creative writing vs academic writing similarities

Academic Writing vs. Creative Writing: Understanding the Key Differences

Both academic writing and creative writing are commonly used in many contexts and serve a variety of goals. While academic writing is widely utilised in educational environments, creative writing is frequently employed in literary and artistic contexts. The ability to write should be universal. No matter what their profession, educational background, or area of interest, everyone may utilise writing to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Writing can take many different forms, each with its own target audience, goal, and style. Writing for academic purposes and artistic purposes are frequently misunderstood. In this article the primary distinction between academic writing and creative writing will be discussed.

What is Academic Writing and its Features?

A style of writing called academic writing is utilised in academic environments including colleges, universities, and research institutions. Information, research findings, and ideas are communicated to a scholarly audience using this formal and objective writing style.

Academic writing can be distinguished from other types of writing by a variety of features. It is ordered, formal, objective, and precise. The vocabulary, tone, and writing style are appropriate for an academic setting. Extensive study, analytical thought, and analysis are also required for academic writing. It frequently is founded on facts, figures, and conclusions from research.

What is Creative Writing and its Features?

Writing that uses imagination and creativity to convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas is referred to as creative writing. It is a distinctive style of writing meant to enthral, motivate, and arouse the reader’s emotions.

There are several factors that distinguish creative writing from academic writing. Different types of tools are used in writing while the use of article rewriter in academic and creative writing is generally encouraged.

Key Differences Between Academic Writing and Creative Writing

At first glance, writing for academic and creative objectives may appear to be one and the same thing. Nonetheless, there are two different writing styles, and each has its own traits and goals. The main distinctions between academic writing and creative writing will be covered in this section.

The main distinction between academic writing and creative writing is the reason for the writing. In a formal and objective way, information, facts, and knowledge are communicated through academic writing. It is employed to investigate and examine a certain subject or problem and to give arguments supported by facts. Academic research and educational institutions both employ academic writing.

Writing creatively is a tool for expressing ideas, feelings, and thoughts in a unique and inventive way. It is employed to enlighten, uplift, and communicate with the reader. Plays, poems, novels, and short stories all involve creative writing.

Academic writing frequently has researchers, academics, and subject-matter specialists as its audience. A sizable component of the audience for creative writing is made up of readers of fiction, poetry, and other literary genres.

In academic settings, writing is formal, detached, and objective. Pronouns in the first person are generally avoided. The text is straightforward, clear, and basic. The third person is frequently used when the passive voice is being used.

Writing with creativity is informal, individualised, and subjective. First-person pronouns are commonly employed, and the writing style and personality of the author are evident. The writing is typically vibrant and evocative and places a significant emphasis on imagery, figurative language, and storytelling.

Accuracy and precision are stressed in formal language used in academic writing. The tone is neutral and objective, and the jargon is specialised and technical. Slang and contractions are not appropriate.

The language used in creative writing is looser and more casual, with a focus on creativity and flair. The vocabulary is varied, and the tone might be lighthearted, sentimental, or subjective. Slang and contractions are permissible, and the author is free to coin new words and employ turns of phrase.

An introduction, body, and conclusion are all clearly defined in academic writing. Background information and the paper’s goal are given in the introduction. The thesis is supported by the body’s arguments and supporting data, and the conclusion restates the thesis and summarises the key points.

The writer has more leeway to experiment with different structures when writing creatively because there is no set structure to follow. Flashbacks, non-linear tales, and other approaches can be used by the author to develop a distinctive framework.

Advantages of Academic Writing and Creative Writing

1.enhance communication skills.

Communication skills are improved by the use of clear, succinct language in academic writing. Individuals learn to properly and eloquently convey their ideas and thoughts through academic writing. In many professions where communication is key, like law, journalism, and teaching, this talent is essential.

2.Increases Analytical Abilities

The considerable study and data analysis necessary for academic writing aids in the development of analytical skills. This ability is essential in many fields, like business and finance, where data analysis and critical thinking are essential.

3.Builds Data Analysis Skills

Research and data analysis are crucial parts of academic writing since they call for in-depth subject knowledge. In many fields, notably scientific research, where the interpretation and analysis of data are critical, this talent is essential.

4.Helps in Expressing Emotions

People can convey their ideas and emotions in unique ways through writing. This talent is essential in many fields where creativity is needed to interest the audience, such as marketing and advertising.

5.Enhance Imagination

Because creative writing calls for imagination and creativity, it fosters the development of these skills. This skill is essential in a variety of professions where the ability to produce intriguing and appealing information is required, such as writing and entertainment.

For various reasons, it’s important to comprehend the difference between academic and creative writing. In the first place, it can aid writers in deciding which genre to use in a particular circumstance. In addition, it can aid authors in honing the abilities and methods required for every kind of writing. As a final benefit, it can assist authors in understanding the demands and expectations of various writing styles, which is helpful in both academic and professional contexts.

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About The Author

Creative Writing Vs. Technical Writing Vs. Academic Writing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 7, 2023 - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

You’re a writer, and you’ve got the passion and talent to explore various realms of writing. You might wonder how to navigate the diverse creative, technical, and academic writing landscapes.

Each style has its unique purpose, goals, and characteristics that can open new avenues for creative expression and professional growth.

In this article, we’ll delve into the defining aspects of these three writing styles, helping you understand their differences while offering tips on balancing creativity and accuracy.

As you develop skills in multiple writing domains, you’ll discover how to adapt your voice for different audiences and contexts. Embrace the freedom that comes from mastering these distinct forms of communication!

Key Takeaways

Each writing style has its unique characteristics and requires different approaches for success.
Adapting writing style to fit different audiences and contexts is important for effective communication.
Versatile writers who master multiple writing styles have greater career and creative opportunities.
Writing quality is crucial regardless of the style and requires clarity, precision, and continuous skill refinement.

Defining the Three Writing Styles

You’re strolling through a literary garden, where three distinct paths emerge – creative writing with vivid blooms, technical writing with structured hedges, and academic writing adorned by meticulously pruned scholarly trees.

Each path offers a unique experience as you explore the world of written communication.

A writing styles comparison reveals that each style has its own rules and unique challenges to overcome.

Creative writing allows your imagination to run wild, painting pictures with words and evoking emotions in your readers.

Technical writing, on the other hand, demands precision and clarity as you explain complex concepts or provide instructions for specific tasks.

Academic writing requires rigorous research and adherence to established guidelines while presenting arguments or findings clearly and concisely.

As you navigate these paths in the literary garden, remember that mastering each style will grant you the freedom to express yourself effectively in any situation life throws you.

Purpose and Goals of Each Style

Diving into each style’s purpose and goals, it’s crucial to understand how they uniquely cater to various communication needs and audiences.

Creative writing aims for audience engagement by evoking emotions, sparking imagination, and telling a story. Its main goal is to entertain, inspire, or provoke thought through stylistic choices such as figurative language, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters.

On the other hand, technical writing focuses on providing clear and concise information to help readers understand complex concepts or complete tasks. This style prioritizes accuracy and user-friendliness while employing straightforward language with minimal jargon.

In contrast, academic writing seeks to explore intellectual ideas or present research findings in a structured format like essays or research papers. The primary goal is contributing knowledge within a specific field by adhering to established standards of evidence-based argumentation.

Unlike creative writing that encourages personal expression and flexibility in form, academic writing demands strict adherence to guidelines concerning citation styles, tone consistency, and logical organization.

Ultimately, your ability to adapt between these different styles will free you from the constraints of one-dimensional communication skills – allowing you greater complexity in your thoughts and ideas while efficiently conveying them across various platforms.

Characteristics of Creative Writing

Imagine a world where words paint vivid pictures and stories come to life, captivating your senses – that’s the realm of artistic expression in literature.

Creative writing is about emotionally impacting your audience, using sensory language to craft immersive experiences that transport readers into the world you’ve built for them.

