Hey, im Aaron, and i like to write! (Even though i haven't written in awhile) I joined this forum in hopes that i will sushi commited and getting right back on track. I am 22 years old and i wanted to know if i should go back to school and get a degree in English literature. Or if there were any alternatives. I was thinking of taking on ads on Craigslist and going from there. But i do have school on my mind also. So whats the best way to pursue writing?
You definitely don't need a degree in English literature. The best way to pursue writing is to read the work of skilled writers, practise your own, get feedback, read more, write more, get more feedback... and so on.
I know I can do that, but do writers who don't have college degrees get recognized as such in the literary community?
I know a few who have published more then a few book with no further education then High School. Read a lot and Write a lot - Stephen King
I agree with the other members, don't waste your time and money on a Degree. Some of the greatest writers were high school dropouts. Instead teach yourself. All you have to do is read a lot of books. I spent a lot of my life reading books. I always thought it was an unproductive indulgence. Now I realize that it made me a good writer.
You could take a creative writing course if you feel the need to. I am high school drop out, and I got a C in English 101(pre-req class) and I write what I feel like. As long as you can imagine it (I use this a lot when I do/think of drawing) you can write it. Is every piece you write going to be a masterpiece, no. That's ok, so long as you are working on your skills and improving. Don't forget to have fun along the way (unless you need to edit that is work) and let your imagination free. Reading genres that you enjoy can also give you an ideas of what you would like to bring to the table as well. The world is your oyster.
I think learning in a formal setting such as college/uni is a great way to build a life if that is what you really want to do. Having said that, fiction writing does not require academic proof, anyone (of the mindset) can be a writer. As others have said already in the thread, learn by practice; produce the work, read more than you produce, observe people and have fun while learning.
