How does creative writing support confidence in youth?

Answer 1

Most writing is "creative", meaning that it comes from an intangible place in the mind and is made into something tangible through the vocabulary, examples, and techniques suited to the purpose. Writers of "imaginative" writing have much more latitude to experiment with different techniques, characters, settings, and timelines, and readers can either come along for the ride, or not. Even so, the writing has to make some sort of sense to a reader, and the main way writers know what makes sense is by being readers themselves in their chosen genre. When writers can make all the various elements work in the world-building process, their confidence and self-reliance grow, and they can trust their instincts.

Answer 2

Creative writing is, in a sense, a platform for the writer to tell a story they want to. It supports confidence because the narrative the writer creates is a world of their own. I have found that students often enjoy creative writing because it deviates from the "old school" mindset and allows them to form their own ideas. Students feel less confident when they have comparison to others; however, when they form their own narrative, it opens possibility to feel special.