Some key characteristics of creative writing include:

Emotional impact: Inspiring emotions such as joy, sadness, or fear in your reader
Sensory language: Utilizing descriptive words and phrases that engage the five senses
Artistic freedom: Experimenting with different styles, formats, and structures

Remember to focus on creating an emotional impact through sensory language so your readers can truly experience the world you’ve created.

By doing this, they will enjoy what’s written and indulge their subconscious desire for freedom – allowing them to escape from reality into a universe crafted by their imagination.

Elements of Technical Writing

In technical writing, focusing on clarity, precision, and a straightforward approach is essential.

You’ll need to master technical terminology and document design to effectively convey complex information in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand.

When dealing with specialized subject matter, you must ensure that your writing is accurate and concise while meeting the needs of both experts and novices alike.

To create engaging content that satisfies your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom, consider incorporating visual aids like charts or diagrams into your document design. This helps break up large blocks of text and makes it easier for readers to grasp difficult concepts at a glance.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to use contractions and an active voice in your writing – this can help make your work more relatable and enjoyable to read, even when dealing with highly technical subjects.

Clear communication is key in technical writing, so always prioritize simplicity over complexity whenever possible.

Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing, often characterized by its formal tone and precise structure, serves as a vehicle for critical thinking and the dissemination of knowledge. Through metaphorical language, it’s possible to paint a vivid picture that illuminates complex ideas for readers across various disciplines, ensuring they’re more likely to engage with the content on a deeper level.

Maintaining an academic tone requires avoiding colloquial expressions or emotional language while adhering to grammatical conventions.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize the different referencing styles used in academia. These styles enable writers to provide proper credit for sources while maintaining consistency throughout their work.

To help you better understand some key features of academic writing, take a look at this table illustrating common attributes:

Embrace these characteristics in your academic writing endeavors! By practicing clarity, accuracy, and conciseness – along with proper referencing styles – you’ll foster an environment where readers can freely explore new ideas and expand their understanding of complex concepts.

In turn, this will contribute positively towards your intellectual growth while making your work enjoyable and relatable for others who share your desire for freedom through knowledge acquisition.

The Role of Imagination and Artistry

While it’s often overlooked, the infusion of imagination and artistry can greatly enhance the impact of academic writing by drawing readers into a vivid landscape of ideas and fostering deeper engagement with complex concepts.

Imagination limitations are sometimes seen as necessary in scholarly work to maintain objectivity, but incorporating elements of creativity can help you break free from conventional thinking patterns and present your research more engagingly.

Artistry may not be explicitly required in academic writing, but it can elevate your work when applied judiciously. To harness the power of imagination and artistry in your academic writing, consider these strategies:

Use metaphors or analogies to clarify abstract or complex ideas
Experiment with narrative techniques to build suspense or intrigue around your research questions
Employ active voice and vivid language for more dynamic descriptions
Integrate visuals such as graphs, charts, or illustrations to support your arguments visually
Choose an innovative structure that complements the content

Remember that combining creative approaches with rigorous scholarship doesn’t compromise your credibility; it demonstrates your ability to think beyond traditional boundaries and present information in a fresh light.

The Importance of Clarity and Precision

Clarity and precision can’t be overstated in academic writing, as they ensure your arguments are well-structured, your ideas easily understood, and your evidence compellingly presented.

The significance of clarity lies in its ability to eliminate confusion and ambiguity, allowing readers to grasp complex concepts without getting lost in a maze of jargon or convoluted sentences.

Similarly, the benefits of precision include fostering trust with your audience by demonstrating that you’ve conducted thorough research and can present information accurately.

In embracing these principles, you’ll empower others to comprehend and engage with your work and grant them the freedom to explore new thoughts and perspectives.

By presenting clear and precise content, you’re inviting readers into a world where they can freely navigate ideas without feeling overwhelmed or confined.

Formality and Structure in Writing

Transitioning from the importance of clarity and precision in writing, another crucial aspect is the formality and structure employed in your work.

As a writer, you need to be aware of these elements as they vary across different types of writing.

When it comes to creative writing, informal language, and unconventional structures are often embraced. This allows for more freedom and flexibility in expressing ideas, emotions, or storytelling.

On the other hand, technical and academic writing generally requires more formal language usage and structured formats. These guidelines help ensure that your audience clearly communicates and easily understands information.

It’s important to strike the right balance between formality and structure based on your purpose – engaging readers with an enjoyable narrative or providing concise, accurate information they can rely on.

Common Applications for Each Style

As you’re exploring various writing styles, it’s essential to understand their common applications and how each can serve a unique purpose in effectively conveying your message.

To evoke an emotional response from your audience, consider the following applications for each style:

Creative writing: Unleash your imagination through storytelling, poetry, or personal essays. With this style, you have the freedom to express yourself without limitations.
Technical writing: Simplify complex concepts and procedures by crafting clear and concise manuals, reports, or user guides. This allows your readers to grasp new information easily.
Academic writing: Showcase your critical thinking skills with research papers, dissertations, or journal articles. Rigorous analysis and synthesis of ideas are key in this style.
Style integration: Combine elements from different styles to create engaging content that caters to diverse audiences – a blog post blending creativity with research insights or a business proposal incorporating data analysis with persuasive language.
Application challenges: Hone your adaptability by tackling projects requiring multiple writing styles, such as grant proposals or marketing campaigns.

By recognizing the value of each writing style and understanding when to apply them effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to face any communication challenge.

Career Opportunities and Professional Paths

You might wonder how mastering different writing styles can benefit your career, so let’s dive into the various opportunities and professional paths that await you.

Whether you’re interested in creative, technical, or academic writing, each field offers unique prospects for career growth. As a creative writer, you could pursue careers such as novelist, screenwriter, copywriter, or content creator for various mediums.

Technical writers are highly sought after in industries like technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, to name a few.

Academic writers often find their niche in research institutions or universities where they contribute to scholarly publications.

No matter which path you choose, strong networking strategies will play an important role in propelling your career forward.

Attending conferences and workshops related to your chosen field helps sharpen your skills. It allows you to connect with industry professionals who can provide guidance and possible job leads.

The Writing Process: Differences and Similarities

Now that we’ve explored various career paths, let’s delve into the writing process and examine how different styles share similarities and distinctions.

Whether you’re working on creative, technical, or academic writing projects, certain aspects of the writing process remain consistent across all fields.

To keep your audience engaged and satisfy their subconscious desire for freedom, your writing must maintain clarity, accuracy, and conciseness. Finding the right writing motivation can help you stay focused and produce high-quality content.

Planning: Before starting any project, plan your approach by identifying your goals and target audience. This will ensure your content is well-suited for its purpose.
Writing: Regardless of the style you’re working with, always strive to write clearly and concisely while maintaining an engaging tone.
Editing: Once your draft is complete, use effective editing techniques to refine your work by removing redundancies or errors that could hinder comprehension.

By following these steps in each type of writing project (creative, technical, or academic), you’ll be better equipped to create captivating content tailored specifically for its intended purpose while keeping in mind the inherent differences between each style.

Balancing Creativity and Accuracy

Striking the perfect balance between imagination and precision is essential for crafting content that captivates readers while conveying accurate information.

Creative constraints and accuracy challenges can push you to think outside the box, allowing your work to stand out. Embrace these limitations as opportunities for growth, whether creating an imaginative story or composing a well-researched academic paper.

Remember that your audience has a subconscious desire for freedom – don’t be afraid to use creative techniques to engage them while maintaining accuracy. When it comes to balancing creativity and accuracy, practice makes perfect.

Experiment with different writing styles, methods, and sources of inspiration until you discover what works best for your unique voice.

Clarity, accuracy, and conciseness are crucial to effective communication.

However, don’t let those requirements stifle your creativity entirely. By consciously honing your skills in both areas simultaneously, you’ll find that striking the ideal balance becomes second nature over time – allowing you to create captivating content that resonates with readers while remaining true to the facts.

Adapting to Different Audiences and Contexts

Mastering the art of adapting your content to various audiences and contexts can be an exhilarating challenge, as it’s essential to tailor your message while maintaining authenticity – but how will you achieve this delicate balance?

