Freelance Writing is a Literary Artform

When the word "freelance writing" resounds in the ethers of writing infamy, what do you think about?

Perhaps writing short stories for anthologies or magazines comes to mind. Maybe you think about writing blog or web content. Or your thoughts might wander in the direction of flash or short story fiction. Whatever the venue, consider the substance of freelance writing. It is an art form that encompasses many writing styles, genres and outlets for expression.

I'm not referring to any style of writing when I compare freelance to literary art. It is important to differentiate between simple writing styles, creative writing and literature worthy prose. All styles of writing can be classed as literary art. Some forms are just far more elegant than others. Let's explore the different styles and set out on a quest to find good examples of each one.

I've developed three titles for my simple classifications and for the purpose of research, I'll start breaking down the categories with these three classes. As research reveals the finer details of each category, I'll list the actual terms and provide a description and example of the writing styles. 

Simple Writing Styles

This basic form of writing refers to the construction of simple sentences written in the most effective and efficient patterns. An idea is conveyed by using the simplest words to achieve it. Simple writing takes a thought and finds a way to express it.

Creative Writing 

Creative writing is a more imaginative style of writing that is used in stories, poetry, prose and fiction novels. It involves the use of imagination, style and voice. The language is vivid, descriptive yet fluent and transitory. Emphasis and dialogue often adds depth to the written piece in the case of short or long story fiction. 

Literary Prose

Creative writing is literary prose in its purest form. Other forms of prose are found in most types of writing such as poetry, prose, novels, essays, fiction, and critical reviews. 

I've described the most basic definition of writing styles. Each category listed above has many aspects that embrace the depth and width of literature. The next session will delve deeper into a critical analysis of writing styles with historic samples. 

The Midnight Writer