From screenwriting to poetry and prose, creative writing research projects allow you to explore this vast and imaginative field in depth. You may have the skills but are unsure of the direction you want to take. An EPQ creative writing research project can clarify your career path while also earning an EPQ qualification, showcasing your ability to potential publishers and universities. Maybe you’re just curious about a particular creative writing topic. Either way, if you’re looking to start a research project in this area, here are 100 ideas for research projects in creative writing to get you started.

What Makes a Great Research Topic in Creative Writing?

Finding the perfect research topic in creative writing is down to several key factors. 

Consider these helpful hints as you refine your choice:

  • Connection: choosing an EPQ topic that you have a personal connection with will allow your writing to flow better and enthusiasm to shine through.
  • Challenging: while there is reasoning behind writing what you know, without challenging yourself as a writer your work will not develop.
  • Original: bring a fresh perspective to your research by approaching it from a new angle or opting for an unexplored topic.
  • Balance: a topic that’s too narrow will be difficult to research, while one that’s too broad will cause structuring problems, therefore striking a balance is key.

100 Research Ideas for Creative Writing

Research Projects about Themes and Motifs in Creative Writing

  1. Exploring themes of love in contemporary fiction
  2. Exploring themes of loss in contemporary literature
  3. The use of symbolism in modern poetry
  4. Exploring the significance of ritual in narrative structures
  5. Analysing the impact of place on narrative voice
  6. The portrayal of family dynamics in contemporary novels
  7. The role of fantasy elements in children’s literature
  8. Exploring themes of friendship in fiction
  9. The significance of silence and absence in poetry
  10. The impact of climate change on contemporary storytelling
  11. Exploring the use of contrast in poetry
  12. The significance of family stories in personal narratives
  13. The impact of globalisation on literary themes
  14. The portrayal of mental illness in fiction
  15. The evolution of romance tropes in literature
  16. The role of dreams in character conflict
  17. Examining feminist themes in contemporary novels
  18. The impact of historical events on personal narratives

Research Projects about  Character Development and Perspective

  1. The role of dialogue in character development
  2. The representation of marginalised voices in literature
  3. The impact of personal experiences on creative writing
  4. The concept of identity in coming-of-age stories
  5. The influence of gender on narrative perspective
  6. The role of place in character motivation
  7. The role of memory in autobiographical writing
  8. The influence of childhood experiences on adult writing
  9. The importance of authenticity in character development
  10. The portrayal of ageing in literature
  11. The role of empathy in character development
  12. The impact of personal values in writing
  13. The challenges of writing diverse characters
  14. The importance of character backstories in narrative development
  15. The influence of childhood literature on adult writing
  16. The role of personal values in writing
  17. The influence of culture on character perspective

Research Projects about Narrative Techniques and Structure

  1. The role of setting in shaping a narrative
  2. The role of subplots in enhancing the main narrative
  3. The use of unreliable narrators in fiction
  4. The relationship between writer and audience
  5. A comparison of first-person vs. third-person narration
  6. The use of irony in creative writing
  7. The effectiveness of prologues and epilogues
  8. The significance of endings in creative writing
  9. The use of foreshadowing in storytelling
  10. The role of subplots in enhancing the main narrative
  11. The effectiveness of cliffhangers in fiction
  12. The use of allegory in modern literature
  13. The role of satire in contemporary literature
  14. The use of symbolism in shaping character arcs
Students discussing a creative writing task

Research Projects about The Writing Process and Writer’s Craft

  1. The importance of editing in creative writing
  2. The challenges of writing about trauma
  3. The impact of social media on the writing process
  4. The influence of technology on the writing process
  5. The role of critique and feedback on the writing process
  6. The role of routine in the writing process
  7. The role of playfulness in creative writing
  8. The importance of revision in refining a voice
  9. The role of mentorship in writer development
  10. The influence of writing workshops on a writer’s style
  11. Exploring collaboration on creative projects
  12. The influence of culture on storytelling techniques
  13. The significance of solitude in the writing process
  14. The significance of solitude in the writing process
  15. Ethics and writing about sensitive topics
  16. The influence of nature on creative expression
  17. The role of humour in coping with difficult subjects in writing
  18. The significance of nostalgia in creative writing
  19. The role of tradition in contemporary storytelling
  20. The influence of global literature on local writing
  21. The impact of digital publishing on literary culture
  22. Exploring the relationship between creativity and mental health
  23. The relationship between writer and character
  24. The effectiveness of narrative structures in short stories
  25. The impact of film and TV on narrative structure

Research Projects about Genre Exploration 

  1. The interplay between science fiction and reality
  2. The challenges of writing across multiple genres
  3. The influence of genre conventions in storytelling
  4. The use of folklore in contemporary fiction
  5. The impact of climate fiction on environmental awareness
  6. The role of fantasy in creative expression
  7. The use of dialect in literature
  8. The influence of classic literature on modern authors
  9. The evolution of the anti-hero in literature
  10. The role of magic realism in modern literature
  11. The challenges of writing memoirs
  12. Poetry as a form of social protest
  13. The use of motifs in poetry and prose
  14. The influence of satire in contemporary literature
  15. The role of humour in serious narratives
  16. The impact of satire on contemporary narrative themes
  17. The role of magic realism in expressing abstract ideas
  18. The role of folklore in enhancing narratives
  19. The impact of digital publishing on genre conventions
  20. How different cultures approach heroism in literature
  21. The significance of routine in creating genre-specific works
  22. The importance of world-building in fiction
  23. The impact of the literary canon on contemporary writing
  24. The role of sensory detail in enhancing reader immersion
  25. Stream-of-consciousness writing and reader engagement
  26. The relationship between writing style and genre

Creative Writing

In-person

Hone your writing craft in Cambridge, following in...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Students outside studying
Ages: 13-15

Creative Writing

In-person

Reach your full writing potential against the stunning...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
a person holding a pen and notebook
Ages: 16-18

Free Your Imagination With Creative Writing Research Projects

For budding authors, playwrights, and poets, completing a creative writing research project is the perfect way to hone your literary skills. It allows you to uncover different genres and themes, shaping your own writing style in the process.
Start your professional development journey as a creative writer by taking an Immerse Education Creative Writing Online Research Programme. You’ll be guided by expert academics from start to finish as you sharpen your talents with words. Explore your interests with Immerse Education today!

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