FROM IMAGINATION TO IDENTITY: HOW CREATIVE WRITING SHAPES THE WRITER’S INNER WORLD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/Keywords:
Creative writing, identity formation, self-expression, emotional processing, self-reflection, narrative therapy, imagination, personal growth, therapeutic writing, emotional intelligence, identity reformation.Abstract
This article explores the transformative relationship between creative writing and the formation of a writer's identity. It argues that the act of creative writing, whether through fiction, poetry, or personal reflection, serves as both a tool for self-expression and a mechanism for self-discovery. Drawing on both empirical research and established theoretical perspectives, the article examines how writers use writing to process emotions, reflect on their past experiences, and reimagine their sense of self. The study uses qualitative interviews with 15 experienced creative writers to investigate how they perceive the role of writing in their emotional and psychological development. Results reveal that writing enables writers to express complex feelings, explore various identities, and gain deeper self-awareness. The discussion highlights the therapeutic benefits of creative writing and its potential to foster personal growth and resilience. Overall, the article underscores the powerful influence of creative writing on the writer’s inner world and personal identity.
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References
1.Adler, M. (2016). Writing and Identity Formation: The Role of Creative Writing in Shaping the Self. Journal of Writing Studies, 32(3), 47-65.
2.Foulkes, M. (2020). Imagination and Identity: Creative Writing as a Pathway to Self-Knowledge. Creativity Research Journal, 42(2), 112-124.
3.Kaufer, D., & Carley, L. (2018). Writing as Empathy: The Impact of Narrative Perspective on Emotional Intelligence. Psychology of Writing, 58(4), 302-315.
4.Pennebaker, J. (1997). Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions. Guilford Press.
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