Now, I know I want to major in creative writing, so that I can be either a novelist or a screenwriter or possibly a game designer (Chris Avellone has an English degree). In addition to that, I'd also like to take some courses in philosophy to help with the ladies--I mean pay the bills. Really, though, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of any U.S. schools that offer a bachelors in creative writing that they would recommend. Right now, I'm looking at Knox College, if I can foot the bill.
since you want to add film and video to your possibles, it would probably be wise to check out schools in socal, where you'd be most likely to find the best courses and teachers...
University of Arizona has a good creative writing program. It says on their site that it's ranked among the top 5 creative writing programs in the nation. That might be a good place to try since you live in Arizona.
If you have friends (sort of sounds like you don't, but just saying IF)--go to school where your friends go to school. It's oh so much more fun that way. I hope this was helpful. yours in Chaos, Scarlett
I took what thirdwind said and found a list of all the creative writing programs in the country. With links to the individual schools' websites. Enjoy. http://www.newpages.com/writing_programs/writing_programs_complete.htm#TN
That's exactly what you shouldn't do. Worry about your education first, it can play a big part in your future. You can always make new friends -- especially in university. Also -- and keep in mind this is just a personal opinion -- Creative Writing degrees don't necessarily lead to a creative writing job. Likewise, you don't need a creative writing degree to get in to creative writing. It'll no doubt help, but an engineering student has an equal chance of getting published if he's just as good a writer as you; the only difference is that you might end up being more connected to the literary scene (and he has other qualifications to fall back on if it doesn't work out). However, if it's something you really enjoy above all else, go for it. You can always do a postgraduate in something else if it doesn't work out...
In my experience it would probably be more beneficial to pick out a major that would benefit a more stable career than one of creative writing (or anything involving arts really). I'm not saying you shouldn't look into a school with a strong creative writing program or get involved with it (maybe double major or minor in creative writing). I think it would be more realistic to ground yourself in something more stable. Besides, you don't really need to go to a creative writing class to be a great author. Creative writing is one of those skills that takes talent, dedication, and perseverance. It generally isn't something you learn in a class (though I won't say it doesn't help). Best of luck to you!
Jinx! Now you can't talk until someone says your name three times. And if you talk I get to hit you without retaliation. No backsies!
You might look into University of Washington/Seattle for creative writing (among the top 10 in the country)--however, it's not realistic to expect that by getting a degree in writing you'll be able to become a novelist. I think becoming a writer involves you reading & writing a lot, and then having that additional special ingredient--natural talent--that causes people to love the tales you tell. write. For game designing, you might look at DigiPen in Redmond, WA.
Almost every creative writing major out there seems to be an English degree with some creative writing thrown on top. Anyway, I'd like to be a screenwriter and write novels on the side--just like everybody else. Or maybe even work for a network as a staff writer. Then again, there are companies like Obsidian, where the writers practically make the game. It's not that I don't feel that I haven't the skills; I just lack legitimacy. Getting a degree in the area just "helps get your foot in the door", gives people a reason to contract you. Oh, and not that it matters, but I do plan on either minoring or dual majoring in philosophy so that I can make my time in college that much harder to use.
sorry to disillusion you, but that's not true in the realm of writing for a living, regardless of the medium... not even in screenwriting, although a major in filmmaking could be helpful in giving you an overview of the industry and a chance to make the requisite contacts... as a writer, degrees mean nothing and only what you write will impress anyone [or not]...