One key component is audience engagement, which requires understanding who you’re addressing and their needs, desires, or interests.

By empathizing with your readers and crafting messages that appeal to them personally, you’ll capture their attention and motivate them to engage with your content.

Contextual adaptation comes into play when you consider the specific circumstances surrounding each piece of writing.

Whether it’s a creative story meant for entertainment purposes or an academic article discussing complex theories, adjusting language, tone, and style accordingly will ensure that your message is clear and concise for the intended audience.

Remember that people have a subconscious desire for freedom – so make sure your writing connects with them emotionally while still providing accurate information they need.

Developing Skills in Multiple Writing Styles

Diversifying your skill set in various writing styles can truly set you apart as a versatile and dynamic wordsmith. This will enable you to excel in any literary arena, making you a more appealing candidate for job opportunities and allowing you to connect with different audiences and contexts through your writing.

As a result, versatile writers often find themselves enjoying greater freedom in their careers and creative pursuits.

To achieve this level of versatility, consider focusing on the following four areas:

Practice multiple writing styles : Challenge yourself to write creatively, technically, and academically – even outside your comfort zone.
Study diverse genres : Read widely across different genres and formats to understand the unique requirements for each type of writing.
Seek constructive feedback : Share your work with others with experience or expertise in various fields, requesting feedback on improving clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
Continuously refine your skills : Review and revise your work to ensure it meets the highest quality standards while remaining engaging for readers.

By embracing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a versatile writer who can navigate any literary landscape with confidence and ease. Enjoy the freedom that comes from mastering multiple writing styles!

Tips for Success in Each Writing Domain

To excel in each writing domain, it’s essential to understand the unique requirements and techniques for success.

Did you know that 73% of employers value strong writing skills?

You’ll be better equipped to meet diverse demands and seize opportunities by honing your abilities in various domains. Skill-building exercises can help strengthen your proficiency in creative, technical, and academic writing styles while boosting your writer’s motivation.

For creative writing, practice painting vivid images with words by describing settings, characters, or emotions from personal experiences or imagination.

Experiment with different narrative structures and use stylistic devices like metaphor and simile.

In contrast, technical writing requires clarity and precision above all else; try breaking down complex processes into simple steps or creating concise user guides for software or tools.

Finally, academic writing calls for a formal tone and well-structured arguments supported by credible evidence; practice synthesizing research findings into clear thesis statements followed by logical analysis.

As you explore these distinct realms of expression, embrace your freedom to create compelling stories, convey helpful information effectively, and contribute valuable insights to scholarly discourse – the world needs all three!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a writer effectively transition between creative, technical, and academic writing styles within the same project or document.

To effectively transition between styles, master transition techniques and enhance your writing versatility. Embrace clarity, accuracy, and conciseness while engaging your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom through your adaptable writing approach.

Are there any specific tools or software programs that can help writers improve their skills in each of these writing styles?

Explore various software programs to boost your skill development in different writing styles. Embrace the freedom of mastering creative, technical, and academic writing with tools designed for clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.

How do cultural differences and language barriers impact the effectiveness of creative, technical, and academic writing when communicating with international audiences?

Imagine trying to solve a puzzle with mismatched pieces. Cultural adaptability and language sensitivity are crucial for effective communication, as they bridge gaps in understanding when addressing international audiences.

Can you provide examples of successful writers who have mastered all three writing styles and have been able to use them interchangeably in their work?

Mastering versatility in writing is key to success! Successful writer examples include Isaac Asimov, who skillfully switched between creative, technical, and academic styles. Embrace your freedom to adapt and excel in all three.

Are there any interdisciplinary fields or industries where a writer may need to utilize all three writing styles regularly, and how can they prepare for such a diverse writing landscape?

In the dance of interdisciplinary writing, you’ll glide between styles. Diverse preparation is your key to mastering this choreography. Embrace clarity, accuracy, and conciseness while engaging your audience’s desire for freedom.

So, think of yourself as a chef in the writing kitchen. Each style – creative, technical, and academic – is like a different ingredient you can mix and match to cook the perfect dish for your audience.

Remember to keep it clear, accurate, and concise so your readers can savor every bite of your literary feast.

Bon appétit!

The Librarian Parlor

Building a community of researchers

A piece of paper with shavings from a pencil

Reflections from a Young Writer: Academic vs. Creative Writing

LibParlor Contributor, Samantha Bise, reflects on the similarities and differences between academic and creative writing.

Samantha Bise is a Reference & Instruction Librarian at Central Penn College. Her research interests include critical information literacy, information bias, and educational barriers for vulnerable populations. Samantha spends a lot of her time volunteering in her community, and she is passionate about teaching, creating educational opportunities for adult learners, and writing poetry. Some of her recent poetry can be found at www.sambise.com , or here (2nd place in her county’s competition!), and here (published in a poetry journal). You can find her on Twitter: @sam_bise .

As Anne Lamott says in her book Bird by Bird, “…good writing is about telling the truth. We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are.” What is humanity if not collectively sharing our experiences, anyway? I believe writing is one of the best ways to use our voices, share our experiences, work through difficult concepts, and contribute to the world.

“I believe writing is one of the best ways to use our voices, share our experiences, work through difficult concepts, and contribute to the world.”

As an early-career academic librarian, I am often writing about education for scholarly publications and presentations. As a lifelong poet who recently began submitting poetry for publication, I spend a lot of my time writing poetry and sending my work to editors. Throughout the writing and publication processes, I’ve noticed key differences and fundamental parallels in academic and creative writing. Below are reflections from me, a young academic and creative writer, along with suggestions for other beginners.

Writing to learn

Writing is at the root of my learning style, meaning I cannot see a way through difficult topics and issues without writing about it first. When I’m introduced to a new pedagogical idea, I research it and write about it. When somebody suggests a new library program or project, I research similar projects and write about my findings Results The section of a research article where researchers share the results from the research. This section takes the results and directly connects them to the research questions or hypotheses posed at the start of the article. Also can be called “Findings.” . Similarly, when I am struggling to understand something about the world around me, I write poetry about it.

Just like learning, writing is a messy business. I tell my students that research and writing are not linear processes, and this holds true for us, too. It’s messy and personal. Researching and writing are like doing a puzzle—some people start with the edges, some people sort by color, and others dive right in. We all have our ways of organizing ourselves. When writing academically or creatively, organize yourself in your way.

Choosing your topic

I made the decision years ago only to write what I am passionate about. If you haven’t made this promise to yourself yet, do it now. I spent too much of my time trying to be excited about library marketing when education and teaching information literacy was actually what I loved most. Once I began researching things that I felt a connection to, excitement and a desire to learn more kept me committed.

This holds true in my poetry, too. I spent most of my undergraduate years trying to be a romantic writer by writing very vague metaphors about nature. This is the genre of poetry I found myself reading, so I forced it into my writing. In direct contrast, I learned that I am more passionate about the raw realities of social issues, like drug addiction, mental illness, and poverty; this is now what most of my poetry focuses on. Don’t make writing more difficult by forcing a topic that doesn’t align with your passions, interests, or goals. Choosing to write only what you care about may be the best thing you ever do for your writer-self.

Adhering to a style

When writing for an academic audience, I learned the hard way to read the publisher’s guidelines or conference requirements before planning the way I shape my research findings. Scholarly publishers and academic conferences have specific styles they expect you to adhere to. Writing an article or proposal before finding a publisher has proven to be more time consuming than necessary.

When writing poetry, I was taught the opposite—don’t think about the audience. Writing creatively lends itself to, well, more creativity. When I write poetry, I write first and find appropriate publications later. This gives me more control over the final product, compared to the academic publishing process.

Supporting your claim and giving credit

As an academic librarian, I am constantly drawing a line between what ideas are mine and what concepts I’ve borrowed from others to help strengthen my point. The scholarly writing process relies heavily on expert voices and textual evidence to support my claims. This is necessary to help make a strong case and to contribute to the scholarly conversation. There’s a certain anxiety that comes along with responding to and critiquing the claims of other scholars.

