Universal Themes in Creative Writing: Exploring Connection and Creativity

Writing, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or songs, is a powerful medium for expressing emotions, ideas, and the human experience. One of the most effective ways to connect with your audience is to write about what you know, what you care about, and what interests you deeply. This article explores the universal themes in creative writing that resonate with readers, focusing on the core idea of connection.

Creative Writing Beyond Fiction

Commonly, creative writing is associated with fiction. However, it extends far beyond this genre. Creative thinking, the ability to question and explore any topic, can lead to fascinating and meaningful works. Instead of just describing something dry and technical, creative writing can transform it into something relatable and captivating.

Themes of Connection in Creative Writing

A recent writing workshop I hosted on the theme of “Fathers and Masculinity” emphasized the deep connection that writing can foster. One participant wrote a beautiful poem about the severing of the umbilical cord at birth and how the rest of her life has been an attempt to reconnect. This poem highlighted a fundamental theme in creative writing: an attempt to reclaim and deepen connections.

This theme is expansive and encompasses many other subjects:

Home and Belonging: Writing can help us make sense of our past and understand our relationships and roles in our life events. It serves as a means to find and create a sense of home. Healing: Through writing, we can heal ourselves and others. Expressing our experiences can lead to emotional healing and a deeper understanding of our own and others' experiences. Search for Love: At its core, connection is all about the search for love—personal, familial, and communal.

Joseph Campbell's notion that every story is a hero's journey is also relevant here. While the journey is a central component, the overarching theme of connection is the driving force behind the narrative. The hero, in this sense, is the individual on a quest for meaningful, deep connections.

Personal Journey and Creative Thinking

During a recent two-day writing workshop, we explored the theme of “Fathers and Masculinity”, building on the previous week's exploration of “Mothers and Femininity”. One participant's poem about the umbilical cord and the subsequent effort to reconnect spoke volumes about the universal human desire for connection. This experience reinforced the idea that writing is not just an art form but a pathway to deep emotional and psychological healing.

Writing, whether a poem, a story, or any form of creative expression, requires the courage to question and the willingness to explore. It is a powerful tool for expressing both the known and the unknown aspects of our lives, and ultimately, for fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and others.

Im writing this on my phone and not editing so please forgive my typos.