Being a writing major is by far one of the best majors there is. We get to sit around with quirky professors and bounce ideas off one another for our next creative writing class. We get to rhetorically analyze hilarious parodies and moving commercials to see as to why they are so effective for retention in the media. Every time we watch a show, we can envision the writers all sitting around a table deciding what the main character is going to do next.
But, much to many people's dismay, writing isn't all smiles and giggles. It is about learning how to send a message in an effective way. Whether it be writing a love poem, a political article or learning how to obtain the latest and greatest breaking news, writers are constantly conscious of their audience and how their words will be received. Real work is put into each and every word that is shared. Not only does our work inform people, but it can also entertain people.
Our work not only changes the way people see things, but also drastically changes how we interact in the real world.
1. Because of our extensive imagination, we are either insanely dramatic and elated, or dark and tortured. There is no in between.
Usually my moods heavily reflect the tone of the book I am reading or show I am watching. More often then not, whatever is happening in my life can clearly be seen in my writing.
2. We are prone to exaggeration and being overly passionate every time we tell a story. YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS.
Some may say that I am the "Queen" of over-exaggeration. I see it as though I am telling an interesting story. I'm not writing a hard news article, I am telling an entertaining story, so please, let me entertain!
3. Many of us (*me*) aspire to be the next J.K. Rowling and/or Shonda Rimes.
Every time we sit down to write, we try to envision ourselves as one of the "greats." However, the pressure is on. We have a lot to live up to!
4. You are not exactly sure what direction you are going to take your writing in.
"So what can you do with a Writing Major? Are you going to write for tv? Are you going to be a journalist? Are you going to be a novelist? Have you ever thought about blogging? Will you write for a business or magazine? Which direction are you going to take?"
5. Writing is so subjective.
We may think our writing is the work of sheer genius, but what one person may love, another may hate with a fiery passion and take to the internet to explain exactly why they hate what we have written. Writers are always vulnerable and open to scrutiny which, in turn, helps us grow tough skin. We have to realize that not everyone is going to have the same opinions as us and will be quick to judge. Yes, the first time your writing is ripped apart, it will hurt, but once you realize that's part of the gig, you will write with flying colors!
6. "Oh, you're a writing major? That's such an easy major!"
No, writing is not rocket science, but it does take skill. To write an effective piece, one must consider each and every word they put on the page. No, we are not doctors, but what we do takes plenty of time because essays do not write themselves.
7. You write, delete and repeat.
After countless drafts, revisions and papers in the trash, we can still sometimes hate what we write. Especially when we have a dreaded case of Writers Block.
8. Essays on Essays on Essays.
A writer's work is never done. When others are struggling with exams, we are straight up DROWNING in papers. Even though we would like to write the Dante's Inferno of our generation, sometimes the sheer amount of words that have to be strung together can be too much. Every now and then we turn in a paper that makes you want to cry in a hole.
9. In some scenarios, you cringe at the thought of people reading your work. In others, you remind them to share your work on Facebook.
We are writers, so naturally, we want our work to be seen. But the very second we add a touch of our personal lives into our stories, we have to fight the urge to blush when we watch people read our work. Every time we write a personal piece, we put a tiny bit of our soul into our work. This vulnerability keeps us humble at times, and is often what sticks in our reader's head the longest.
10. You have to acquire a vast knowledge regarding many colossal and complicated words.
While sometimes sentences like the one above can be way too over the top, it is extremely important for a writer to stay away from words such as "big" or "fancy." (Thesaurus.com is also our best friend.)
Even though we may not be out there saving lives, we are the workers behind the scenes that strive to give the world entertainment and information. We may be quirky and at times a tad odd, but we know we will be happy later in life, because we are doing what we love.
