Research vs. Creative

My approach to research papers versus a creative writing piece is drastically different.  When writing a research paper, I do not start with the actual writing right away.  I first research my topic.  I look for relevant information.  Once I think I have accumulated enough material to at least get started, I come up with an outline.  This starts with my thesis or argument.  This thesis sometimes is formed before the research, or sometimes after.  Sometimes my thesis changes after I do research.  Depending in the required length of the paper depends on how much time and effort will be put into the planning stage.  On shorter papers, the planning is all in my head, rather than outlined out on paper.  When I am doing a creative writing piece, there is little to no planning.  I just start writing and just see where it goes.  My mind races and I just keep writing, letting my imagination take the wheel.  When writing a research paper, I have to constantly stop, consult my sources, follow the thesis, and follow the papers guidelines.  On a creative piece, I don’t have to follow any structure.  I rarely pause, just writing whatever flowing in my head.  One thing I have noticed is there are a lot more errors in my creative work then in my Research paper in regards to grammar and spelling.  The reason for this is the research paper is more carefully thought out and planned and written slower.  As for the creative writing, my hands are trying to keep up with my mind, which is always a struggle.  

I don’t like the restrictions of a research paper.  I like writing at my own flow and style.  One of my biggest problems with research papers is not talking to the reader.  I love to express my opinion, and one way I do that, in writing and in speaking, is talking directly to my audience and giving them my background and why I believe what I am saying.  I also give why I stray away from certain other ideas that my audience may have fallen prey to.  One thing I also don’t like about research papers are limited topic choices.  There are plenty of things I am passionate about, and wouldn't mind writing a research paper on.  I already have a base knowledge then, and have a strong opinion about them.  The problem is a usually have to write a paper on something I don’t really care about, making everything a struggle, and even interpreting my sources becomes difficult because I have to struggle to get through them.   I also don’t like when I am giving a certain length requirement to meet, whether it be a research paper or a creative piece.  Depending on the topic and your skills, you can argue almost any point fully in various lengths.  If someone wants to write one page, good for them!  It may be risky, since they aren’t going to have as much content as they could have, but if they get their message across, and it is well supported, then they shouldn’t lose points just because they didn’t use enough words.  Some people are just more concise with their words and chose them more carefully.  Some people use a whole paragraph to convey the same message as another does in one.  Not though, that being concise is not always a good thing.  Sometimes it is better to elaborate on your points.  It can make for a better and more clear argument.