Creative writing is a broad department spanning many different subjects. The common theme throughout all of these subjects is the use of words and language to craft an interesting story. This story might be a fictional account of a real-life event or it might be a work of creative non-fiction that aims to tell the truth about something or someone.
If you’re interested in creative writing but don’t know where to start, here are some ideas about what majors should you consider for your future.
Dramatic Writing
If you’re writing in a fictional form, you might consider studying creative writing with a dramatic emphasis. This would give you the opportunity to write a play or screenplay, focusing on how characters speak and how events unfold. Working on a dramatic piece provides you with the chance to hone your crafting skills and learn about writing for the stage or screen. If writing for the stage is your ultimate goal, then this major would be a good fit for you.
Fiction Writing
Taking a more traditional approach, you might want to consider studying creative writing with a fiction emphasis. Along with dramatic writing, this is a common option for those who wish to write fiction for publication. With this emphasis, you would be learning about using language effectively to tell a story, whether that story happens to be fantastical or realistic.
Journalism
If you’re interested in words and language and trying to discover a career in journalism, then a good option for you would be the bachelor of journalism with a minor in English. With this major, you would be set to write for any respectable newspaper or magazine. You would also be able to research, fact-check, and follow-up on stories in a meaningful way. The skills you learn in journalism will be valuable no matter what your chosen field is.
Non-Fiction Writing
If you’re more of a facts-and-figures kind of person and would like to write about something you know a lot about, then a non-fiction writing bachelor’s degree might be a good fit. You would be writing about a particular subject area that you are an expert in, giving you the opportunity to share your knowledge with others. Many non-fiction writers get their start in academia, either as a teaching assistant for an English professor or as a research assistant for a social scientist. If you’re already familiar with the fundamentals of academic research, this could be a smart choice for you.
Poetry
For those who love language and want to try their hand at creating a work of poetry, studying creative writing with a poetry emphasis might be a good fit. Unlike other forms of writing, poetry doesn’t always require you to be verbose or use grandiloquent language. Instead, you might want to focus on developing your own unique voice and style, while learning about common meters and rhyme schemes used in poetry.
Creative Publishing
If you’re passionate about books and wish to pursue a future in book publishing, an English minor would be a good fit. You would be able to develop an understanding of how books are designed and formatted, ensuring you’re aware of any limitations in your area. You might also be required to complete a publishing apprenticeship, gaining professional experience and honing your craft. Along with book publishing, you could also consider pursuing a career in editing or reviewing books for publication.
Masters In Comparative Literature
If you’re looking to enhance your creative writing with a more academic emphasis, getting a masters in comparative literature would be a good idea. The world of literature is vast and varied, allowing you to choose a topic that interests you. You could potentially study literature in English or in a second language, enabling you to reach an international audience. When it comes to comparative literature, you will gain an in-depth understanding of different literary forms and how they evolved throughout the ages, allowing you to apply this to your own creative writing. This is a field that could take you anywhere, as long as you keep your eyes open for new opportunities!
Masters In Digital Publishing
If you’re interested in the ever-evolving world of digital publishing and want to explore the field in more detail, getting a masters in digital publishing is a great option. Just like book publishing, editing and proofreading digital content for publication is a growing field. Those who obtain a masters in this area are often found working for larger publications or content companies, as the knowledge and skills they learn are valuable no matter what role they play.
How Do I Start My Creative Writing Career?
Deciding to pursue a career in creative writing can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. There are so many different paths you could take, so how do you begin your career? Here are some suggestions: