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What classes should I take to become a writer?

I am a high school senior and I have always been fascinated with writing and how books are so compelling. It is my dream to do what other writers have done and entertain readers with worlds that I create. #college #college-major #journalism #writer #editor

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David’s Answer

Hi Zachary,


I'm currently a college student majoring in English at Stanford, and I have a couple of quick tips for you as a high school student!




  1. High School Classes
    With respect to high school classes, you may want to take any Honors/AP offerings in English that your high school offers. I remember taking AP English Language my junior year, as well as AP English Literature my senior year. Taking these classes will expose you to a lot of impactful readings/texts, as well as provide you with the opportunity to hone your writing.




  2. READ
    The most important thing you can do to improve your writing is making the time to read! If you're interested in more recent short stories, read some short fiction authors! (David Foster Wallace, Raymond Carver, Junot Diaz, to name some of my favorites). If you like novels, read some major novelists! (Kurt Vonnegut, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, are what I recommend). It all depends on what type of literature YOU enjoy! If you want more recommendations, feel free to comment below and ask.




  3. WRITE
    Finally, take the time to write. After reading a particularly moving/interesting passage, try to write your own stories/poems taking inspiration from the authors you love. For example, I recently read "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot, and attempted to mimic some of the techniques he uses within his writing for a paper I wrote in college. Your writing will improve if you practice!




That's where I would start, let me know if you have any more questions!

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Alex’s Answer

The best way to become a better writer is alarmingly simple: read a lot, write a lot. Sure, writing classes can help you with the basics of how to write, but to really become a good writer, you've got to do the work. That means writing, and writing a lot. Every day if you can, no matter what it is. Read good writers and read from the point of view of a writer who wants to emulate them, not just as a reader consuming the material. Read crummy writing and ask yourself what makes it so, and what would make it better. Have people you trust read what you've written and critique it. Take that criticism, no matter how much it hurts, and use it to your advantage.

Read. Write. Get feedback. Do the work. Do it every day.
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