A masters in creative writing is a great academic qualification to have. It not only shows that you have the talent to write, but it also shows that you know how to approach a topic using different literacies and methods.
Based on your interests, you can go ahead and specialize in areas such as fiction, non-fiction, or screenwriting. Alternatively, you can combine all three into one and become a generalist.
To achieve this academic qualification, you will need to complete a thesis (research paper), write a number of blog posts (articles), and attend a number of literary retreats or workshops. You will also need to make sure that you have enough credits to graduate.
Thesis
A thesis is a lengthy and in-depth research paper that you are required to write as part of your degree. The best part of writing a thesis is that you get to choose the topic that you want to research on. This means that you get to build a custom-made report around your interests and passions!
The main purpose of a thesis is to examine a specific and well-defined topic. It is generally accepted that the better your topic, the better your thesis. The worst thing you can do is to pick a topic that is so broad that it does not offer you much in the way of research and analysis.
As part of your degree, you will need to publish your thesis in some form. This could be a book, long-form essay, or a scholarly journal article. The most common format for theses is the academic paper.
If you are writing your thesis to get a degree, you will need to approach the topic from an academic standpoint. This means that you will need to use the proper grammar and punctuation, cite your sources, and try to stick to the conventions of the academic language. Style and language are important in any field, but especially in the academic world. You will need to make sure that your writing is error-free and highly organized to meet the expectations of the grading panel.
Blogs
Writing for blogs is a great way to build your professional portfolio. You can use a variety of platforms to do this, such as blogging tools like WordPress or blog software like Medium.com.
The best part of writing for blogs is that you can use your own voice. This means that you can write what you want in your own inimitable style. You can also include your own personality quirks and opinions to bring your audience closer to you.
The main thing you need to keep in mind is that your goal is to entertain your audience. If you can do this using different points of view and unique language, then you will definitely have succeeded in writing an interesting blog post!
Workshops, Retreats And More!
Besides carrying out research, writing a thesis, and occasionally blogging, you can also participate in a number of other activities. These activities could include attending literary workshops, taking part in creative writing retreats, or organising or participating in some form of arts festival. The most important thing is that you continue building your professional network.
If you want to add a little creative flair to your resume, then you can approach different companies with a creative writing portfolio and see if they will hire you on!
A masters in creative writing will not only give you the tools to write, but it will also show your employer that you have the drive to succeed in any field. This is especially useful if you want to switch careers or change employers altogether. A good degree will also make you more attractive to prospective employers and give you the edge in any negotiation.