How did creative writing begin as a formal field? When did it become popular to write creatively? How has it changed since then?
Creative writing is more than just writing fiction or non-fiction. It is considered an art form, and thus is often presented in academic circles as a way to demonstrate your skill as a writer. However, creative writing can be applied to a variety of fields (poetry, short stories, etc.) and thus can be learned by anyone interested in the topic.
Origins
As with any other type of arts and humanities field, creative writing was initially pursued as a hobby by some of the upper classes. Back in the 1800s, the British army employed a few freelancers to write letters for them, and it was during this time that the form of creative writing we know today developed.
This type of writing grew in popularity during the Industrial Revolution, and some of the first professional creative writing degrees were introduced in the UK around this time. The subjects covered during these degrees varied, but generally included English literature, logic, and composition – the study of how to create a convincing written argument. What is important to note here is that writing creatively was initially seen as a suitable pastime for the elite, and thus it became a way of demonstrating your skill as a writer rather than a career option for aspiring novelists or poets.
The Golden Age
It was in the late 1800s that professional writing began to take off as a job option for young people. The early part of the 20th century was a golden age for creative writing, with many writers enjoying successful and prolific careers. This is most likely due to two factors; first, the widespread availability of literature and culture in print and second, the rise of the modern university as a training ground for aspiring professionals.
During this time, English literature graduates would often go on to teach at universities, and thus had the opportunity to foster a love of literature amongst their students. In addition, many of the universities which did not yet have a literature department hired English professors who could teach creative writing. This gave rise to a third factor which helped foster an interest in creative writing, namely the ability to become a professional writer without having to give up your hobby.
What is most interesting about this golden age of creative writing is that it bridges the gap between the hobbyist and the professional. While many would just look at creative writing as a hobby, it was in the late 1800s that it became an acceptable way to demonstrate your intellectual prowess, and thus many would-be professionals saw it as a stepping stone to a more stable career.
Modern Times
The early part of the 20th century was a time of great change and uncertainty for writers, and it was during this time that the term ‘creative writing’ became less well-defined. Many of the writers of this era did not fully enjoy the fruits of their toil, as World War I wiped out many of the established professional networks. It was also during this time that the traditional gatekeepers of the literary world, such as literary agents and publishers, began to disappear, with the Internet providing instantaneous, worldwide distribution for amateur and professional writers alike. In their place, the gatekeepers of today include the digital marketer, the social media manager, and the business writer.
What does this mean for future of creative writing? The profession has changed, but so has the ability to enter the field. With more and more people able to read and write, the number of talented writers is expanding, and thus the demand for their services is increasing. However, the change also makes it harder to find that one unique voice, that ‘perfect’ piece of literature which will make or break your writing career. Many now hunt for that novel which will make or break your storytelling efforts, but in the meantime, they are producing a large amount of content which may not be rejected but also may not make them proud of their work either.
Changes In Higher Education
Another noteworthy aspect of the change over the last few decades is the difference in emphasis between academia and industry. Back in the day, a solid grounding in the humanities was enough to get you a job, with many a career ending in the middle of the workday with a sudden, ‘Oh crap, I left the office for a minute and it’s 4 o’clock!’ The rise of the creative writing degree has led to a significant blurring of the distinction between education and training, with many employers expecting their employees to have a greater depth of knowledge, particularly in the area of research and critical thinking. This emphasis on academic rigour and originality is reflected in the structure of modern universities, where the lecture theatre is giving way to the seminar room.
The importance of writing in the modern world cannot be overstated, particularly as a means of communicating ideas. We live in a world where written language is the primary, if not the only, way of transferring information. This information is then interpreted by audiences who have different languages and levels of literacy, making communication a challenge which requires the involvement of multiple parties.
Where Do I Start?
It depends on who you ask. A qualified and experienced literary agent can advise you on the various routes available to you as a professional writer, not least of which is the one that leads to an established career. However, for those who wish to write creatively for pleasure, it is important to note that the distinction between hobbyist and professional has blurred; whether you enjoy writing for a living or not, it is likely that you have something to say which could be communicated through written word. Therefore, for those who wish to follow a writing career, it is important to start now rather than later.