by Catherine L. Tully

Here’s a question for you–is writing an art?

My take? Sometimes. At least–I think so. OK. I’m not really sure.

For example…I think poetry is an art, as well as writing a novel, short story, or other type of fiction. The creative process there can’t be denied. But non-fiction? Is that an art too?

Hmmm. I see no clear-cut answer to that question. Do you? Writing non-fiction definitely demands creativity (most of the time, anyway), but I see it more like putting together a puzzle than painting a picture. Articles (and non-fiction books) have structure, should be logical or practical (or both) and the goal is usually to communicate something to the reader that is based in fact.

Still…I do feel that artistic surge when I craft a travel piece, or try to describe a fabulous restaurant so that the reader really gets the picture.

So what does that mean, exactly?

I guess for me, the jury is still out on that question. I’m not entirely sure where to place the type of writing I do on the spectrum. What do you think?