Creative writing is as much an art as it is a craft. This became even clearer to me while attending Didactics of Creative Writing Teaching, a three-week online masterclass series offered by Escuela de Escritores as part of the CELA project, now in its third edition.

Participating in these workshops while teaching my first creative writing course at Scuola Holden was both affirming and revelatory. On the one hand, I found validation for many of my teaching intuitions; on the other, I absorbed fresh insights that reshaped my approach in unexpected ways. Different professionals—writers and educators—shared their experiences, providing invaluable perspectives on how to teach creative writing, from general principles to specific genres like novels, short stories, and poetry, or specific aspects such as creativity and text analysis.

What follows is an unexhaustive yet earnest list of guidelines for creative writing teachers, gathered from my personal experience and the wisdom so generously shared by the instructors at Escuela de Escritores.

1. Reading Is Writing’s First Teacher
One thing novice writing teachers often overlook is that not all students are voracious readers. A good way to start a writing course is to build a “book club” atmosphere in the classroom by recommending books and swapping titles. The first lesson we should always keep in mind is that one cannot write well without devouring words first.

2. Step Back, But Be Present
As obvious as it may seem, teaching is not about the teacher—it’s about the students. The first thing we should do in the classroom is ask them: Why do you want to write? Are they seeking catharsis, dreaming of publication, or simply exploring their creativity? As teachers, we are expected to listen carefully to their answers and tailor our guidance to their motivations. Some students may resist advice, believing they already know best. Others may have specific projects in mind and cling to their vision. Our role is not to dictate but to observe, understand, and nudge them gently out of their comfort zones.

3. Imagination Needs Exercise
A common misconception is that imagination is an innate gift bestowed upon a chosen few. In reality, imagination grows stronger with practice. While flashes of inspiration may occur, we should remind our students that writing is more often sustained by routine and discipline. Prompts and exercises can help them draw from their memories, cultivate curiosity, and create unexpected connections.

4. Passion Is Contagious
Enthusiasm makes all the difference. Some texts are better than others for illustrating specific writing tools. Among the many possible choices, our personal connection to the texts we present should guide us. If we propose texts we love, students will notice.

5. Vary Your References
When discussing texts, the wider the range of references, the better. Varying the authors, styles, and genres increases the chances of resonating with different tastes and interests. One valuable piece of advice I received from the specialists at Escuela de Escritores was to keep my repertoire fresh. Introducing students to Hemingway, Chekov, or Carver is fine, but contemporary works shouldn’t be neglected, for yes, excellent examples of writing can also be found in books published within the last decade (see point 1).

6. Create a Community
Writing is inherently solitary, but learning doesn’t have to be. The classroom should foster a sense of community where students can give and receive feedback, enriching their perspectives through honest and diverse opinions. Sharing personal writing can be daunting, especially for beginners, so it’s vital to create a safe environment where they feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment.
As teachers, we shouldn’t forget how important it is to share our own experiences as writers. By opening up about our doubts and struggles and inviting students into our creative process, we can help them feel less isolated and more comfortable embracing their own vulnerability.

7. Live in the Present
As a student and aspiring writer, I remember being constantly preoccupied with questions about my future: Will I become a famous author? Will I ever write something important? As a teacher, I’ve noticed the same paralyzing anxiety in my students. And, if I’m honest, those fears have never entirely left me.

One fundamental lesson this masterclass series reinforced is the importance of finding pleasure in writing. This is the key message we should share with our students: success is wonderful, but writing is its own reward. What truly matters, in the end, is what Wisława Szymborska so beautifully captured in her poem Radość pisania: the joy of writing—writing in the here and now.