On the other hand, the creative writing process focuses on my own experiences and perceptions of the world around me. An uncomfortable, yet liberating, part of creative writing is that I get to own [almost] every experience that happens to me without thinking about citation styles, copyright ethics, and intellectual freedom. However, similar to the anxieties in academic writing, writing creatively about personal experiences and observations lends itself to some discomfort, too.

Building community

One of the best parts about working in librarianship is that it’s a profession rooted in sharing. There are professional networks available for most interests in our field. I can share my work with my greater library community, and receive valuable feedback and support.

Similarly, in my creative writing communities, there is an abundance of mutual sharing and support. The difference is, people are less likely to harshly critique creative writing than they are academic writing. Outside of academia, poetry that is based on personal perceptions of the world does not lend itself to formal criticism. My creative writing communities value the act of sharing over the need for critique, which is in direct contrast to the mission of academic writing.

Coping with critiques

When you use your voice, people will have opinions about your work. This holds true for academic works and creative projects. When I finish a piece of writing—be it an article, conference proposal, or poem—the self-doubt sets in. I begin to have unrealistically high expectations for my writing. I suddenly believe that this one piece of writing should be simultaneously timeless, indisputable, and groundbreaking. But the truth is, most ideas are not unique, and all ideas should be open to critique.

I’ve learned to cope with the critiques by not attaching my professional or personal self-worth to others’ opinions of my work. If we make claims that are later deemed incorrect or invaluable, that’s okay. Research evolves, and so do we. Defend your work as you see fit, but also allow yourself to recognize and admit when your work has room for improvement. Stop holding your work to an impossible standard of perfection, and realize that using your voice as productively as you can is often enough. If you publish something you later regret, do better next time.

Using your voice

Researching and writing for academia is an important way to contribute to the progress of human knowledge. Similarly, writing creatively—in my case, writing poetry—is also a practice in using our voices, sharing our stories, and trying to help make sense of humanity. Contributing to the greater conversation by sharing your own experiences and expertise is challenging, rewarding, and necessary.

Above all else, I believe using our voices productively is one of the best things we can do for the world. Writing is one way to do this. Often times us beginners feel like we have nothing to offer, but simply the experiences of being new are perspectives worth sharing. When you use your voice, know that you will both formally and informally receive criticism, you will be told your voice doesn’t align with the standards or desires of certain publications or communities, and you will sometimes wonder why you are even trying to use your voice at all. I’d like to tell you that your voice and your contributions do matter.

Keep the Conversation Going

Do you have a creative outlet that allows you to use your voice productively and express yourself?
What are some ways you’ve learned to cope with critiques of your work?
How do you stay committed to the scholarly writing process?
What professional networks or communities have helped you find your place within librarianship?

Featured image [ CC0 ], via Pexels

The expressions of writer do not reflect anyone’s views but their own

5 Key Differences Between Academic Writing & Creative Writing

The world of writing is quite intricate. There are multiple categories in it. But if we are to, we will divide writing into two broad brackets – formal and informal. And this is the fundamental difference between academic and creative writing: the former is formal, and the latter is informal.

If you find it too difficult to comprehend the fine line between the two, you can opt for a paper writing service for your college assignments. Meanwhile, you can work on your writing skills.

If you are an aspiring writer, know that there is a great demand for both academic and creative writers out there. But when you undertake an assignment, you must be able to determine the style of writing it requires. To help you with it, we will walk you through the key differences between academic and creative writing.

How to Distinguish Between the Two Types of Writing

Academic writing is more factual and standardized than creative. You have to stay true to evidence and facts that you take from authentic resources. These kinds of assignments require you to provide references as proof of the argument you are putting forth. Academic content is largely covered by EssayService to aid students in their college assignments. And each educational institution might have its own rules and standards.

On the other hand, creative writing is personal and informal. There is no specific style guide or standardization. You can even voice your opinion and support it with some reference without being completely sure of its original source. Examples of creative writing include stories, personal experiences, ideas, opinions, poetry, and journals. Needless to say, adherence to grammar and spelling rules is a common requisite in both.

Now, let’s explore the key differences between the two types of writing in detail.

The style of writing is one clear difference between academic and creative articles. While creativity is not bound by any specific style or pattern, you have to stick to certain parameters in academic content. Academic writers should always abide by the standard structure. There are several guidelines designed for different types of papers. Institutions choose their preferred style from a variety of widely-used style guides.

On the other hand, creative writers enjoy a fair amount of freedom in terms of writing style. The writing of a story or a personal opinion does not need adherence to a particular tone. The writer can choose to shape the content any way they want.

The purpose of writing is another significant difference between the two. Academic content is written to prove a point or give your audience a well-backed perspective. Whether you are writing a school/college paper or preparing a piece of content for your client, the main aim of academic writing is to explain, discuss, and elaborate on a given topic. You back up your thoughts and beliefs with the latest statistics and valid data.

On the contrary, creative writing mainly focuses on the expression of one’s idea through the medium of suitable words. You need not present any facts or figures to support your content. You can go on to write content for scripts, plays, stories, prose, poetry, biographies, etc., with the sole aim to entertain or educate your target audience.

3. Time Limitations

In most cases, academic writers have to face time restrictions. There will be almost no room for brainstorming. Also, you cannot afford to procrastinate. You will have to prepare much ahead of writing and gather all the necessary data well in time.

Creative writers generally do not face time limitations. Even if they are writing for a production house or publishing company, they get ample time to create engaging, unique, and fresh content. And when the creative juices flow, the writers can curate amazing content within a very short period.

4. Language

While writing academic content, you should be mindful of the language. Depending on the type of assignment, you will have to decide upon the jargon. The usage of informal language or slang is strictly prohibited. You cannot use colloquial expressions, idioms, and contractions extensively in academic writing.

But in the case of creative content, the writers can decide upon the tonality. One can use casual or semi-formal language. Creative writers can experiment with the language as per the demand of the content and the target audience. There are no hard and fast linguistic rules to be followed by creative writers.

Academic writers should be aware of the formats for different types of papers. They must adhere to the formatting guidelines such as APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago. These guidelines also can vary depending on the subject and even the professor’s demands.

The format for creative assignments is not as stringent as it is for academic projects. If you wish to create the desired impact on your audience with your creative content, you should keep the preferred formats in mind.

Wrapping Up

At the school or college level, you should be able to curate both academic and creative write-ups based on your project requirements. However, specialization in any of these niches can take you to great heights in your career.

We hope that the mentioned points have made it all clearer for you. Now, keep practicing your craft and have faith in your abilities .

creative writing vs academic writing similarities

Naomi Kizhner

On NaomiKizhner.com, I want to share tips, tricks, and quotes that will hopefully inspire someone who might be struggling. Also, I wish to help others find their true passion in life and cut out any negativity.

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How Academic Writing Differs from Other Forms of Writing

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Have you ever wondered how academic writing stacks up against different styles of writing? If you have, then you're in good company, as many curious minds have pondered that same distinction. Let's get to it!

Formal Language versus Informal Language

Academic writing should use formal language that minimizes the use of contractions and colloquialisms and avoids slang terminology whenever possible. Casual language should only be used for emphasis.

Further, academic writing generally does not employ first person pronouns like "I" or "we," but different styles of writing do offer varying degrees of flexibility when it comes to the use of language, with a diverse range of informal elements sanctioned among different styles of writing.

Check out the image below to further explore the differences between textspeak, informal language, and formal language!

Structure and Form

Style guides like the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Chicago Manual of Style are quintessential resources for scholars engaging in academic writing, with different style guides used for different fields of academia. These style guides standardize how references should be presented and how a document should be formatted, considering things like the margins, headings, typeface, and a myriad of other elements; some guides even prescribe the kind of language to be used for various circumstances encountered most frequently within the field.

All forms of academic writing will employ a structure that should allow the information presented to flow logically from one section to the next, regardless of the segments or formatting details used according to different styles of writing. For example, a scientific research article will typically include sections for the abstract, introduction, methods, analysis, results, and conclusions, whereas a paper written for the humanities will use a drastically different framework that can vary between artistic disciplines.

