A creative writing degree can lead you to a variety of career options, but you may be surprised to learn that many of these opportunities don’t require you to be a professional writer.
The world of creative writing is vast, and there are many different ways for you to explore it. You may choose to write an epic historical novel about the life of a famed explorer, or you may prefer to write about your personal experiences as a child. No matter which writing style you choose, the following suggestions will help you develop your creative writing skills and explore the world of fiction.
Classes Are For Everyone
Since creative writing is a diverse field, with many different styles and topics to choose from, there should hopefully be something to suit everyone’s interests. The following list of courses should help you decide what type of curriculum is right for you:
- English Literature
- Composition I
- Composition II
- Rhetoric and Argumentation
- Creative Nonfiction
- Creative Writing for Film and Television
- Children’s Literature
- Poetry
- Prose
- Screenwriting
- Short Story
- Theatre
- Voice Acting
- Playwriting
If you’re an aspiring novelist, the following courses may be of interest:
- Creative Writing
- Advanced Creative Writing
- The Craft of Fiction
- The Art of the Novel
- Novelist’s Workshop
- Researching and Writing a Novel
- Introduction to Literature
- Children’s Literature
- Autobiography
- Biography
- History
- The History of Literature
- Narrative Nonfiction
- Essays and Criticism
- Poetry for Film and Television (this is an option only available to students in New York)
Explore Different Genres
Each one of the above course sequences will teach you various essential skills that you will need to write in a particular genre. For example, if you’re intending to write a children’s novel, you will learn how to properly structure a story for younger readers. If you want to write a romance novel, you will be introduced to the tropes and structures of formulaic stories.
As you gain practical experience in various genres, you will undoubtedly discover that you have a natural talent for specific types of writing. What you enjoy writing may very well be the genre that you’re best suited to. Once you know which styles you enjoy writing, you can focus on developing your skills in these areas.
Join A Writing Circle
A good place to explore the world of creative writing is by participating in a writing circle with other students. A literary circle is a group of students who get together to discuss their work and provide each other with feedback on their latest pieces. In a circle writing workshop, you will have the opportunity to bounce your ideas off of other writers and get valuable critiquing skills while developing your creative writing practice.
Joining a writing circle will also give you the chance to meet and connect with other students who are pursuing the same degree as you. This is usually a great way to flesh out a school community and find your niche in the ocean of students. In addition to providing you with quality feedback on your writing, a circle of writers can also help you find the best venues for your work and promote your skills to the right people.
Take Advantage Of Online Courses
The world of creative writing is constantly evolving, and the methods and approaches to learning continue to change as well. While many institutions have adopted online learning as a necessary evil, there are a select few that have recognized its many benefits. If you’re looking for a flexible learning environment that allows you to learn whenever and wherever you please, then try out a few of the following online courses offered by reputable institutions:
- An online creative writing degree from Stanford University
- An online creative writing diploma from American Institute of Stress
- An online Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the State University of New York, Stony Brook
- An online certificate in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside
- An MFA in Creative Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design
- An online professional certificate in creative writing from City College London
As you can see, a wealth of creative writing educational institutions are now available to you online. These are just a few of the many opportunities that exist for you to pursue your literary dreams. With enough dedication and hard work, you may well find yourself becoming a successful freelance writer in no time at all.