Do you jump at the opportunity to express yourself in writing whenever possible? Do you find yourself scribbling short story ideas or screenplay dialogue on a notepad? Are your bookcases overflowing? If so, then maybe you should think about a writing career.

The written word is everywhere, from the backs of cereal boxes to the Internet. Writers create novels, scripts, advertisements, manuals, newspaper articles, and application forms—the list is endless. There will always be a need for good writers who can communicate clearly and effectively.

Generally, there are two kinds of writing: fiction and non-fiction. Fiction or creative writers use their imagination to create the plot and characters of their stories. Sometimes, they also have to research the subject matter they are writing about. For instance, if they are writing about a murder mystery set in 18th century England, they will do research into life in England at the time. Novelists, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters all fall into the category of fiction writers.

Non-fiction writers don’t imagine or create the events and people they are writing about. These writers must relate the facts. Journalists, for example, gather and write news and views from the world around them. Technical writers are hired by large manufacturing companies to write assembly instructions, auto manuals, and other materials that accompany commercial products. Non-fiction writers are also hired by governments and businesses to produce publications such as information brochures, press releases, and newsletters.

Some non-fiction writers are required to be very creative. Copywriters, for example, study companies’ products and use creative skills to generate the emotional impact that will make customers want to buy the product. Travel writers give factual accounts of tourist destinations and holiday resorts. However, they must be creative in getting the information across, so that readers will be enticed into visiting the places they are writing about.

NOC Code: 5121