarinLewis]

Thanks for coming back to us! You are appreciated more than words can say.

[@simplewrites]

Next year I'm taking on a challenge to write 1 20k-30k word novella every month. Currently building ideas and focusing on short stories. Mr. Jenkins, will you ever (if you haven't already) make a video on novellas?

[@archaontheeverchosen7980]

How do I prevent just backspacing all of it when I think it sucks half way through happens to me alot

[@simplewrites]

@@archaontheeverchosen7980 well, I'm an outliner. I prefer to map out the story before I start writing and plan everything ahead of time. Example: let's say you want to write a 24k word-long novella. How long are the chapters? How many chapters would that be? Who is my character? How much can I fit into a chapter? Ask as many questions as you possibly can until you fill every piece of the puzzle. A tip that I've come across is "A story is a series of answers to a series of questions". So ask questions, write them down, answer them and keep going until you reach the end. All this should come before you start writing. Don't start something until you're 100% sure of it. And if you do mess? You can learn and adapt

[@benjaminshipton2271]

People pay big money for writing books/conferences, the topics of which are covered right here in this wonderful video. Thanks Jerry!

[@xliquidflames]

"Plot is what happens in a story. Theme is why it happens. It is important to know why you want to tell your story." Can it be something as simple as I think it's a cool story? I mean, I don't exactly know where it's going to go yet. I'm a pants-er. But the rough idea sounds really fun in my head. Is that enough? Why? I just want to entertain people with a good story. I think I have come up with a unique story to tell. That's the only reason why. I don't really have a message. I just want the reader to take from it an entertaining experience. I hope that is enough.

[@cabrielleholden]

I don't think the theme/message needs to be something really prophetic or amazing. It can be as simple as "found family is still family" or "love conquers all". Whenever I try and force a hard hitting theme I struggle to write the story. Usually my theme reveals itself as I plot. You probably already have a theme in what you've written. It usually has something to do with the main characters goal or motivations.

[@urspecial2me]

I just retired from being an elementary school teacher for 27 years. Teaching writing and actually writing are completely different. Thank you Jerry for this video. I took notes, so now I am the student! Write on!

[@AdamWanly]

As a matter of fact, teaching anything is completely different from doing it! Hope you enjoy your life now after over a quarter of a century of teaching. You definitely deserve it.

[@damon5733]

Fantastic advice! I've found every one of your videos helpful. The only thing I disagree with is, "don't head hop" (paraphrasing). I've had editor after editor tell me, "you can't do this; it's head hopping". Yes, I understand. But... is it confusing? Do you have difficulty knowing whose head we're in? Is it in any way distracting or taking you out of the story? Their response, every single time, has been, "well, no, but you still can't do it". UGH!! There is nothing wrong with changing POV as long as it doesn't confuse the read or take them out of the story!! It's a stupid "cardinal rule", and I wish someone in the publishing world would finally stand up and say, "You know, you handled this well, so let's keep it!"

[@napigirlpretigirl]

I just found this guy today and I love him. Can't stop watching these videos. They're so yummy and filling.

[@Blessom]

I've been waiting so long to hear his intro again. 🐐

[@ProjectMathesar]

Welcome back Jerry! Love your content

[@attaxolotl]

RETURN OF THE KING!

[@claricesmyth]

I was thrilled to see Jerry’s video pop up in my YT feed. I have watched his entire backlist and I alway walk away with a ton of valuable information. Hope to see more videos soon.

[@Alex_Hoss]

Wonderful to see you back Jerry. Thank for delivering another stellar video.

[@SkorpyoTFC]

Exactly what I needed right now.

[@landonpraught9170]

Thanks Jerry This was a great help.

[@holistic7980]

Golden. Many thanks sir.

[@ChristinaFonthes]

You’re baaaaaaaaack!!! Good to see you on here 🎉

[@ChristophelusPulps]

I always look forward to your videos. Your dialogue video in particular changed my whole trajectory as a writer.

[@kochka2314]

Thank you Jerry! I have been writing my novel from your educational tip videos in the past couple years! It helps so much and look forward to more videos !

[@keeganpurnell]

Gold. Every word Jerry!

[@meloniestewart2940]

Love, Love, Love your vids. Such gentle, natural, powerful content. All the best. Namaste 😁🙏🏼

[@SpartanCodeTBAG]

Wow, maximum thanks to this guy.

[@lettersfromstratus]

I thought it was just me but I am glad that his voice puts a smile on your faces too

[@cuedotfilms4427]

Brilliant advice. Thanks very much. 🙂

[@jarozemjar379]

Thanks Jerry 👍

[@terrystrong9787]

Thank you for a great class

[@user-kw2vz4fn4f]

Your thoughtful post answered many questions re: my blog and memoir. Many thanks! 😊 18:16

[@mohammedelazb8513]

Keep on the good advices. From Egypt

[@michaelk8537]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@pressitron]

thank you so much

[@MrXDreamsOfficial]

Good sir, the volume is a little low for me. You're very soft spoken so perhaps some amplification would help. Thanks for the advice!

[@SholaElijah-wt8rv]

Am your fan from Nigeria 🇳🇬 . I need direction to cope with my natural creativity and the urge to use technology in writing. My brain 🧠 is more important than technology. I love to use my brain help me here.

[@relishrodriguez4954]

Please, you turn up the volume. Thanks.

[@iOnRX9]

volume is low, barely audible whisper

[@sallyalter6003]

Jerry thanks as usual for your wonderful videos. I would just like to point out the fact that I could barely hear you this time. Even with the sound way up.

[@kimilzararlisi]

Hi from Türkiye 🤚🏼 thanks a lot for usefull ideas. İ'm trying to write a fantastic novel. But this can be hard to progress sometimes.

[@celicacelica1]

I'm confused about theme. I've got great story ideas but I'm not sure what the themes are. I like my ideas because - I think - they are great, 'what if' ideas with enough mystery and twists to deliver a great pay off but I don't know what the themes of them are. Do I really need to rethink all my ideas and start over?

[@kemy16_kat36]

:grab the reader by the throat Contemplates whether to grab the reader’s throat through romcoms or thriller horror

[@zachemory]

The sound on this video is a bit low. You can raise the level in your video editor. Also, if you're looking for an experience video editor, don't hesitate to reach out!

[@shyamkumaranthati7324]

Hi, sir, can you make a video on the vocabulary of creative writing, or pdf?

[@aherezalizbeth]

How can l contact you for more details on how to write a book . Coz really feel to make it my new buk

[@kaalad3666]

Same

[@aherezalizbeth]

How do u decide on making a title

[@DRACONEM312]

It’s been awhile since he uploaded. I thought he was dead.

[@Princess_Ibeh]

❤

[@unconditionalfreedom]

So frustrating--I know I can but do not finish--ugh

[@bettyriley98]

❤❤❤❤

[@allanschmit4563]

Hello sir, I hope you're having a great day. I've been seeking help for a friend of mine for quite some time now. He'd written a novel for Zhina, a girl who was murdered by the IRGC last year. He never published it, and since he was in a terrible situation lately, we decided to publish it for him so it can cheer him up. It is called "Used to be alive by Ali Akhtarazar " it's an amazingly written page-Turner. I don't demand that you purchase one and recommend it to others, of course. If you want, I can send you the PDF file for free. And when you like it (yes, I'm sure you will) I only ask for you to spread its message. Thank you for reading this. ❤❤

[@sallyalter6003]

Jerry, I wish you would sit nearer to the microphone. Even with the sound on full, I can only hear you whispering and cc are not good to read.

[@kennethsmith135]

I like my food seasoned well.

[@KatrinaT]

How do you write a "bad guy" in a mystery when you are trying not to reveal who they are?

[@klulu-kun]

I know you're not asking me, but I think it's good to show their presence through their actions. The reach of their crimes really gives their misdeeds personality.

[@verifiedawesome1366]

Too low of volume.

[@beverleyyoung55]

Sound was very low????

[@aliajaffer3427]

your voice is not clear

[@archaontheeverchosen7980]

It's on your end

[@Anne-rj8uz]

There are commentors just read a few because it's so ridiculous I have to laugh. That try to steal My writings, these type of people I want nothing to do with. Maybe check you out if your page gets cleaned up. You know when justice comes in. Bye. Thanks anyway