Have you ever thought about studying creative writing? If so, congratulations! You might be able to write your own stories and make people laugh or cry. But, what do you do now? How do you get started?
The most famous creative writing degree is probably the MFA (Master of Fine Arts). This is a three-year degree that is mainly concerned with the theory and practice of creative writing. The program might include courses on how to write novels, playwriting, or short stories. Your professors might even be famous authors or playwrights who know how to encourage your creativity. Within these courses, you will develop your own voice as a writer and become familiar with a variety of styles and methods.
The Pros And Cons Of A Creative Writing Degree
Overall, pursuing a creative writing degree can be a good idea. You will learn how to be a better writer and gain some extra job opportunities. Although, there are certainly benefits to this degree, there are also some significant downsides. Here are some of them.
Structure And Freedom
One of the biggest perks of a creative writing degree is that you will have complete control over your curriculum. You may take two or three years to complete your studies and decide exactly what you want to learn. Additionally, you can apply for graduate school and choose from a variety of programs. The choice is yours.
However, this flexibility comes with a price. One of the biggest costs of a creative writing degree is the time you will lose. When you are in school, you will not be working and you will not have a clear cut schedule. You may have to spend a lot of time doing homework and studying. In fact, during the three years of your MFA degree, you will probably not see your family or friends very often. Your parents will certainly appreciate the extra effort you are making and will be grateful for your degree, but they will miss your social activities. This is especially true for teenagers, who need their friends more than ever.
In order to compensate for the lack of structure and flexibility, many students opt to take on more debt than they would for a traditional academic program. Another option is to look for part-time jobs in order to sustain themselves while they pursue their studies. Still, a great deal of students remain undereducated because they cannot afford to take this route. Without a traditional job, you will struggle to make a living and may have to take on extra courses in order to boost your chances of getting employed. This is why, for many, a creative writing degree is not a popular choice.
A Variety Of Media
Another advantage of a creative writing degree is that you will have access to a variety of media. If you are a creative writer who wants to write for film or television, this degree provides you with the basics of making it in Hollywood. Your professors may even know famous authors or playwrights who can get you an agent or a publishing contract. If you are looking to write for the stage, this degree will teach you how to develop plays that will draw an audience and earn you money. Within these courses, you will learn the fundamentals of playwriting, learning how to structure a play and develop a compelling story. If you are a fan of literature, you will be able to study the great classics and help bring some of these iconic works to life through performance. If you are interested in writing for children, then this degree will open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. There are plays and stories to be told, and if you can grab the attention of children, they may become your biggest audience yet.
The point is that with a creative writing degree, you will have the opportunity to study a variety of media and will not be bound to just one genre. If you love to write and draw, you can take a literature course and try your hand at humorous plays or devise your own version of a modern classic. You will not limit yourself to one medium, and this is what makes this degree so special.
Writing Is A Vocation
Writing is a profession in and of itself. It has its own body of literature, its own terminology, and a whole lot more. If you are looking to take this path in life, you should do some research into the profession and see if you are suited for it. One of the biggest questions you will need to answer is whether you have what it takes to be a good writer. Do you have the talent to be able to write not just well, but creatively?
If you do, then there are many wonderful opportunities ahead of you. You may decide to look for a job in a magazine or a newspaper and contribute to the magazine’s or newspaper’s reputation as a go-to source for original content. You may decide to self-publish a book of your own stories or a novel and see if traditional publishing houses will take a chance on you. There are many options, and with a little bit of research, you will be able to find a niche that will enable you to use your creative talents to the fullest. Writing is a special gift that many people are fortunate enough to find, but it is also a difficult path to tread. Make sure you are aware of the many benefits and rewards that come with this degree, but also understand the risks and responsibilities that go with it. If you are able to see the pros and the cons, then it may be the ultimate choice for you.