Last week, I officially declared my major in creative writing. When I tell people about my major, I am met with various questions (and sympathetic looks, eyebrow raises and fake smiles). I decided to compile some of my most commonly asked questions. And don’t worry, I have definitely asked myself some of these questions too.
1. What is creative writing?
Creative writing is any type of writing that is not the typical academic, professional, or journalistic forms of writing. It encompasses poetry, fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, playwriting, etc.
2. Is it like majoring in English?
My major is officially titled, “English and Creative Writing.” This means I take a mixture of English literature courses as well as writing workshops. Even though it includes components of an English major, it focuses more on being creative and writing creatively (hence the name).
3. So you want to be an author?
Not necessarily. There are tons of different fields I can go explore with creative writing. Being an author is just one option. But it would be really cool to publish a book!
4. Well, what do you want to do?
OK, you got me there. I don’t really know exactly what I want to do right now, but that's OK. I have plenty of time to figure it out. Plus, I know that no matter what I do with creative writing, I’ll be doing what I love.
5. What do your parents think?
Like the amazing parents that they are, my mom and dad support me and
want me to be happy. They are, honestly, the best.
6. Don't you think it will be hard to find a job?
Won’t it be hard to find a job regardless of my major?
7. Should you major in something more marketable?
Because writing is not a marketable skill and the world doesn’t need writers or writing. Right?
8. But couldn't you just write as a hobby?
It can be a hobby, and a job, and my passion. How lucky am I?
9. Do you really need to go to school for it?
Like any skill, I need to constantly work to improve my writing. Although the creativity part can’t be taught, different ways to brainstorm ideas and come up with original plots certainly can. Majoring in creative writing also allows for me to workshop my pieces with other students as well as with published authors and poets.10. Are you sure you want to major in creative writing?
One hundred percent.
