You have an idea for a story, and you want to put it down on paper, but where do you start? What literary genre do you need to choose? The options can seem endless. You have murder mysteries and ghost stories, science fiction and fantasy, horror and supernatural thriller, action-adventure and quest stories. There’s a form for almost every taste.
While it can be difficult to decide which genre to specialize in, choosing a minor in creative writing can put you in the right direction. You will be joining a growing number of students who are interested in the art and craft of putting words to paper, and there are numerous accredited programs out there to assist you.
The following discussion will advise you on the fundamentals of writing in a variety of genres, and how to choose a minor that will lead you to a career in writing.
The Genre Wars
For centuries, writers have been pitted against one another in a literary battle for readers’ attention and money. The outcome of these wars has been decided by a) word count; and b) who has the most bankable name. Sometimes, the winner is clear-cut and there’s no debate. However, in almost every case, the battle continues after the final curtain falls. The following sections will examine the state of contemporary literature, with a focus on literary genrp—a term that will be used to reference all forms of creative writing, from short stories to screenplays, non-fiction and poetry.
What Is Genre?
Genre is the practice of writing, or publishing, a particular type of story or novel within a particular genre. For instance, while we tend to think of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective Sherlock Holmes when it comes to crime novels, the great detective actually first appeared in a collection of short stories–or ‘genshō’ as the Japanese call them. Similarly, H. P. Lovecraft wrote some of his most iconic stories about the Cthulhu Mythos in the pulp magazine Weird Tales, which was well-known for its emphasis on the supernatural.
Because we are a culture that values story-telling, it’s not a huge surprise that genre has become such a defining part of our literary landscape. But why should you study it?
“[Genre] is about more than just writing styles; it’s about the themes, the settings and the characters that you use,” Holly Hanson, English professor at the University of Oregon, told The New York Times. “If you are writing about a dysfunctional family, you might examine how much emphasis the form places on this theme. If you are writing historical fiction, you will want to know how much that influences the way you craft your story.”
As a creative writing minor, you will be expected to write both fiction and non-fiction. While the former may require more work, the latter will expose you to a much wider audience. In choosing your minor, you must decide whether you want to focus on the craft of storytelling or desire to follow in the footsteps of some of the most accomplished authors in history.
Where Do I Begin?
With the above in mind, it’s time to begin your search for the perfect minor. If you’re looking for a specific genre, try looking up popular authors and see if their work is available in digital form. You can also consult with your school’s English department to see what writing minors they have on offer. Finally, you can join literary societies and journals, or forums online, and communicate with other creative writers in your chosen genre.
If you’re interested in the craft of writing, you will find plenty of accredited programs out there that can assist you. The next step is to choose a literary journal or magazine to publish in. For the best chance of success, apply for as many awards and fellowships as possible, and if you are awarded a travel grant or funding, use it to visit libraries and universities that are associated with the greater literary world. Remember, knowledge is power, so do not be afraid to ask questions. And last but not least, have fun! Publishing a journal is a fantastic way to enjoy your work while also being able to evaluate your craft. If you’re looking for a more competitive edge, you can consider entering writing contests or even setting up your own.