7 answers
Isaac
Student
Commodore, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
1421 views
How much schooling do i need?
what do I all need to do to become a writer? What kind of classes will I need to take? When should I start checking on what I need to do? How long will it take to go to school?
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7 answers
Tara Chiusano
Actor/Teaching Artist
35
Answers
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Isaac! I would suggest that you go to college and major in English or Communications. Either way, that would give you a solid foundation in the craft of writing. Read The Artist's Way, any book by Anne Lamont, and anything else that inspires you as a writer. After you graduate: write, write, write. Write something every single day, even if it's bad. Practice the skill of writing. Post essays on Medium, write copy for social media and write an e-book using the Kindle Create app. Sign-up for Upwork and start freelancing. Becoming a writer is tough, but it is possible to make it a career if you have a passion for it.
I appreciate your support, Tara
Isaac
Byron Wilkes
Content Designer
10
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Byron’s Answer
Hiya Isaac,
I'll echo some points Tara already made.
- Books: Everybody Writes, Elements of Style, On Writing Well
- College: English, Comms, or (my recommendation) Journalism. I mention journalism because it gives you practical experience writing in comprehensive, plainspoken words while combining elements of user research + psychology and lets you work on interacting with many people from all walks of life. Being able to talk with anyone you meet is a wonderful skill for a writer. You'll find that the more people you meet, the more people will bring stories and inspiration to you.
- Craft: practice! Like Tara already mentioned, "write, write, write." Try joining a literary slam or quake or starting / collaborating on a 'zine.
Now I'll take some time to answer your specific questions.
What do I all need to do to become a writer? Answer: just a good attitude, knowledge of writing, honestly, and an audience.
What kind of classes will I need to take? Answer: some craft-focused stuff (literature, composition) and some inspiration-focused stuff, whatever you're interested in writing about!
When should I start checking on what I need to do? Answer: earlier is always better.
How long will it take to go to school? Answer: many writers I know never went to school. If you want to make a profession out of it, though, school can certainly help your resume stand out among others.
I'll echo some points Tara already made.
- Books: Everybody Writes, Elements of Style, On Writing Well
- College: English, Comms, or (my recommendation) Journalism. I mention journalism because it gives you practical experience writing in comprehensive, plainspoken words while combining elements of user research + psychology and lets you work on interacting with many people from all walks of life. Being able to talk with anyone you meet is a wonderful skill for a writer. You'll find that the more people you meet, the more people will bring stories and inspiration to you.
- Craft: practice! Like Tara already mentioned, "write, write, write." Try joining a literary slam or quake or starting / collaborating on a 'zine.
Now I'll take some time to answer your specific questions.
What do I all need to do to become a writer? Answer: just a good attitude, knowledge of writing, honestly, and an audience.
What kind of classes will I need to take? Answer: some craft-focused stuff (literature, composition) and some inspiration-focused stuff, whatever you're interested in writing about!
When should I start checking on what I need to do? Answer: earlier is always better.
How long will it take to go to school? Answer: many writers I know never went to school. If you want to make a profession out of it, though, school can certainly help your resume stand out among others.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Isaac
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Isaac,
First and foremost, to become a writer you must write. All the time. For yourself and for others. Learn as much as you can about writing. Try different genres to learn which one speaks to your natural style. If you are in middle school or high school right now, take all the English or writing classes that you can - even poetry or script writing. Get engaged in writing and get engaged of the process of editing and getting feedback. One of the best things that I did for my writing was take a journalism class in high school where we published a monthly newsletter. The rigor of writing on a deadline can be very educational.
As for school, I assume that you mean college. Again, English class can be a powerful opportunity. You have the challenge in college of choosing what you want to focus on, such as journalism, screen writing, creative writing. I would say that it is never too early to be thinking about what you want to focus on if something comes to mind. I started college with a journalism major, before I realized that program was very competitive at the school that I applied to and I was just not competitive enough to do it. Looking back, I would have just focused on English and focused on getting my diploma as quickly as possible. The few writers that I know did not earn writing degrees in college. They studied other subjects that they then wrote about.
Gloria
First and foremost, to become a writer you must write. All the time. For yourself and for others. Learn as much as you can about writing. Try different genres to learn which one speaks to your natural style. If you are in middle school or high school right now, take all the English or writing classes that you can - even poetry or script writing. Get engaged in writing and get engaged of the process of editing and getting feedback. One of the best things that I did for my writing was take a journalism class in high school where we published a monthly newsletter. The rigor of writing on a deadline can be very educational.
