Top Creative Writing Examples: Explained

Elements of Creative Writing come alive in Creative Writing Examples, which are beacons of literary artistry. These examples showcase the kaleidoscope of human thought and emotion across genres and styles, offering a tapestry of narratives that reflect the depth of the human experience.

Furthermore, Examples of Creative Writing intend to illuminate minds and encourage individuals to reflect on life’s complexities. The most popular Creative Writing Examples out there are Short Stories, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Rap, Plays, Novels and more. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is Creative Writing?

2) Top 10+ Creative Writing Examples

     a) Novels and Novellas 

     b) Short Stories and Flash Fiction 

     c) Twitter Stories (140 char) 

     d) Poetry or Songs/Lyrics 

     e) Scripts for Plays, TV Shows, and Movies 

     f) Memoirs / Autobiographical Narratives 

     g) Speeches 

     h) Essays 

     i) Journalism / Newspaper Articles 

     j) Blogs 

3) Conclusion

What is Creative Writing?

Creative Writing is the art of generating original ideas and turning them into written works. Unlike academic or journalistic writing, where factual accuracy and structured arguments prevail, Creative Writing emphasises self-expression, originality, and emotional resonance. 

It is a free-spirited form of art, allowing writers to break conventional bounds, explore diverse narratives, and articulate their innermost thoughts, fantasies, and feelings. The horizon of Creative Writing encompasses a multitude of genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and memoir, among others.  Understanding How to Improve Creative Writing can help you refine your skills across these genres.  

Moreover, it can transport readers to fantastical worlds, provide insights into the human condition, or simply entertain. Often, it's characterised by vivid imagery, evocative language, and a unique voice. Whether it’s the captivating allure of a novel, the lyrical beauty of a poem, or the raw honesty of a personal essay, creative writing touches the soul, stirs emotions, and sparks imagination.
 

 

Top 10+ Creative Writing Examples

The practice of Creative Writing fosters critical thinking and emotional articulation. Here are the top 10+ Creative Writing Examples that will take you to the world of creativity:

1) Novels and Novellas

Inspiring novel-writing examples can come from anywhere in a story. It might be the first paragraph, the back cover description, or even a random passage. Here are two examples for you:

From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.”

This intriguing start hints at an important event while drawing readers into the narrator’s childhood memories.

From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticising anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’”

These examples capture a unique voice and set the tone for the story. They show how words can draw readers in and leave a lasting impression.

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2) Short Stories and Flash Fiction

In a short story, every word matters. Make sure each sentence or phrase adds to the message and impact of your story. Explore these examples:

From "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway

“It was not so much that he lied as that there was no truth to tell. He had had his life and it was over and then he went on living it again with different people and more money, with the best of the same places, and some new ones.”

From "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor

“She would've been a good woman," said The Misfit, "if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life.”

3) Twitter Stories (140 char)

Check out the hashtag #VSS to explore a variety of short Twitter stories in 140 characters or less. Here are some examples to get you started!

From January 4th, 2025

"The time machine worked. I told my younger self everything. He laughed, ignored me, and made the same mistakes anyway." #vss #time

From January 1st, 2025

"The lighthouse didn’t warn ships anymore. Instead, it scanned the horizon, waiting for the shadow of the thing that had swallowed the sea." #vss365 #sea

4) Poetry or Songs/Lyrics

Looking for poetry or songwriting ideas? You’ll find lots of free examples online, including these two.

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it...

“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

5) Scripts for Plays, TV Shows, and Movies

If you like writing dialogue and creating settings, take a look at these two very different screenplay excerpts. Afterwards, jot down some ideas for your own scene or screenplay.

From Dead Poets Society by Tom Schulman

Keating (standing on his desk): "Why do I stand up here? Anybody?"

The students look at him, confused.

Keating: "I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way."

He steps down, gesturing for the students to try.

Keating: "Go ahead. Step up. See the world from a new perspective. Don’t just walk through life blind to the possibilities."

Todd hesitates, then stands on his desk. Keating smiles.

Keating: "There you go, Todd. Dare to strike out and find new ground."

From Good Will Hunting by Matt Damon & Ben Affleck

Sean: "Do you have a soul mate?"

Will: "Define that."

Sean: "Somebody who challenges you. Someone who opens up things for you. A soul mate."

