Majoring in Creative Writing

Navigating the whirlwind of choosing a college and a major is no small feat. While I didn’t head straight to college after high school, when I finally applied, I found myself uncertain about my future path. My love for reading and writing was undeniable, but the advice from the adults around me was clear: you don’t need a university degree to be a writer.

 “Choose something else you like that has benefits and longevity!” So, I decided on Forensic Psychology.

I was 20 when I first stepped foot inside a college classroom. Living on my own in a new state and juggling two jobs (one full-time from 6 am to 3 pm and a part-time from 4 pm to 10 pm) left me with little time to breathe. The long work hours, combined with the heavy course workload, quickly left me feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied, and craving something more from my experience.

Math was a significant challenge for me, I had to take remedial math three times before I was even able to get into my required math coursework. While my major classes were engaging, I couldn’t shake the recurring question: is this really the career path I want to forever take?

Ultimately, after some honest self-reflection, I decided to quit. I ended up dropping out of school in my junior year.

In the beginning, life was great. I made money and was able to travel a bit, yet every time I returned home to my everyday life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I yearned for a sense of achievement, the fulfillment of pursuing something that truly belonged to me. By this point, I was in my early 30s and had learned a lot about myself. I knew I was a lover of words and stories. I realized that my experiences could be valuable to others if I could find a way to share them. Despite my age and being out of the academic loop for so long, something inside me urged me to give school another try. What would it hurt? But this time, I would focus on writing, no matter how silly people thought I was being. I just wanted to write and become better at it.

When I made the decision to return to school, I anticipated gaining knowledge to support my aspirations as a writer. However, I did not foresee the extensive learning I would encounter, extending far beyond the realm of writing. My education has not only honed my craft but also equipped me with essential skills in self-promotion, marketing, and networking. These valuable lessons have empowered me to navigate the literary world with confidence and creativity.

For example, a social media marketing class (one I was reluctantly taking) inspired me to take a significant step by deleting all my personal social media accounts and replacing them with more professional platforms. This class encouraged me to critically evaluate my objectives as a writer, my target audience, and how to engage with them effectively. Who woulda thunk it!?

Despite this new direction, I often feel out of my depth. As someone who is not particularly tech-savvy and has historically avoided social media, the commitment required to remain relevant on these platforms felt overwhelming. The continuous need to post personal updates seemed unproductive and detracted from my current activities. Nonetheless, through the lens of a professional, a writer, I now understand that engaging with readers through these platforms serves an essential purpose.

Transitioning from personal social media accounts to establishing a professional presence hasn’t been easy, at times, struggling to see how I can “catch up” with my peers.

For instance, I aimed to start with a Bookstagram/BookTube account, using the platforms to push book reviews for my target audience. After researching how book reviews approached this process, I intended to enroll in programs to receive ARC books. Unfortunately, most of these programs require a certain number of followers to be considered, and even meeting this criterion does not guarantee selection.

Of course, there are other important points that I’ve learned ever since my return to school. Here are a few of them listed I no order of importance, because they ALL ARE:

• The Power of Consistency: Many writers wish they had understood earlier that writing regularly, even in small amounts, is more effective than waiting for inspiration to strike.

• Building a Portfolio is Key: Starting early to create a diverse portfolio of work is essential. This can include short stories, essays, poems, and other forms of writing. A strong portfolio will be invaluable when applying for jobs or graduate programs.

• The Importance of Reading and Writing Widely: Reading a diverse range of genres and authors can significantly enhance writing skills and creativity. Exposure to different styles and perspectives broadens a writer’s toolkit. Experimenting with various forms of writing, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, can broaden skills and open up new creative avenues. It also helps in discovering one’s preferred style and genre.

• Networking Matters: Building relationships within the writing community can open doors, provide support, and offer valuable feedback. Networking can be as important as the writing itself.

• Understanding the Business Side: Knowing the basics of publishing, marketing, and contracts can save a lot of time and frustration. It’s beneficial to learn about the industry early on.

• Feedback is Gold: Constructive criticism from trusted sources can be incredibly valuable. Learning to seek and accept feedback early can accelerate improvement.

The significance of peer reviews cannot be underestimated. Throughout my developmental years, any time I shared my writing with those around me, I received positive feedback. In retrospect, it appears that either they were overly generous and most likely feeding me boloney or simply lacked proper critique skills.

In the context of academic peer review, there are established guidelines that must be followed. Feedback is not solely based on personal opinion but also on whether the writing meets specific criteria. During one such peer review of my short story, I received feedback indicating that my use of tenses and verbs was inconsistent throughout the narrative. This critique was not novel to me, and upon reviewing other evaluations, I recognized its validity. This feedback served as a valuable learning experience, and because of it, I decided to pursue a TEFL certification to improve my English skills which now also enables me to teach English as a foreign language.

With hindsight, I realize that if I had pursued formal education in writing from the beginning, I would have acquired substantial knowledge. The potential outcomes of such a path remain speculative. If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be to truly follow what makes you happy. That, if anyone comes around saying “Choose something else you like that has benefits and longevity!” Tell them no. Tell them, that whatever makes your heart happy is beneficial and will last you longer than anything else that’s “reasonable.” And remember that life is not a sprint; it is about the journey, so make it a point to enjoy yours.