Reddit reviews Understanding Rhetoric: A Graphic Guide to Writing

> How do I improve my writing (both critical and creative)?

Read more, write more. In your case, I think you probably want to focus less on creative writing and more on technical and business writing, which are very different beasts.

> What books should I look at to help me do this?

The Elements of Style is a good start. You might also get some use out of Understanding Rhetoric

> When trying to interpret and "look into" a text how do I do that very well?

You need to consider the text on several levels: What is the text telling you? How is the text telling you that? What does the author want you to take away from the text? Is there a subtext (i.e. an implicit message in the text that is not spelled out) or any symbolism in the text?

> What would you say is the greatest misconception about the process of creative writing?

That there is one process. Creative writing is as varied as the number of creative writers there are out there, and not every technique and approach will work for you. From the sound of it, just in terms of a college application essay and a desire to enter the business world, you don't really need to focus on creative writing - you want to focus on rhetoric, persuasive writing, and technical communication.

A major term you'd probably be really interested in reading more about is autopoiesis (also understood as "self-styling"). Rhetorical Deliver and Visual Rhetoric would also help you. Finally, Material Rhetoric will help you understand how clothing (among tons of other materials) can be constructed and used rhetorically.

Understanding Rhetoric is a really simple straightforward book that will give you the basics. There are SO many books on the subject though. Google Scholar is your best friend here. Just search the keywords and then read the abstracts and conclusion of the articles you think sound interesting. Once you really find an article that appeals to you, look at their works cited/bibliography and then read those books. That is how you read like an academic.

This is way larger than you realize. Performance is a huuuuuge part of rhetoric. What have you read so far? What are you really interested in investigating? What kind of agenda are you pursuing?

I teach Rhet. to Freshman so if you give me a little bit more I can probably help you out.

Good Luck. Let me know if I can help you further.

Edit: These online scholarly journals will also keep you up to date on the most recent/contemporary rhetorical research:

Harlot

Kairos

Enculturation