15 Creative Writing Interview Questions and Answers

Creative writing is a field that is always evolving. As technology and society change, so do the ways in which we communicate. That’s why it’s important for those who want to pursue a career in creative writing to be able to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.

If you’re interested in a career in creative writing, you may be asked to interview for a position. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your writing process, your favorite authors, and your experience with writing. You may also be asked to provide a writing sample.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of creative writing interview questions and answers.

1. What is creative writing?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the field. It also allows you to show how much you know about creative writing by giving an in-depth answer that includes examples and definitions.

Example: “Creative writing is a process where writers use their imagination to create new stories, poems or novels. They can do this through different genres like fantasy, science fiction, romance or mystery. In my experience as a writer, I have found it’s important to be open to new ideas when creating a story. For example, I once wrote a short story about a girl who was kidnapped by aliens. However, after I started writing the story, I realized there were no aliens at all. Instead, she had been abducted by a human trafficking ring.”

2. What are the different types of creative writing?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the different types of creative writing and how they differ from one another. You can answer this question by defining each type of creative writing, explaining what makes them unique and giving examples of each type.

Example: “There are many different types of creative writing, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting and more. Each type has its own set of rules and guidelines that writers must follow when creating their work. For example, in fiction writing, you should create characters with depth and conflict. In nonfiction writing, however, you should only write about topics you have personal experience with.”

3. How do you go about developing your characters?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you develop your characters and the process you use to make them realistic. Use examples from past projects or experiences to explain how you create a character’s background, personality traits and goals that influence their actions throughout the story.

Example: “I start by creating a basic outline of my main character’s backstory, including where they grew up, what kind of family they had and any major life events that influenced who they are today. I then add in details about their personality traits, such as whether they’re introverted or extroverted, if they’re more logical or emotional and what motivates them to act the way they do. Finally, I think about what goals they have in mind and how those goals might affect their decisions.”

4. Can you explain what a plot point and turning point are?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have a strong understanding of the basics of creative writing. They want to know that you can apply your knowledge and skills to their organization’s projects. In your answer, try to show that you understand how plot points and turning points are used in different types of stories.

Example: “A plot point is an event or action that changes the direction of the story. It usually occurs at the end of a chapter or act. A turning point is when something happens that causes a character to change their beliefs or actions. This often happens after a series of events that lead up to it.”

5. How would you describe the importance of time in creative writing?

Time management is an important skill for creative writers. Employers ask this question to see if you understand the importance of time in your work and how you plan your schedule. In your answer, explain that time is a crucial element in writing because it determines when you can complete projects. Explain that you value punctuality and always arrive at work on time or even early.

Example: “Time is one of the most important elements in creative writing. It’s what allows me to meet deadlines and produce quality content. I am very committed to being on time for my job, so I make sure to leave enough time in my schedule to get ready each morning. This helps me avoid rushing and ensures that I’m prepared to start working as soon as I arrive.”

6. What are some good ways to get started writing if you’re feeling stuck or have writer’s block?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. Use examples from your own experience of how you’ve overcome writer’s block in the past, or share some tips that have helped you get started on a project before.

Example: “I find it helpful to take a break from writing for a while and do something else entirely. Sometimes I’ll go for a walk or spend time with friends and family. When I come back to my work later, I’m usually able to write more freely because I’ve cleared my mind. Another thing I like to do is research topics related to what I’m working on. This helps me generate new ideas and gives me inspiration for where to take my writing.”

7. What’s the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the writing process. It also helps employers understand how you differentiate between different types of writing and what your strengths are as a writer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to define each type of writing and give an example of when you’ve written in both genres.

Example: “Fiction and non-fiction are two very different forms of writing. Fiction is made up stories that have no basis in reality while non-fiction is based on real events or people. I’ve had experience with both types of writing, but my favorite is fiction because I love creating new worlds for readers to get lost in.”

8. Do you think it’s possible for anyone to learn to write creatively or is that only available to people with innate talent?