Different styles of writing contain various essential structural elements. This means that some styles, such as creative writing, grant significantly more freedom to the author than other styles, such as the style used for writing engineering documents.

The tone used to communicate ideas will significantly affect how readers interpret those ideas. It's vital that different styles of writing adopt different tones appropriate for the respective target audiences.

It's especially crucial within academic writing to eliminate all personal biases, both explicit and implicit. Academic writing must display objectivity. It's often best that academic writing avoids rhetorical tactics, like sweeping generalizations and emotional arguments, as this will ensure the highest degree of objectivity expected from academic writing.

At its core, academic writing should be clear, succinct, and objective; the exact criteria for these qualities differ among different styles of writing, but without these elements, the credibility of academic writing is often shaky.

The tone, language, and formality of academic writing will all depend on the target audience . As such, the target audience is a crucial consideration for effective academic writing.

In an academic setting, your audience could comprise researchers, professors, and/or experts in the field, but a casual piece might target your family and friends. The way we speak to figures of authority is very different from how we speak to siblings or friends, and communicating with these different groups when writing is no different; the word choices used in academic writing should suit the audience just as much as a person's vocabulary and gestures might shift for face-to-face communication according to these different groups.

For example, when the public is the intended audience for a piece of academic writing, it's probably a good idea to use simple language to explain any tricky terms used in the document. You might even consider substituting the academic jargon for another phrase more easily understood by the masses. This is true for all different styles of writing. The audience needs to understand what has been written!

If you're uncertain whether a particular term might be appropriate for your audience, try consulting a friend who is unfamiliar with the topic. This should clearly indicate how easy it might be for the average person to understand the concept.

The following piece of advice applies to all different styles of writing: leave time to edit! Regardless of the document, your work should be entirely free from errors. Proofreading for things like grammatical mistakes and punctuation errors and editing for elements such as the word choices and sentence structures will ensure that the writing is cohesive and clear. Further revision will ensure that unsightly grammatical errors and embarrassing typos never appear before the unforgiving public eye.

Have a peek at the image below to review the key aspects of academic writing (you can even download the image for reference). Once these elements have been nailed, you will have officially become a master of academic writing.

Image source: AboutImages/elements.envato.com

Make Sure Your Academic Writing Follows Conventions

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Creative Writing(ENG-207) Week#7:- Difference between Academic and Creative Writing

Week#7:- Difference between Academic and Creative Writing

Difference between Academic and Creative Writing

Creative writing is different from academic writing . Writing for websites is different from writing for newspaper columns. Journal entries are different from writing press releases on behalf of a brand. Writing purposes do vary. It's important that when undertaking any writing you have a firm grasp on this concept.

Let's look at the fundamental differences between academic and creative writing.

The Principal Difference

Style is the chief difference between academic and creative writing. Creative writing need not adhere to any specific style parameters. Academic writing is different. Academic writing needs to be structured and executed adhering to a series of guidelines. Indeed, so stringent are these guidelines that academic institutions include these guidelines as part of their curriculum.

Style Guidelines Outlined

These documents or manuals outline the rules and standards needed for the successful execution of any written exercise. A quick Google search and you'll find web pages dedicated to clearly communicating the guidelines of academic writing. However, many institutions have their own stylistic guidelines.

Common Style Guide Conventions vs. Informal Writing

Here is a look at some of the differences between informal writing and conventional, academic writing.

Contractions – generally speaking contractions are acceptable in academic writing, though overuse will dilute the integrity of the writing. Studying academic writing you'll see that the writer makes use of contractions to get points across.

Technical terminology –when writing for academic purposes it's important that you always bear the audience in mind. If you're writing for a niche market alone the audience will understand any jargon that may be lost on the layman. Take out technical terminology altogether if writing for a diverse audience.

Reference appropriately – good academic writing includes references for any information used to support your argument. These need to be referenced appropriately.

Colloquial expressions and clichés – creative writing, especially dialogue, will have expressions that are unique to that character. However, these should not be used in academic writing. For example, it's unwise to describe Noam Chomsky's contribution to linguistics as ‘awesome.'

These are just a few tips for anyone considering how to cater to their writing for academic or creative purposes. Follow these are you will give yourself the best possible chance of executing a well-crafted piece of work, no matter the purpose.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CREATIVE AND ACADEMIC WRITING

In personal, reflective, or creative writing, there are far fewer rules since it is.. well. personal and creative! In this kind of writing, one can tell a story, summarize their experiences, or express their opinions, ideas, or emotions. Their writing can be entirely fictional, requiring minimal factual evidence or support. However, writers may still want to include support for their assertions, especially if their personal writing is supposed to be persuasive or deliver an opinion. Writers may support their claims with personal experiences and information that they have heard, even if they aren’t entirely sure where from. Their evidence doesn’t have to include the page number of the specific text it is found in like academic writing does. This is simply because it is writing for the purpose of only the writer’s intentions. It doesn’t need to satisfy requirements or match the grading of a rubric. Academic or scholarly writing on the other hand is a little more standardized. One's writing must be much more organized and formatted, and the evidence used as support for their assertions must come from concrete sources. The sources should be properly cited both in text and in a works cited page. In academic writing, the writer needs to prove to the reader that what is being said is factual and correct. Ideas need to be explained, and any inferences or deductions based on textual evidence or data must include support. Contrary to creative writing, one cannot simply ponder about an idea and ask questions. In academic writing, questions must be answered.

Another difference between academic writing and creative or personal writing is the presence of pressure due to time restraints. In timed essays, ones writing situation may greatly change. There is no time to brainstorm or procrastinate, so being able to organize ideas quickly is essential. Also, far greater preparation before beginning the paper is required. The writer does not have the luxury of aimlessly searching through sources for evidence. The subject of the timed essay must be understood thoroughly, prior to the beginning of the timed writing.

Overall, creative writing allows for more personal expression whereas academic/scholarly writing aims to explore an idea, argument, or concept. Academic writing requires more factual evidence for support, and presents challenges such as the pressure of time. They each have their own purpose, and as a developing writer, I hope to improve my writing of both types.

Week#1:- Literature and major forms of literature
Week#2:- Drama and forms of drama
Week#3:- Poetry and kinds of poetry
Week#4:- Objective poetry and its kinds
Week#5:- Benefits of Creative Writing
Week#6:- Types of Writing and Writing Process
Week#8:- Elements of Short Stories
Week#9:- Novel and its types
Week#10:- Novel and its uses
Week#11:- Communication and its types
Week#12:- Communication's elements and benefits
Week#13:- The Barrier to effective communication
Week#14:- Essay and its types
Week#15:- Figures of speech
Week#16:- Poem: "Mending Wall"
Chapters 16
Department Business Administration

Academic vs. Nonacademic Writing Styles

Academic and nonacademic writing are distinct styles with different characteristics and purposes. Academic writing is formal, evidence-based, and aimed at scholarly audiences, while nonacademic writing is informal, personal, and intended for a wider audience. Choosing the appropriate style depends on the target audience and the writer's specific purpose.

Updated on September 5, 2023

Academic and nonacademic writing are two different writing styles with distinct characteristics and purposes. Each style has its own conventions and best practices. Writers must understand and adhere to these conventions to best communicate with their intended audience.

The key factor to keep in mind here is your target audience .

Academic writing

The language used in academic writing is precise and often technical. It follows a standard structure, which typically includes introduction, background, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion sections.

Academic writing generally includes a list of cited references and figures showing the data and data analyses performed over the course of research. A few examples of academic writing include journal articles, research papers, and theses /dissertations.

