While most people dream of being able to write a novel, screenwriters and film makers often have to turn to online resources for inspiration. Thanks to the pandora’s box of tech that is the internet, stories can be told and characters can be developed in ways that weren’t previously possible. The entertainment industry is constantly changing and evolving, and if you want to keep up you may need to further your education.
The Creative Writing Degree
No longer satisfied with just being a writer, the world of entertainment is now open to anyone who can bring their creative genius to bear. Thanks to the rise of creative writing degrees, students can learn the craft of storytelling and gain the ability to write what they know, what they feel, and what they experience. With the increasing number of platforms available to the average person, from blogs to video posts to forums and even social media, anyone can now potentially become a writer.
These platforms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the vast amount of storytelling that goes on each and every day across the world. From celebrities and public figures to politicians and even your neighbors, chances are there’s someone closer to home who has a story to tell. Whether it’s a funny tale about something that happened last week or an account of a historic event that changed the life of the writer, chances are there’s someone who can put it down on paper or in a computer program and share it with the world.
A creative writing degree will teach you how to take an idea and convey it to the reader in the most interesting and compelling way possible. You’ll learn how to use language strategically, make effective use of alliteration, and learn how to build a plot that will keep your reader engaged.
The Importance Of Language
In addition to teaching you the craft of creative writing, a degree in the subject will also acquaint you with the basics of language. Through the study of literature you’ll become familiar with the elements that make up a story, how language can be used to evoke images in the mind of the reader, and even how dialogue can be used to reveal characters’ personalities and feelings. If you want to be a successful writer, you’ll need to understand how words work together to create meaning and what makes for a compelling narrative.
Open To The Public
Thanks to the increasing number of open-access universities and the digital society that is the internet, getting a degree in creative writing is no longer limited to those who can afford to pay for it. While most universities do charge a small fee for tuition, the majority of courses are now available to anyone with a computer and an internet connection. With the increasing popularity of MOOCs (massive open online courses) it is possible to gain an accredited degree without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
The convenience and accessibility of these degrees make them attractive options even for those who aren’t interested in a career in literature or storytelling. Popular MOOCs like Creative Writing and Literature allow anyone with a computer and an internet connection to access high-quality courses and earn a degree without having to leave their homes. The increasing trend towards online learning will only help to further the popularity of these types of degrees.
Getting a college degree doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically gain admission into a graduate program in your field of interest. Most universities will have their own application procedures that you must follow. However, being educated and having a degree will certainly put you ahead of the competition.
Career Opportunities
With more and more people gaining access to higher education, opportunities for aspiring authors and creative writers will continue to expand. Many major cities have a huge number of creative writers who are looking for work, so there’s certainly no lack of jobs out there if you decide to go that route. While a degree will certainly get you attention from potential employers, it’s also important to develop your network of contacts and build up a portfolio of your work.
If you have a novel or short story that you think might be worth pursuing, take some time to build a portfolio of your work. In today’s world, the internet makes it easy to find samples of writing from all around the world. If you have a sample of your work that you think might be worth pursuing, take some time to find a literary agent or publisher who might be interested in representing your work. Even if you don’t end up pursuing traditional publication, having a sample of your work makes you appear more attractive to investors and potential patrons who might want to help you fund your next project.
While it’s not limited to just literature, the study of creative writing can also lead you down the path to many other careers. Being able to quickly and effectively articulate your thoughts in writing is a skill that can carry you far in life, no matter what career path you choose.
Enhancing Your Life
In addition to helping you get a job, a degree in creative writing can also enhance your life. If you are looking for a career that can be both challenging and rewarding, consider pursuing a degree in the field. Being able to write, regardless of whether you decide to pursue a career in literature or not, can certainly enhance your personal life. If you feel that your creative writing skills can benefit others, consider putting your skills to use by writing a blog post or producing a video tutorial.
The ability to write creatively can be a great way to improve your life. If you feel that your personal life could use a boost, consider pursuing a degree in creative writing and applying your newfound skills to enhance your daily life.