Will: "Yeah, Chuckie. He’s like my best friend."

Sean: "You know what I’m saying. Someone who pushes you, who sees something in you that you don’t see yourself."

Will: "You’re talking about someone who spends their life chasing me?"

Sean: "No, I’m talking about someone who sees you for who you are, beyond your work, your talent, your accomplishments, or what you think you need to be. Someone who just loves you."

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6) Memoirs / Autobiographical Narratives

Sharing stories from your life can feel really good. It helps you let things out and reflect. Plus, your experiences can inspire, teach, or even just entertain others.

From Wild by Cheryl Strayed

"Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me. Insisting on this story was a form of mind control, but for the most part, it worked. Creative Writing Prompts often challenge you to push boundaries like this, as every time I heard a sound of unknown origin or felt something horrible cohering in my imagination, I pushed it away. I simply did not let myself become afraid. Fear begets fear. Power begets power. And it wasn’t long before I actually wasn’t afraid.

From The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

"When Dad wasn’t telling us about all the amazing things he was going to do, he was as likely as not to be telling us about all the amazing things he had already done. He was a dramatic storyteller. He always started out slow with lots of pauses. ‘You probably won’t believe this,’ he’d say. And then he’d tell us whatever wild and incredible thing he had done, like how he’d wrestled a pack of wild dogs to the ground with his bare hands or gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxing champ. This often left us wondering whether we were hearing Fiction vs Nonfiction—his stories were so exaggerated that they seemed more fiction than fact. If we wanted to know how something had happened, he’d snap, ‘I’m telling you, aren’t I?’ He always fought the toughest, climbed the highest, drove the fastest, and dated the prettiest."

7) Speeches

Most speeches aim to inform, inspire, or persuade. Think about the last time you gave a speech. How did you grab your listeners' attention right from the start?

From “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” by J.K. Rowling (Harvard Commencement Address, 2008)

"You might never fail on the scale I did, but some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.

Failure gave me an inner security that I had never attained by passing examinations. Failure taught me things about myself that I could have learned no other way. I discovered that I had a strong will and more discipline than I had suspected."

From “The Crazy Ones” by Steve Jobs (Apple Ad Campaign, 1997)

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward."

8) Essays

Essays are all about sharing your point of view and backing it up with solid evidence. Think of an issue that really excites or frustrates you. What would you write to make a strong case for your argument?

“The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century” by Steven Pinker 

“A classic is a book that everyone wants to read, and nobody wants to read. Good writing makes the reader feel smarter. Bad writing makes the reader feel dumber. Writing, I think, is a better teacher than learning. Write to discover. Write to learn.”

“Why I Write” by George Orwell

“All writers are vain, selfish, and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives, there lies a mystery. Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”

“Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something—anything—down on paper. A friend of mine says that the first draft is the down draft—you just get it down. The second draft is the up draft—you fix it up. You try to say what you have to say more accurately.”

9) Journalism / Newspaper Articles

Imagine yourself as an experienced journalist, full of ideas for your next big story. Or think about an article you’ve read that made you go, “Wow, they really nailed it!” The examples below can spark your creativity and help you craft content worthy of the front page. 

From “Digital Addiction: How Screen Time is Impacting Our Youth” by Emily Bazelon (The New York Times: May 2022)

"With the rise of smartphones and tablets, children and adolescents are spending more time than ever in front of screens. Experts warn that excessive screen time can lead to a range of issues, from sleep disturbances to social isolation and mental health problems. Parents and educators are grappling with how to balance technology's benefits with its potential harms, striving to find ways to foster healthy digital habits."

From “The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Jobs” by John Smith (The Guardian: April 10, 2022)

"Many people are unaware of the risks associated with seemingly low-risk jobs. For example, retail workers face dangers from slips, trips, and falls, as well as violent incidents. The article explores the often-overlooked hazards in various professions and the importance of workplace safety protocols."

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10) Blogs

Starting a blog doesn’t have to cost a penny, especially if you love sharing your stories, ideas, and unique perspective with others online. Take a look at the examples below—what ideas or inspiration can you take from them?

How to Write Short Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a literature enthusiast, chances are you’ve encountered masterpieces like The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami, or The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. What do these stories have in common? They leave a lasting impact, resonating with us long after we’ve turned the final page. 