Characteristics of academic writing

The fundamental characteristics of academic writing are described as follows:

Clear and concise : Academic writing is clear and concisely written. The use of jargon and excessive wordiness are not effective means of communicating through academic writing.
Evidence-based content : Academic writing is based on evidence and research. Credible sources are used and they are cited appropriately.
Formal tone : Academic writing uses a formal tone and avoids contractions, colloquial language, and informal expressions.
Structured writing : Academic writing has a clear structure, such as introduction, methodology, and conclusion sections.
A uniform citation style : Different fields have their own citation styles, and it is important to follow the specific citation style required by your institution or field.
Proofread and edit : Always proofread and edit your work before submitting it for review. For assistance with this step, AJE can help with all of your proofreading, editing and translation needs.
Avoid plagiarism : Plagiarism can be avoided by properly citing sources, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

To communicate with a general audience, nonacademic writing styles are the best bet. In contrast to academic writing, nonacademic writing has an informal tone, a personal approach, and often uses emotions to convey the message. Nonacademic writing is aimed at a general audience and is used to entertain, inform, and persuade people. The language used in nonacademic writing is not usually technical and is considered to be accessible to a wider audience. Examples of nonacademic writing include newspaper articles, blog posts, and creative writing, such as fiction and poetry.

Characteristics of nonacademic writing

Nonacademic writing is not intended for an academic audience or purpose. Some of the characteristics of nonacademic writing are described as follows:

Colloquial language : Nonacademic writing often uses colloquial language, slang, and contractions. This means the writing often comes across as more conversational.
Informal tone : Nonacademic writing typically has a more informal tone than academic writing.
Personal opinions : A writer's personal opinions and feelings are often included in this style of writing.
Less formal structure : There is usually no strict structure or format to nonacademic writing styles.
Less emphasis on research : Writers often rely more on personal experience and anecdotes in this style of writing.
Use of humor and figurative language : Humor and figurative language can make writing content more engaging.
Less or no citation requirement : Nonacademic writing often doesn't require citations and references.
Simplicity and brevity : Writing is often simple and brief, as it is designed to be easily understood by a wider, general audience.

Both styles of writing have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it is important for writers to understand and use the appropriate style for their specific purpose and audience. While academic writing is essential for scholarly research and analysis, nonacademic writing is essential for communicating information and ideas to a general audience.

Final thoughts

In summary, academic writing is formal, objective, and evidence-based, while nonacademic writing is informal, personal, and emotional. The purpose and audience for each style of writing are also different, with academic writing being written for scholarly audiences and nonacademic writing being written for wider audiences. The key element in choosing a writing style is the intended audience.

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Technical vs. Academic, Creative, Business, and Literary Writing: What Is the Difference?

Technical writing is all about the content that focuses on providing detailed and clear information on the product or service. It contains a factual and straightforward message. Technical writers convert complex technical information into useful and easy-to-understand language. You should know that there are different types of technical writing , for example, online tutorials , instruction manuals, API documentation, and so on.

The main idea of all types of technical writing is to help the end-user understand any technical aspect of the product or service.

In addition to technical writing, there are many types of other writings, such as creative, business, and literary writing. All of them have distinctive features. Let’s compare these writings to technical writing and see what they have in common and what makes them different.

Technical Writing vs. Academic Writing

Some people might think these two types of writing are similar. The truth is that these are two completely different categories. It may seem that academic writing should be more complicated since it is focused on some specific and narrow discipline. Indeed, this type of writing may describe very complex concepts and provide specialized knowledge.

Technical writing is intended to describe technical information. It may vary depending on the specifics of a particular industry.

Academic writing is aimed to present a certain point of view on a particular subject. Academic papers show results of research and demonstrate someone’s knowledge. In turn, technical writing explains something to readers and informs them. Technical papers often explain how to use a particular product or service. Technical documents can also describe procedures used by the manufacturer to perform certain tasks. What technical and academic writing have in common is that both types may contain jargon.

Academic and technical writing target different audiences. Academic papers are usually intended for fellow scholars. However, there are also academic pieces of writing intended for a broad audience. Technical writing is intended for people who use a product or service.

Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing

Creative writing is a piece of writing for entertainment and education. It focuses on imaginative and symbolic content, and creative papers are published to entertain, provoke, inspire the user. Technical writing, on the other hand, is not done to amuse its reader. It is used to inform someone. Some technical articles are sometimes made to trigger the reader to take action.

There is no such specific reader who prefers creative papers. Anyone can read the creative paper if they want to, and it gives readers a theme, message, moral, or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or provides temporary entertainment to the reader.

Creative writing has many genres and subgenres. If you want to write creatively, you should have talent. Of course, talent alone is not enough - practice is everything here.

It doesn’t mean that creativity can’t be used in technical writing. Technical articles contain so many facts and data that they can bore and overwhelm readers. This is where creativity in technical writing might come in handy. A tech writer should be creative to encourage their readers to continue reading the document.

Technical Writing vs. Business Writing

Business writing is just about any kind of writing people do at work, if we are not talking about journalism or creative writing. Business writing includes reports, emails, proposals, white papers, minutes, business cases, letters, copywriting, bids, and tenders.

However, many reports, bids, and proposals contain technical data and specifications. So business writers may find themselves editing technical content, and technical writers may be called upon to write persuasive documents for a non-technical audience.

The main objective for both these writings is to inform, be useful, build something or operate the equipment.

The language needs to be clear, concise, and accurate. Wordiness, repetition, and unfamiliar words that the audience may not understand do not belong in either business or technical writing.

Of course, you can use technical jargon in documents where the audience has the same technical background. But too much jargon tends to be a huge problem. So, if in doubt, avoid jargon or explain it.

Some business documents need to be persuasive, whereas technical documents tend to be neutral and objective.

However, there are differences in the content, language, and style of technical and business writing. More on technical writing in business is in our article What Value Technical Writers Bring to Business?

Technical Writing vs. Literary Writing

The main difference between technical writing and literary writing is that literary language is used in literary work while technical writing is used in writing for a particular field. Literary writing is used in fiction. Examples of literary writing include poems, novels, short stories, dramas, etc. The language used in literary writing is creative, imaginative and uses literary techniques like hyperbole, personification, similes, metaphors, etc.

Technical writing is the style of writing that is mostly observed in non-fiction. The language used in technical writing is direct, factual, and straightforward.

Literary writing appeals to emotions. Technical writing appeals to the mind.

Technical writing is aimed at people who have knowledge about a particular subject area. Literary writing is written for general readers.

Every writing style is important in its own way. They are used by writers depending on the subject matter, purpose, language, and target audience. Below is the table that summarizes what you found out about the types of writing mentioned in this article:

It doesn’t matter what you write: essays, business materials, fiction, letters, or just notes in your journal, your writing will be at its best if you stay focused on your purpose and target audience.

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The Hidden Connection between Fiction and Academic Writing

August 3, 2016
Student Contributor
Guest posts , The Writing Life , Writing Tips and Tools

I’ve been unable to spend much time writing fiction over the past few years. However, I do still spend a significant amount of time writing – just not as much fiction as academic writing.

This post is about how OYAN— The One Year Adventure Novel —has influenced my academic writing .

Now, if you are tempted to quit reading at the mere mention of the word “academic,” please don’t just yet! I understand your aversion to “academic writing”—but I endeavor to show you why that aversion is primarily because you have read bad academic writing. Academic writing is not meant to be boring—and good academic writing isn’t.

OYAN and Academic Writing

While academic writing is different from fiction writing in some important ways (although perhaps the boundaries are fruitfully blurring), there is much that can be learned from the way productive fiction writers go about their business and live out their writerly selves. – Grant and Knowles, “What can academic writers learn from creative writers?”

I believe the above quote is true. My own experience backs it up. I intentionally apply what I’ve learned in OYAN to my research papers and academic essays. Many people will say that academic writing is completely different from fiction writing, but there are definite similarities between the two modes of writing , and it’s precisely in these areas of overlap that the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum can be helpful.

No, the purpose of academic writing is not the purpose for writing a novel, but academic writing is quite a broad genre, encompassing persuasive essays, literary reviews, literary criticism, and much more. Regardless of the specific type of work you are writing, its primary purpose is to share information— to communicate on some level—even though your reasons for sharing that information will vary depending on the type of work.

