On Creative Writing

I'm often asked about the entire process of writing "creatively". As a published novelist, I feel I can speak on the subject, although I speak only to my own creative process and certainly not that of anyone else. Of course, quite a bit of commercial writing must be creative in order to engage the audience and communicate the right message appropriately, so the term "creative writing" stretches through several ballparks for me and others like me. But when it comes to creative writing such as novels, short stories, essays, or prose, there are a few pieces of advice I can give which will help your creative process.

1. "Writing" is an active process. Simple, but true. So remember that in order to start, you've got to just get it out on the page. If you have an idea, go with it and worry about cohesion, editing, and grammar after it's done. If you're a novelist or short story writer, write the scene that's in your head. Often we block our creative process by thinking too much in a straight line, that is, we think we have to write scenes and dialogues in chronological order. Don't worry about it. If you've got a great idea, write it. I've been known to write entire chapters and then remove them, placing them in a file somewhere until they're needed (or not!).
   
2. Write about what you know. This is also a simple, oft-repeated piece of writing advice, but it stands true. Some writers, both non-fiction and fiction, are adept at doing research and including the information in their pieces. And I'm not saying you shouldn't aspire to that. But to really get the juices flowing, think about your story ideas in terms of the things you're most familiar with. The trick is to take those things, integrate them into the story, and above all else, make them interesting enough to set your piece apart from the rest.
3. Become the "constant researcher". This is one of my tips that always needs an explanation. As a writer, turn yourself into a detective. Always be on the lookout for the details that other people may not catch. Descriptions of these things, people, actions, etc. will be some of the elements that engage your readers. Why do writers tend to congregate at Starbucks? On the TV show Family Guy there was a little sketch about writers doing their thing in public; the long and short of it (and funny as usual) was that writers just want people to see them writing. Although that made me laugh, I tend to disagree. Writers are observing humans interacting in everyday situations: how do they act, what do they say, what little quirks do they have that make them interesting? The members of my creative writing group always laugh at me because every once in a while, they come across a detail that can be traced directly back to me, the author.
4. Use a writing prompt. A writing prompt is simply a little nugget that gets you going into a story or a scene. Magazines like Writer's Digest include a monthly prompt - along with a story contest. There are numerous books out there, too, which are written strictly for the purpose of providing a prompt (try The Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration by Monica Wood). You may find that a writing exercise turns into an entire story.
5. Keep a reporter's notebook. Notice I didn't say a journal. The reporter notebook and a journal are two different things. A journal is a great idea and many writers keep one, recording thoughts, observations, and activities. A reporter's notebook is portable enough to keep in a briefcase, purse, or messenger bag - and nimble enough to yank out, write down an idea, and put back at any time. I personally keep a vertical, flip-up, held-by-an-elastic-band reporter's notebook that you may have seen in an old Hollywood flick. Hemingway carried the exact model, made by Moleskine. The notebook is a fun way to remind yourself that you're a writer, and a great receptacle for all those tidbits you pick up during one day. You can buy one at www.modoemodo.com.

Again, these are tips that I have found helpful in my own creative process. I would imagine that not everything here is going to work for each individual, so experiment with these ideas and find the ones that work for you. You'll be writing creatively in no time.

Check out Chris Amisano's novel, An Imperfect Arrangement, at www.chrisamisano.com.

Six Ways to Increase E-learning Usage and Completion

Sometimes the training department ends up playing the role of "cop", that is, trying to make sure everyone finishes assigned courses within the prescribed time periods and success levels. When you add e-learning to the mix, you've got more real estate to "police" - and sometimes the online pieces fall to the bottom of the list. After all, the online courses are supposed to be "self service", right? Instead of patrolling completion, here are six ways to increase usage and encourage associates to finish online courses, as well.

1. Develop an e-culture. It's great to roll out e-learning, but be sure that the organization's culture is ready for it. If not, roll it out slowly using email or intranet campaigns. Put out tutorials that help associates log in to courses, navigate them, and know what to expect when the courses are completed. Another e-culture piece could be a blog or online discussion threads to help associates discuss content and online course usage. The biggest mistake is to just put e-learning out there and expect the organization to adapt to it right away, with no "priming".
2. Hold managers accountable. With any training program, we sometimes forget that others can be held accountable for each person's attendance or completion. With e-learning, you add the variable of people working on courses from their desks or workspaces. Without management help, some of them won't know how and when to schedule their learning. By holding managers accountable, you're helping the learning process. Managers will be more likely to create schedules and encourage associates to complete their online learning. You're also adding to a culture that values learning.
3. Add a "social" aspect to e-learning. Many online courses simply require an associate to log on and take a course. But some courses can be developed to create online discussions or pre-work with other course participants and even an instructor or "coach". This type of intervention is especially useful with geographically diverse learning populations, where associates from different parts of the country or even the world can interact in a virtual classroom. Not only does a social aspect encourage completion, it also creates an opportunity for networking.
4. Reward and certify. If you're offering a "core" of online courses, make it into a certification. Better yet, online learning cores can be used to "career path" associates in various job groups. With this arrangement, you can certify associates and offer an entrance into a talent pool or even a bonus or increase for completing a certain number of courses. Just be sure that completion leads somewhere, i.e. to consideration for promotion or a into a new job group.
5. Track completion. This may be redundant to add, but don't be surprised if you come across organizations that just don't track e-learning completion. If you're running a Learning Management System (LMS), you should have tracking as part of the e-learning platform. If you've developed your own LMS, be sure to add tracking. When you track, associates have a clear record of accomplishment, as do their managers. Associates who are looking for mobility or promotion can use their course completion record as further proof that they are ready to move forward. 
6. Communicate, communicate, communicate. The best online learning systems and interventions are not worth much if no one knows about them. Even developing an e-culture won't last if you don't continue to communicate the courses, the rewards, the accountabilities, etc. And this type of communication is not just informative - it's marketing! Create communications that make associates want to log in and take courses, showing them the benefits of doing so. Create an online learning communications plan - and stick to it.

E-learning is a fantastic way to reach diverse populations and encourage the self-direction of adult learners. But remember that you must help e-learning along, and these six items can get you started.

Learn more about e-learning development, design, and communications at Blue Notebook Communications.