7 Underrated Creative Writing Techniques That Deserve More Love
Most writers stick to the usual storytelling tricks—strong openings, intriguing dialogue, and solid character arcs.
But there are some underrated techniques that can take your writing to the next level!
If you’re looking to sharpen your storytelling skills, these underrated creative writing techniques might be exactly what you need. Read on to learn more about some new techniques to try in your own writing!
Underrated Creative Writing Techniques
We’ll start with In Medias Res, and go on from there!
1. Start in the Middle of the Action (In Medias Res)
Ever cracked open a book and found yourself instantly thrown into the middle of chaos?
That’s in medias res, and it’s one of the best ways to hook a reader fast.
Instead of easing into the story with a long-winded setup, you drop the audience into a moment of tension, forcing them to catch up.
This method works because:
- Immediate Hook: There’s no gentle introduction. Readers are forced to pay attention because something big is happening right away.
- Built-In Mystery: How did we get here? Why are the characters freaking out? This draws readers in fast.
- Instant Momentum: You skip the slow build, so your story hits the ground running.
A good example? The Hunger Games doesn’t start with Katniss’s backstory—it throws you right into the moment before the Reaping. Boom. You’re hooked.
Another example is Mad Max: Fury Road, which opens with Max being captured and immediately thrust into high-stakes action.
How to Try It:
- Pick a moment of tension or conflict.
- Write that scene as if it’s the natural start of your story.
- Fill in backstory and explanations later, once readers are already invested.
2. Make Every Detail Matter (Chekhov’s Gun)
Chekhov’s Gun is simple: if you introduce an object, event, or detail in the story, it needs to have a purpose.
No random descriptions. No throwaway lines. Everything should serve a function.
Why this helps:
- Tightens Plot: You don’t waste space on fluff. Everything counts.
- Builds Anticipation: Readers notice details and wait for them to matter.
- Satisfying Payoff: When that small mention becomes a huge turning point, readers love the “aha” moment.
A great example is Breaking Bad. The ricin cigarette is introduced early in the series and comes back in a critical moment much later.
Another example? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—Hagrid casually mentions Fluffy, the three-headed dog, early on, but he turns out to be a crucial part of the climax.
How to Try It:
- Scan your drafts for random objects or events.
- Ask yourself: “Does this come back to help the plot or characters?”
- If not, remove it or find a way to make it matter.
3. Use Repetition to Reinforce Themes (Leitmotif)
Ever noticed how certain phrases, symbols, or even colors keep popping up in stories?
That’s leitmotif—a subtle recurring element that reinforces an idea, mood, or theme.
You can use this technique by:
- Associating a specific phrase with a character’s journey.
- Repeating a visual symbol (like a red scarf that changes meaning over time).
- Using music, scents, or settings to evoke emotional beats.
The Lord of the Rings uses this brilliantly with the One Ring—every mention of it reminds us of its corrupting influence.
Similarly, The Great Gatsby repeatedly references the green light, symbolizing Gatsby’s unreachable dreams.
How to Try It:
- Pick a detail that symbolizes your main theme (a color, an object, a phrase).
- Use it at key story beats (the first big decision, a turning point, the climax).
- Watch how it evolves in meaning each time it appears.
4. Make Your Readers See, Smell, and Feel (Hypotyposis)
This fancy-sounding term just means painting vivid imagery with words. You’re not just describing a setting; you’re making the reader experience it with all their senses.
Instead of: The alley was dark and scary. Try: The alley reeked of damp garbage, the flickering streetlight casting twitching shadows against the graffiti-stained walls.
Studies show that sensory details activate the brain more powerfully than plain description. Use them wisely, and your readers won’t just picture your world—they’ll feel like they’re in it.
A great example? Stephen King’s It is full of hyper-detailed descriptions that make the horror elements immersive.
5. Let Readers Fill in the Blanks (Ellipsis & Narrative Gaps)
Not every detail needs to be spelled out. Sometimes, what you don’t say is just as powerful as what you do.
Leaving gaps in your narrative:
- Encourages active reading—people love piecing things together.
- Adds mystery—a little ambiguity keeps readers hooked.
- Feels more natural—real life doesn’t explain everything, so why should fiction?
Think of it like horror movies—what’s scarier, the monster you see or the one your imagination conjures up?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn plays with this technique beautifully, withholding key details so readers must decide what’s true.
Dunkirk leaves out backstory and explanation, making viewers experience the tension in real time.
6. Let the Setting Reflect the Mood (Pathetic Fallacy)
When the environment mirrors a character’s emotions, that’s pathetic fallacy in action.
A rainy day during heartbreak? Jarring. A thunderstorm at a moment of rage? Perfect.
Why this works:
- It deepens emotional impact—readers feel the weight of the moment.
- It adds atmosphere—weather, landscapes, and lighting create mood fast.
- It reinforces themes—a crumbling house can symbolize a broken relationship.
Used wisely, this technique makes the world of your story feel alive.
Wuthering Heights uses stormy weather to reflect Heathcliff’s turmoil.
The Lion King does this with the shift from lush greenery during Mufasa’s reign to barren wastelands under Scar.
How to Try It:
- Identify the emotional beats in your story (grief, rage, joy).
- Match (or deliberately contrast) the setting to amplify those feelings.
- Keep it subtle. If everything always mirrors the character’s mood, it might feel heavy-handed.
7. Play with Perception (Unreliable Narrator)
An unreliable narrator keeps readers on their toes. Whether they’re lying, mistaken, or just biased, these narrators make storytelling unpredictable and fun.
Great for:
- Mystery & suspense—Is what we’re reading even true?
- Character depth—People see the world through their own filters.
- Plot twists—When the truth finally comes out, it’s mind-blowing.
Classic example? Gone Girl. Enough said.
Another brilliant example is Fight Club, where the protagonist and his alter ego create one of the most mind-bending twists in modern storytelling.
How to Try It:
- Decide why the narrator is unreliable (are they lying, mistaken, or simply biased?).
- Plant subtle hints early that not everything is as it seems.
- Keep the reveal timed for maximum impact, and watch your readers’ jaws drop.
Final Thoughts: Experiment & Explore!
Writing is an art, and the best stories push beyond the obvious. These underrated techniques aren’t just fancy tricks—they’re powerful tools that can elevate your storytelling.
Try them out, mix them up, and see what works for your style.
Which one are you excited to use? Let me know!