In the end, we all want people to read our writing. Accessibility to targeted readers is one of the most important aspects of writing of any kind . When your work is easy to understand and enjoyable… people will actually read it. It is only then that you can benefit other people by sharing your ideas, or persuade them through the strength of your arguments. If people can’t get through your writing or resort to skimming it, then you have not succeeded in your primary purpose to communicate with your readers—and you’ve thereby missed out on a valuable opportunity.

Writing a Captivating Academic Research Paper

Believe it or not, this is not a paradoxical heading. Academic writing can and should be enjoyable to read. Conflict, unexpected humor, creating emotion, and raising the stakes are all concepts that are relevant to academic writing. Above all, having a clear, interesting voice dramatically improves the readability of your paper. Academic papers do not have to be dry or abstruse.

The Five Elements of… Essays?

Now let’s get down to the specifics—how has OYAN specifically impacted my academic writing? Well first of all, through the Five Elements of Story—which can be translated to the Five Elements of Essays.

In academic writing, “something to care about” doesn’t take the form of a protagonist or hero—instead, it’s a bit more abstract. But you do need to tell your target audience why they should care about what you are going to say—why it is relevant, and why it is interesting . This is generally your thesis statement, which is a valuable hook that shows your readers from the beginning why they should care about your paper.

You also need to give your readers “something to want”—which is distinct from “something to care about.” You are not merely showing your readers why your paper is relevant to them, you are revealing that it will actually give them something valuable —whether this is by presenting new research, providing new insights, or persuasion. Your readers should want something after reading only the first page of your paper—just as they should after reading page one of a novel .

“Something to dread” is related to this, just on the exact opposite side. Consider “something to want” from a different perspective… what will your readers dreadfully miss out on if they do not read it? Having a “something to dread” is incredibly helpful in ensuring readers will stick with your paper.

Even “something to suffer” is applicable to academic writing—and hopefully not because your reader has to suffer through it. The “something to suffer” of academic writing is including counter-arguments and opposing viewpoints to your own. Just like suffering makes a hero’s victory feel more earned, dealing with opposing viewpoints and counter-arguments will make your conclusion feel more earned .

And finally, “something to learn” should be obvious— your reader must finish your paper having learned something new and substantial. If a reader gets to the end of your paper and realizes that nothing has changed—no new insights, or ideas, or opinions—then there is a definite problem.

The Four Defining Moments (of Your Research Paper)

Just like your OYAN novel, your academic papers should have four defining moments.

The inciting incident should contain conflict, such as a fight (the presentation of differing opinions), a new arrival (the announcement of new ideas or research), or trouble (an issue that you are going to present a solution to).

By this point, you should have established your something to care about/want/dread and convinced your readers to embrace their destiny— which is to read every word of your paper.

“Something to suffer” comes in with the black moment . This is when you scare your reader into momentarily thinking that you might be wrong after all, but then you deflect the conflicts and counter the counter-arguments, further proving the strength and validity of your points. Placing this black moment directly before your conclusion will help your victorious concluding statement to be all the more glorious.

Finally, the showdown . This is your conclusion, where you fight the final battle to win over your readers or teach them something. Your final points must be satisfying and substantial, otherwise readers will wonder why they read all the way through in the first place. Your conclusion should not be merely a summary—it should also contain new information, and that information should be surprising and earned (no deus ex machina allowed).

Difference between Fiction and Academic Work

Now, it’s also important to recognize the areas where academic writing and fiction writing differ. Some say that in academic writing, you must “distance yourself from the reader.” And that academic writing should “provide information, not entertainment.”*

To an extent, this is true. Formal language is preferred in academic writing over informal and colloquial language. It is also important to be accurate and, usually, you are expected to take an objective stance. But while academic writing is primarily meant to provide information, that does not mean that it can’t—or shouldn’t —be entertaining as well. In fact, if you want people to read the information you are trying to share with them, it is critical that your arguments be compelling and that your writing be entertaining. To phrase this another way: yes, the primary purpose of academic writing is to provide information, but utilizing the power of entertainment is an excellent method to get readers to read, understand, and remember that information.

Many students or academics will say that they can’t write creative academic work because it will hurt their grades or reputation, or because it won’t be published. If you write a narrative story with loose academic undertones and try to submit that as literary research, then yes, you will probably get a bad grade. But none of the strategies I discussed in this post should at all hinder you from excelling in these areas—especially because when these strategies are properly employed in your academic writing, they should be indistinguishable. These strategies will enhance the content and readability of your papers by fitting into the academic structure . If your professors and other readers notice anything, it will be that they are oddly captivated by your academic papers, have regressed to re-reading them for fun, and now can’t wait until you submit your next one.

Creativity in Academia

The split between academic and creative thinking, writing and identity is a relic of Western Enlightenment thought, which unfortunately persists in the twenty-first century university. Rationality, intellect, and logic—the ‘academic’ —are reified, whilst imagination, emotion, and physical and natural rhythms—the ‘creative’—are denigrated… …the production of academic writing is not solely an intellectual activity. …The problems experienced by academics in their writing are rarely intellectual ones. Rather, the difficulty is with creativity. – Maria Antoniou and Jessica Moriarty, “What can academic writers learn from creative writers? Developing guidance and support for lectures in Higher Education”

These authors go on to discuss how the majority of published academic writers, even though they know how to present their ideas in a logical, orderly fashion, know how to research, and are familiar with proper academic structure, don’t really know how to write well . Nearly every one of the points they go on to make about learning to write relates to something that is taught through OYAN.

To conclude: don’t view academic writing and fiction writing as two entirely different activities. Academic writing should be creative— even though it is different from novel writing, or poetry writing, or screenplay writing. Academic writing has its own unique purposes, and its own methods of expressing ideas and communicating information, but there are many creative aspects that can be translated over from fiction writing, because academic writing is also creative— and it is an art of its own .

* See https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/980/03/ and http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/attachments/page/Academic%20Writing%20Guide%20Part%201%20-%20Academic%20Writing.pdf

If you have taken The One Year Adventure Novel , have you found hidden connections with other writing genres or activities?

Addison Lucchi (B.A. in English Literature) has been an OYANer since the very beginning. He will soon graduate with his master’s degree in Library & Information Science—and while he does love fiction writing, he is also an academic teaching librarian who is passionate about learning, community, and the arts.

Addison enjoys numerous forms of music, literature, and theatre – and he also enjoys adventuring to and exploring new places. His favorite author is C.S. Lewis, his favorite book is Till We Have Faces , and his favorite animal is the magnificent penguin.

He also has a blog of his own: https://adventuringinfairyland.wordpress.com

* Please note that links on The One Year Adventure Novel Blog to other websites and blogs do not constitute an official endorsement. We are not intimately familiar with all the writing and opinions contained in outside links.

Welcome, Writers!

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Great post.

Hi! Thank you for this very inspiring post. Academic writing can indeed gain a lot by implementing elements found in fiction writing. However, not all academics can write fiction, and it is not an easy feat to pull off, which leaves them in a bind because they still need to communicate their findings. I believe you’ve left out a specific part of the academic world: those whose research falls way outside the established paradigm in their field. Those authors may abandon their research or continue to work on it outside of the traditional academic institutions. I believe that kind of research can sometimes be qualified as quasi-fictional, as in the case of my research. I write about the intersection of science and Christian theology in ways that are currently not scientifically verifiable. This means that most impact factor based journals are not willing to publish my work. Still, I find that researching this field provides ample opportunities to exercise originality of thought and creativity, which is why I enjoy it so much. Although my essays are written in an academic style, I view them as part fiction, for accepting them requires a great deal of imagination and open-mindedness. Those essays are published on BarbourianMeditations.com, and you are welcome to browse through them. Any input as to content or style would be much appreciated.

Loved this article Addison <3, very well-written! Writing good literary fiction requires some time and practice. No one becomes a good and skillful fiction author overnight. If you want to improve your skills and produce more quality fiction stories, then you must read, observe, learn, and write all the time. Check this out How to Improve Your Fiction Writing Skills? Hope this will help. Thank you.

Cheers, Collete

Business Writing vs. Academic Writing: What’s the Difference?

