Let’s play a game about creative writing in a battle with persuasive writing. You sit down to write, full of inspiration, your iced coffee sweating beside you like it’s nervous for what’s about to happen. You open a fresh doc. And then— BAM. The panic sets in.
Am I being too poetic?
Too salesy?
Wait, is this supposed to rhyme?
Why am I suddenly writing like I’m in a Shakespeare play… trying to sell toothpaste?
Welcome to the writer’s identity crisis. One moment you’re crafting metaphors like a literary wizard, the next you’re trying to convince someone that your newsletter will change their life. And somewhere in between, your voice gets lost in the shuffle.
So, let’s talk about it: creative vs. persuasive writing. What’s the deal? What’s the difference? And how the heck do you know which one fits your voice?
Let’s break it down, snappy, fun, and (of course) slightly dramatic.
What Is Creative Writing? (AKA The Wild Child)
Creative writing is your inner poet, your daydreaming alter ego, your permission to be extra. It’s fiction, poetry, personal essays, short stories, scripts, fanfic, you name it.
It’s not about facts. It’s not trying to sell anything. It’s not here to win debates. It’s here to make you feel. Think goosebumps. Tears. That strange ache in your chest when a sentence hits just right.
Hallmarks of creative writing:
- Imagination over information
- Emotions over logic
- Style, tone, rhythm = everything
- No rules (just vibes)
Think of it as a glittery cloud of feelings, metaphors, and bold self-expression.
What Is Persuasive Writing? (AKA The Smooth Talker)
Persuasive writing is the charismatic friend who can convince you to buy a $60 candle you didn’t need. It’s the voice behind ads, speeches, sales pages, op-eds, and yes, your favorite “why you should totally subscribe” emails.
It’s strategic. It’s structured. It wants something: your vote, your attention, your click, your loyalty. But don’t confuse persuasive with boring. When done right, it slaps.
Hallmarks of persuasive writing:
- Logic with a splash of emotion
- Clear arguments + calls to action
- Reader-focused
- Data, proof, confidence
It’s not manipulative, it’s just very, very good at knowing what makes people tick.
Wait… Can you be both? Oh, absolutely.
The best writing doesn’t always fit into neat little boxes. Some of the most powerful pieces blend the heart of creative writing with the clarity of persuasive writing. That memoir you couldn’t put down? Creative and persuasive. That TED Talk that changed your worldview? Same.
It’s not about choosing one and abandoning the other. It’s about learning which style dominates your voice, and how to blend them in a way that feels like you.
How to know which one fits your voice?
Let’s play another game: Writer Vibes. Answer honestly. (Or dramatically. I accept both.)
1. What’s your favorite part of writing?
A) Inventing characters, crafting imagery, pouring your soul onto the page.
B) Getting people to see your point, take action, or change their mind.
2. Which feedback lights you up?
A) “Your writing made me cry.”
B) “Your writing convinced me.”
3. Your ideal audience reaction?
A) “Wow, that was beautiful.”
B) “Wow, I’m sold.”
If you’re leaning A, your voice is naturally creative. You live for story, emotion, and aesthetic. If you’re vibing with B, your strength is persuasive writing, you’ve got the gift of influence.
And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Congratulations, you’re what we call dangerous in the best way.
Here’s where things get spicy.
You might be a creative writer who wants your words to do something, move people, inspire action, start a revolution (mild or otherwise). In that case, you don’t need to ditch your style. You just need to aim it.
Take your lyrical voice and point it like an arrow. Use your storytelling to lead people to your cause. That’s creative writing with persuasive fire.
Example: a personal essay about body image that ends with a CTA to support a nonprofit? Chef’s kiss.
Or maybe you’re a copywriter, marketer, or brand whisperer who thrives on making people say “YES!” You don’t need to sound like a robot to be effective. Bring in creativity. Use metaphor. Paint a picture before you make your pitch.
Creative flair doesn’t cancel out credibility, it amplifies it. Especially in a sea of dull, SEO-optimized sameness.
Example: a product description that reads like a short story? Instant attention grabber.
The red flag zone: when voice and style clash
Sometimes, writers force themselves into the wrong style because they think it’s what they’re supposed to do.
Like when a dreamy poet tries to write clickbait. Or when a sharp, no-nonsense persuader tries to write a sweeping novel and ends up hating every minute of it.
If writing feels unnatural, dry, or like you’re impersonating someone else, you might be out of alignment with your true voice.
Here’s the fix: stop asking what you “should” write like. Start asking what feels alive when you do.
Still not sure? Try this mini experiment! Write about the same topic two ways:
- As a creative piece (e.g., personal story, poem, fictional vignette)
- As a persuasive piece (e.g., blog post, opinion essay, product pitch)
Then read them both out loud. Which one feels like home? Which one makes you sit up straighter, speak louder, smile a little?
That’s your voice talking. Trust it.
Whether you’re a metaphor-loving, mood-writing softie or a bold, brilliant idea-slinger, your voice matters. There’s no “better” or “right” kind of writing, only the kind that feels like you.
So embrace it. Hone it. Flex it in new ways if you want, but never water it down for approval.
Because here’s the truth: the most unforgettable writing happens when voice meets purpose. Whether it makes someone feel or act, or both, that’s when your words become power.
Now go write something unapologetically YOU.