This question can help an interviewer determine your thoughts on creativity and how you feel about the process of learning to write creatively. Your answer can also show an interviewer whether or not you have a growth mindset, which is when someone believes they can learn new things and develop their skills through hard work and dedication.

Example: “I think anyone can learn to write creatively with practice and dedication. I’ve seen many people who were initially unsure of themselves as writers become very talented at writing creatively after taking classes and practicing regularly.”

9. Would you say there is an ideal age when someone should start learning creative writing?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the craft and how you developed your skills. It also shows that you understand the importance of creative writing at an early age, which can be beneficial for students who are looking to get into this field.

Example: “I believe there’s no ideal age when someone should start learning creative writing because it depends on the individual. However, I do think that children as young as five years old can learn basic elements of creative writing such as storytelling and descriptive language. This helps them develop their creativity and imagination, which is important in developing strong writing skills later in life.”

10. Who are some famous writers from history who have inspired you?

This question can help an interviewer get a better sense of your writing style and how you developed your skills. You can use this opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a passion for creative writing by sharing some of your favorite writers and what they’ve taught you about the craft.

Example: “I’m inspired by many great writers from history, but one writer who has had a lasting impact on me is Edgar Allan Poe. I read his work in high school and was immediately drawn to his dark and mysterious stories. He’s helped me develop my own unique voice as a writer and learn how to create suspenseful scenes and characters. Another famous writer who inspires me is J.K. Rowling. Her Harry Potter series got me into reading when I was younger, and her ability to create such vivid worlds and characters has made me want to do the same.”

11. What’s more important – creativity or grammar?

This question is a common one for creative writing positions. Employers ask it to see how you prioritize your work and what skills are most important to you. When answering this question, consider which skill has helped you the most in your career so far. If grammar is more important to you, explain why. If creativity is more important, explain why that’s true for you.

Example: “I think both creativity and grammar are equally important when writing creatively. Grammar helps me communicate my ideas clearly, while creativity allows me to find new ways of saying things. I’ve found that using both together can help me write pieces that readers enjoy.”

12. Why do you think everyone needs to learn how to write well?

This question is a great way to show your passion for writing and how it can impact others. When answering this question, consider what you’ve learned about the company’s values or goals and how writing skills could help achieve them.

Example: “Everyone needs to learn how to write well because it’s an essential skill that helps us communicate with one another. I think learning creative writing skills is especially important because it allows people to express themselves in new ways and find their voice as writers. In my experience, I’ve seen how writing has helped many students develop confidence and overcome challenges.”

13. Is there any place for “bad” writing in today’s world?

This question is a great way to test your critical thinking skills and ability to analyze the world around you. It also shows that you understand what’s important in today’s society, which can be helpful for employers who want writers who are aware of current events.

Example: “I believe there is definitely a place for bad writing in today’s world. While I think it’s important to write well, I don’t think we should expect everyone to do so. In fact, I think it’s good to have some poorly written pieces out there because they help us remember how far we’ve come as a society. They’re also entertaining, which makes them valuable.”

14. What was the most interesting book/essay/novel you read recently?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your interests and what you’re reading. It also gives them an idea of how much time you spend reading, which is a skill that’s important for creative writers. When answering this question, try to pick something that shows off your critical thinking skills or makes you think about things in new ways.

Example: “I recently read ‘The Martian’ by Andy Weir. I really enjoyed it because it was so interesting and funny. The main character had to survive on Mars with limited resources, but he still managed to make me laugh out loud several times while reading. I thought his solutions were very clever and inventive.”

15. If you were planning to write a novel, where would you start?

This question can help interviewers understand your creative writing process. They may want to know how you plan out a story and what steps you take when starting a new project. Use examples from past projects or describe the steps you would take if you were planning a novel for the first time.

Example: “I usually start with an idea, which I then develop into a plot outline. From there, I create characters and write their backstories so that I have a better understanding of who they are as people. Next, I begin writing the actual book by outlining each chapter and creating a timeline for events in the story. Finally, I edit my work multiple times before publishing it.”