These powerful narratives have the ability to transform our perspectives and reshape our understanding of the world. If you aspire to craft such memorable stories, welcome to our blog! Here, in this blog on How to Write Short Story, we’ll explore the art of writing Short Stories, guiding you on your journey to becoming a beloved writer.

How to Write a Novel in 10 Steps: A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine sitting in your favourite cosy spot, daydreaming about the characters and worlds you could create. Have you ever wondered how to turn those daydreams into a novel that captivates readers? You’re not alone! Every great storyteller began with a spark of inspiration. This blog on How to Write a Novel is your guide, lighting the way from your initial idea to a polished manuscript.

Starting a novel can feel daunting but breaking it into smaller steps makes the process more manageable and enjoyable. Each section of this blog on How to Write a Novel provides the tools and confidence you need to bring your unique story to life. So, grab your pen, unleash your imagination, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!

11) Last Wills and Obituaries

You might be crafting a tribute for a late loved one or a public figure or working on your own will. These examples can guide you and help you find the right words to begin.

From the obituary for Maya Angelou (1928-2014) in The Guardian

Maya Angelou, the author and poet whose landmark book of memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," earned her a place as a leading voice in contemporary literature, died on May 28, 2014, at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was 86.

Angelou's works explored themes of identity, family, and race, and she became a powerful figure in the civil rights movement.

From the Last Will of George Washington (1732–1799)

Washington’s will contained instructions about freeing his enslaved workers:

"Upon the decease of my wife, it is my Will and desire that all the Slaves which I hold in my own right, shall receive their freedom."

He also made provisions to support the elderly or infirm among them.

From the Last Will Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)

Franklin’s will included quirky bequests, such as leaving his walking stick to George Washington:

"My fine crabtree walking stick, with a gold head curiously wrought in the form of a cap of liberty, I give to my friend and the friend of mankind, General Washington."

12) Dating Profiles and Wanted Ads

Dating profiles and wanted ads are a great way to get creative with your writing. Picture yourself or a friend setting up a profile on a dating app, or imagine you're searching for a job, a roommate, or something else to improve your life. These are opportunities to have fun and express yourself!

Dating Profile Example

Headline: “Book-loving introvert, 27, looking for a fellow dreamer.”

"I spend most of my days lost in novels or crafting stories of my own, but I’m ready to step out of my fictional worlds to find someone special. I’m based in Manchester and love rainy days, cosy cafés, and vinyl records. If you’re into quiet nights, deep conversations, and spontaneous trips to the Lake District, let’s see where this takes us!"

Wanted Ad Example for a Tutor

"Looking for a patient and experienced maths tutor for my 12-year-old son, who’s struggling with pre-algebra. We’re located in Surrey, and sessions would need to be twice a week after school (around 4 pm). Pay is £25 an hour, and I’ll provide all the materials. If you’re great with children and can make maths less intimidating, please email me at [email address]."

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13) Greeting Cards

There are so many types of greeting cards, and it’s impossible to list all of them. Instead, here’s a cheerful example to spark some ideas. Use it to craft a birthday message for someone special—or even to write the kind of note you’d love to receive yourself!

Happy 30th Birthday Card

"Happy 30th! Welcome to a decade where you’re old enough to know better but young enough to do it anyway. I know this year will bring you amazing adventures, laughter, and maybe a little wisdom (but not too much, don’t worry).

You’re an inspiration to everyone around you—always striving, always caring, always finding joy in the little things. Here’s to celebrating you today and every day!"

Happy Friendship Day Card

"Happy Friendship Day to someone who makes life brighter in every way. Thank you for being the kind of friend who shows up, lifts me up, and always makes me laugh.

You mean the world to me, and I’m so lucky to have you by my side. Here’s to more shared moments, silly memories, and endless laughs ahead!" 

Thinking of You Card

"Just wanted to let you know you’ve been on my mind lately. Whether you’re celebrating a victory, working through a challenge, or just taking it one day at a time, I’m here cheering you on.

You’re stronger, braver, and more incredible than you realise. Don’t forget to take a moment to breathe, smile, and know how loved you are."

Conclusion 

You have learned how Creative Writing Examples are windows into boundless imagination. From gripping novels to evocative poetry, they reflect the spectrum of human emotions and experiences. Through diverse genres and Types of Creative Writing, these examples underscore the power of words to paint worlds, provoke thoughts, and stir hearts.

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