1. Creative Writing 101
Using Imagery

2. Using Imagery
Imagery: elements of writing that invoke any of the five senses to create a set of mental images. Specifically, using vivid or figurative language to represent ideas, objects, or actions.
In creative writer speak, the use of imagery is called “show don’t tell.”
And imagery is built with sensory details.
The objective is to show readers the imagery of the moment instead of telling readers what is being felt.

3. Sensory Details: mind-body-heart
Words that create a strong mental image and emotional/physical response, allowing readers to feel the moment with the narrator/speaker the story or poem.
For Example
Show: A loud shriek fills the room and she’s suddenly looking at small orange cracker crumbs scattered on the dark floor boards. A hot grief runs down her cheeks and as she closes her eyes against the despair filling her throat, trying to keep in every last memory, she realizes the shriek had been her own shock skittering against the walls, searching for a way out.
Don’t tell: She kneels down and cries.

4. “Making a Fist” by Naomi Shihab Nye
link to example poem

5. Give it a Shot… Write the first few lines of a poem.
Write the first line of a short story.
Just write an interesting moment.

6. Creative Writing Resources
General
IVCC
Poetry Foundation website contains writing prompts, definitions, and a collection of poetry and poet bios.
Association of Writers and Writing Professionals (AWP) resources page
Poets & Writers Magazine “tools for writers” link
River Currents IVCC’s literary arts magazine; its website contains creative arts links
ENG 1003, IVCC’s Creative Writing class at IVCC, T/R 11:00-12:15 p.m.
IV Leader, IVCC’s student-run newspaper