Kat Boogaard

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Regardless of particular style or format, written information has the same goal: to present information to an audience in a clear way.

So, that must mean good writing is good writing, right?

Not exactly. When you compare business writing to academic writing, for example, there are actually some significant differences that you should be aware of.

Familiarizing yourself with what separates these two distinct writing styles will help you write in a way that’s the most effective for your intended purpose and audience.

Think about it this way: You wouldn’t give a technical manual to a child and call it a children’s book. The same holds true for business and academic writing—there are key differences in style and structure.

So, what exactly makes business writing different from academic writing? Well, roll up your sleeves, because we’re diving into some of those key differentiators below.

What is business writing?

There’s a lot of writing that happens in the business world. But, if you think this means you need to be a skilled author capable of stringing together eloquent prose and flowery language, think again.

As this fact sheet from the University of Oregon explains, business writing is transactional. It describes what actions need to be taken to solve problems, achieve company goals, and so on.

From reports to emails to press releases, business writing comes in many shapes and sizes. The recipients of business writing also run the gamut—from board members to colleagues to customers to shareholders.

Because of that, there are tons of smaller details that separate business writing from academic writing. But, the overarching one you should remember is the purpose: Business writing is intended to direct action.

Want to learn even more about business writing? Check out our business writing course !

What is academic writing?

So, what about academic writing? Take a minute to think about the various writing projects—like research papers and book reports—that you needed to complete during your schooling. You’ll quickly realize that the intention of academic writing is far different from business writing.

Rather than educating and informing others, the goal of academic writing is for students to educate themselves. They write to learn as well as to showcase what they’ve learned—and often earn a grade for doing so.

Some academic writing is then utilized to inform others (like a thesis, research paper, or dissertation). However, the original purpose of that writing work was to have the author learn something through the writing process.

In most cases, students write these academic pieces for one particular audience member: their professor or instructor.

Business writing vs. academic writing: how they differ

Obviously, the purposes behind business writing and academic writing are quite different. But what about those other details that we mentioned earlier?

Let’s dig into the numerous other differences that come up when you compare business writing to academic writing.

1. Tone and style

While both styles of writing can be somewhat formal from time to time, academic writing is typically much more so and is written from a third person perspective . Students often receive a grade on their academic writing, so you can bet there isn’t slang or jargon of any type.

However, because business writing is more oriented toward action, it leans less on long sentences and a complex vocabulary and instead focuses on short and clear sentences (and frequently, bullet points)—making it seem far less rigid and formal than academic writing.

With business writing, the audience needs to be able to extrapolate the meaning of the text and the resulting action steps without needing to wade through complicated sentences and lengthy paragraphs.

Tone and style of academic writing:

Formal, with longer sentences and well-developed paragraphs. Here’s an example:

According to recent research, audiences are far more responsive to advertising messages that portray models and actors within their own demographic. With this reasoning, one can assume that organizations should employ a diverse range of actors and models to appear in their advertising campaigns to ensure that these commercial messages resonate with a large percentage of viewers.

Tone and style of business writing:

Emphasis on keeping things short, clear, and as actionable as possible. Here’s an example:

Research shows that audiences connect more with advertising messages that showcase people in their own demographic. We should explore talent firms with diverse pools of models and actors.

2. Document structure

Reflect on most of the writing you did during your education, and this common essay format will probably pop into your head: introduction, body, conclusion. That was the tried and true formula you leaned on to complete most of your academic writing.

However, business writing has far more flexibility—mostly because there are so many different types and styles of business writing.

This means that writing in a business setting offers far more wiggle room to structure the writing to the appropriate purpose and audience. It doesn’t always stick to a specific approach the way most academic writing does.

Structure of academic writing:

Introduction, body of the written work, and a conclusion.

Structure of Business Writing:

Varies greatly depending on what you’re writing. An email will be structured much differently than a performance review, for example.

3. Audience

We touched on this briefly already, but the intended audience is another major component that separates business and academic writing.

With academic writing, students write for one crucial audience member: their instructor, who will be dishing out a grade on that written assignment. Occasionally other people will review that written work, but it’s almost always someone else who works within academia.

Business writing, in contrast, can be read and reviewed by a huge array of people—from colleagues to customers to board members to shareholders to competitors to regulatory agencies.

The list goes on and on. This is partly because the aim is to keep business writing simple and straightforward. When you aren’t sure whose eyeballs will eventually land on it, it’s best to make things explicitly clear, so that all parties can comprehend it.

Audience of academic writing:

Audience of business writing:

Almost anybody!

4. Document design

This is another area where academic writing is far more rigid than business writing—mostly because the design of these written works is often dictated by the instructor. You remember the good ol’ days of 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, and appropriately-sized margins, right?

Again, with business writing, authors have far more flexibility to design their work in a way that’s most suitable to their purpose and intended audience.

Perhaps that’s a highly-visual business report with lots of graphs and charts to illustrate a point. Or, maybe it’s a one-page document with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to allow for easy skimming and scanning.

The design of business writing comes in many shapes and sizes, while academic writing typically falls into a standardized mold.

Design of academic writing:

Highly standardized with requirements for text style, font size, spacing, and margins.

Design of business writing:

Flexible, depending on the purpose of the document and the audience.

5. Writing process

If you’d ask me what my writing process looked like for any academic papers, I’d tell you this: It was many late nights spent bleary-eyed alone in front of my computer, with a mug of lukewarm coffee by my side.

Sound familiar? Much of the academic writing process takes place totally alone. The assignment is dished out by the professor, and the student is tasked with cranking out that document by the deadline in order to earn an individual grade.

Things don’t work that way in the business world, where writing is a far more collaborative process. When working on business writing, you’ll likely lean on the insights and expertise of numerous different people both inside and outside your organization to pull together something that makes sense.

Additionally, the process of writing an academic paper typically involved plenty of solo research. But, in a business environment, you usually tackle writing with far more existing context and background information received through meetings, previous projects, and other efforts. Most of the time, you aren’t approaching that subject totally cold.

Process for academic writing:

Research and writing is done mostly solo.

Process for Business Writing:

A collaborative effort, with plenty of groundwork already laid for the author.

6. Citations and sources

Sigh, citations. I remember cringing every time I needed to put together that detailed resources page for my academic papers. You remember the ones, right? They included everything from the authors' names, to the published date, to the volume number. The thought alone still sends a chill down my spine.

With academic writing, students are required to cite their sources using a highly standardized format—often MLA or APA style .

However, the rules for citing sources are far more lax with business writing and can often vary greatly depending on your company’s norms and regulations for quoting various sources.

Citations and sources for academic writing:

Highly standardized and regulated.

Citations and Sources for Business Writing:

Can vary based on the rules set by the individual company.

7. Legal considerations

While students who produce academic writing absolutely need to avoid plagiarism of any kind, it’s not often that their written work will be used in any sort of court cases, legal proceedings, or anything of the sort.

But, in a business setting? People should be aware that the written work they produce is likely now the property of their employer and thus could be used as evidence in this manner if the need arises—whether it’s something like a wrongful termination lawsuit or even an audit.

For that reason, ensuring accuracy is crucial whenever you’re writing, but particularly when you’re producing a document for your organization.

Legal considerations for academic writing:

Avoiding plagiarism is the top legal concern.

Legal Considerations for business writing:

Operate with the assumption that whatever you write could come back in a variety of legal matters. I won’t say it’s common, but it’s always better to play it safe!

Over to you

As we’ve highlighted here, there are plenty of differences between academic writing and business writing. In fact, this isn’t even all of them—we’ve barely scratched the surface.

You can dig into even more elements that separate these two styles with this fact sheet from the University of Oregon . It does a great job of breaking things down in an easily digestible way, and we used it as a resource for many of the differences we outlined here.

If you’re eager to learn even more about business writing in particular and how you can level up your own game at work? Make sure to check out our business writing course to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to be a top-notch writer in a business setting.

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Kat is a writer specializing in career, self-development, and productivity topics. When she escapes her computer, she enjoys reading, hiking, golfing, and dishing out tips for prospective freelancers on her website.

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