Will Taking Creative Writing Courses as Part of an English Major Make or Break You as a Writer?

When embarking on your academic journey as an English major, you might wonder whether enrolling in a few creative writing courses will significantly impact your journey as a writer. While these courses can undoubtedly enhance your skills and provide valuable experience, they are not the sole determinants of your writing success. In this article, we explore the benefits and limitations of creative writing courses and offer insights shared by a seasoned writer.

The Benefits of Creative Writing Courses

Skill Development: Creative writing courses often provide structured feedback and guidance on your writing, helping you refine your voice and style. Instructors and peers can offer invaluable insights that contribute to your growth.

Exposure to Different Genres: Engaging with a variety of genres and forms can broaden your creative horizons and influence your writing in unexpected ways. This diversity is crucial in developing a well-rounded writing skill set.

Peer Interaction: Workshops allow you to share your work with peers, fostering a sense of community and support. These interactions can also provide diverse perspectives that enrich your understanding of your own work.

Mentorship: Instructors can offer valuable mentorship based on their own experiences, providing you with guidance that may be invaluable for your growth as a writer.

Writing Discipline: Regular assignments and deadlines can help you develop a consistent writing practice, which is essential for building a robust writing habit.

The Limitations

Individual Effort: Ultimately, your growth as a writer depends on your dedication to practice, read widely, and seek feedback outside of formal courses. The quality of your writing is deeply personal and cannot be fully shaped by a classroom environment alone.

Personal Style: While courses can provide tools and techniques, finding your unique voice is a deeply personal journey that extends beyond the classroom. Your individual experiences, observations, and emotions form the core of your writing voice.

Market Realities: Success in writing often involves factors beyond craft, such as networking, marketing, and understanding the publishing industry. These aspects require knowledge and skills that go beyond the scope of creative writing courses.

A Personal Perspective from 1979

I remember facing the same decision in 1979, choosing the creative writing option within my English major. The primary advantage was the time dedicated to writing, as I received academic credit each semester for my work. This provided me with more time to hone my skills, but I found that the courses themselves did not significantly enhance my writing.

My experience aligns with the idea that a personal fit with the writing program is crucial. If the course or program does not resonate with you, it can hinder your growth rather than promote it. My preference is to engage with writing independently, outside of formal classes, as I approached writing through independent study, practice, and reading.

Rule 1: Never Stop Writing: Becoming a good or great writer means writing every day, for years, and decades. The support of courses can be beneficial, but writing in the face of obstacles, such as a full course load, can be even more effective.

The Quality of Your College and the Influence of Your Peers

While I believe in the value of creative writing courses, I am more concerned about the quality of the college you might attend than whether it has a writing program. Being around people who don’t want to think can be detrimental to a writer's growth. Instead, seek out communities where people read books and fiction, and where minds are stimulated. This environment can greatly enhance your writing journey.

Key Books for Inspiration: To start your journey, consider reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. This workbook provides a daily discipline that can help you develop the tools necessary for writing. You can also explore the writings of Ursula K. Le Guin and John Gardner for further guidance. These authors have written extensively on writing techniques and can provide valuable exercises to enhance your skills.

Rule 2: Read Great Writing: To become a great writer, immerse yourself in poetry and literature of the highest caliber. Read so much that you understand what makes it tick. This deep engagement with writing can help you develop a unique voice and style.

Rule 3: Live Life in Awareness: Have experiences and journal about them. Clear your mind of societal and parental influences, and have a deep understanding of how you think and feel about various experiences. Also, care enough to know how others experience the same events differently. Writing, then, becomes a matter of growing up while simultaneously remaining childlike, and doing that through consistent practice and reflection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while creative writing courses can be immensely beneficial, your determination, practice, and willingness to learn will play the most crucial roles in your development as a writer. Embrace the opportunities these courses offer, but remember that writing is a lifelong journey that involves continuous learning and growth.

If you have any questions or would like to share your journey, feel free to reach out. I have published 10 books and made my living as a writer in various ways. Being a coach for writers and artists, I enjoy helping others improve their craft every day.

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