The Importance of Creative Writing

It's impossible to list all the benefits of creative writing, especially for young people. A 2023 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that, of the almost 2,000 teens and young adults inculded in the study, "nearly two-thirds (63%) identified an improved sense of confidence in their abilities as a benefit, while a similar number (61%) said that creative activities reduce their feelings of stress or anxiety. In addition, 57% said it improves their overall mental well-being."

But creative writing can be more than an emotional outlet—it can be a career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for writers and authors in 2023 was $73,690 per year. And writers aren't limited to writing books! Creative writing skills can be used in several careers, including:

• Content writing (blogs, articles, newsletters, marketing materials, etc.)

• Editing

• Copywriting (websites, landing pages, advertisements, etc.)

• Journalism

• Scriptwriting (for films, television, commercials, video games, etc.)

• Literary Agent

• Directing

• Brand management

...and so many more! Even for jobs that aren't directly related to writing, having the skills and background of creative writing improves problem solving, time and project management, perseverance, and communciation, and leads to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Creative writing is more than a hobby—it's a set of skills which can help provide the success in any field.

So let's get learning!