IS: Creative Writing - Non-Fiction #1-INT

Creative writing isn't always poetry, prose, and fiction! Many writers use non-fiction writing as an exercise in developing and refining their ability to generate well-crafted narratives.

I have met some writers who feel that prompts are an exercise in teaching a herd mentality, but my personal philosophy is that the creative process sometimes needs a kick in the arse to get going - and prompts can also be challenging if they take you out of your comfort zone. They can even lead to spin off ideas that take you into your own creative Narnia.

So with that in mind, provided there's a positive reception to this swap, this will be the first of a series that will run quarterly for creative non-fiction writing!

The Prompt

Virginia Woolf said: "Every secret of a writer's soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind is written large in his works." Think of one thing you've never told anyone before: something you once did and kept secret, or simply a thought you've had that has never been disclosed. Write an essay about your secret. Explore your reasons behind keeping it hidden and why you feel that it’s time for a confession

The Swap Requirements

• You will have 2 partners

• Essays must be typed. Handwritten pieces are wonderful for letters and personal mail but for creative writing pieces that will be swapped and read by others, please do NOT hand write your essay.

• The essay itself must be a minimum of 2 full pages long. More is always better, but ensure that you explore this prompt fully and flesh it out.

Participation and Rating

• Have no unexplained or recent (within the last 6-months) 1s or 3s on your dash.

• Have no overdue swaps or 1s due to currently active members.

• Have a well filled-in profile.

• Understand that you may receive writing that does not appeal to you or contains language or scenarios that may be considered very adult in nature. Be prepared to accept that and not be offended by the language or scenarios put before you.

• Rate when you receive. Rate a 5 if you receive an essay that is typed, at least 2 full pages long, and follows the prompt. Hearts are entirely up to you.

• Understand that this is an international swap and English may not be the first language of your sending partner. You may not rate down for grammatical or typographical errors or what you may personally view as "poor writing skills". This swap is open to writers of all levels.

• I will angel this swap after you have rated your partner a 1 and notified me that you never received it. Please do message your partner beforehand and don't just rate a 1 the day you're able. Things do get lost, and international mail can take more than 2 weeks to arrive.

In Closing...

Feel free to PM me with questions or leave a comment here.

There is a long lead time for this swap to allow you to write, edit, and send your best work. So enjoy, get creative, and write!

Edited - I have made this a type 3 swap due to the creative writing component. Additionally, I have reduced the number of partners to send to from 2 to 1 due to low interest in participation and the watch list.