As for school, I assume that you mean college. Again, English class can be a powerful opportunity. You have the challenge in college of choosing what you want to focus on, such as journalism, screen writing, creative writing. I would say that it is never too early to be thinking about what you want to focus on if something comes to mind. I started college with a journalism major, before I realized that program was very competitive at the school that I applied to and I was just not competitive enough to do it. Looking back, I would have just focused on English and focused on getting my diploma as quickly as possible. The few writers that I know did not earn writing degrees in college. They studied other subjects that they then wrote about.
Gloria
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
153
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It all starts by asking yourself what field of writing you prefer. Some of the most common fields are novel writing, article writing, and script writing, but there are much more. For preparation most colleges and universities offer a variety of curriculums for writing. Speaking from personal experience I got my bachelors in creative writing at Full Sail University through their 4 year online program. Thankfully many writing curriculums have some overlap with their classes such as English literature and English composition.
Take your time when researching the various universities and colleges, and be sure to always keep your budget in mind. The times are tough and they aren't showing signs of getting better, so don't jump the gun and go to an expensive college or university just because it's the first enticing option you see.
Take your time when researching the various universities and colleges, and be sure to always keep your budget in mind. The times are tough and they aren't showing signs of getting better, so don't jump the gun and go to an expensive college or university just because it's the first enticing option you see.
Thank your for thoughts. I am hoping to my first book is going to be published with in the year, but I plan to keep writing and learning.
Isaac
Hector Mendoza
Field Engineer
1
Answer
Orange, California
Updated
Hector’s Answer
If you are just starting out then getting your bachelor's degree would be ideal to help you get started. Now depending on what you want to do then you may need additional certifications. When I started my role I already had my bachelors and helped me get in the door with Verizon. After seeing where I wanted to go I then had to go back to get additional certifications to help me move into that position.
Thank you, Hector!
Isaac
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
The amount of schooling you need to become a writer can vary depending on your specific goals and the type of writing you want to pursue. Here are some general guidelines and steps you can take. Get a high school diploma or equivalent: This is the basic requirement for most writing jobs.
Consider a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing: Although not required, a degree in a related field can give you a solid foundation in writing skills and techniques, as well as exposure to different types of writing. Take writing courses and workshops: Even if you don't pursue a degree, taking writing classes and attending workshops can help you improve your skills and build a portfolio of work. Build a portfolio of work: Start writing as soon as possible and build a portfolio of your best work. This can include articles, essays, short stories, and other pieces. Network with other writers: Join writing groups, attend conferences, and connect with other writers to learn from their experiences and get advice on breaking into the industry.
Consider a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing: Although not required, a degree in a related field can give you a solid foundation in writing skills and techniques, as well as exposure to different types of writing. Take writing courses and workshops: Even if you don't pursue a degree, taking writing classes and attending workshops can help you improve your skills and build a portfolio of work. Build a portfolio of work: Start writing as soon as possible and build a portfolio of your best work. This can include articles, essays, short stories, and other pieces. Network with other writers: Join writing groups, attend conferences, and connect with other writers to learn from their experiences and get advice on breaking into the industry.
Briana Pelle, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech language pathology
149
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Briana’s Answer
In all honesty, you don't *need* any classes or a writing-specific degree to be a writer. I know many people who write for a living, and it's a pretty even split between people who went to school for it and people who pursued it as a passion without formal schooling. So let's talk about those two tracks:
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to writing. This can be Creative Writing, Journalism, English, Screenwriting, Communications, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a writing sample(s) in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work. If you can, try taking creative writing or journalism classes and workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age writers such as YoungArts, Sundance writers fellowship, and Sewanee young writers conference that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other writers. You should also research to see if there are any writing groups/clubs in your area that you can join. Submittable is also a great website to search for writing opportunities for young people.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a writing-centric job. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking with fellow writers. Many people major in related fields such as marketing. Another option is to minor in some type of writing while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Good luck!
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to writing. This can be Creative Writing, Journalism, English, Screenwriting, Communications, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a writing sample(s) in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work. If you can, try taking creative writing or journalism classes and workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age writers such as YoungArts, Sundance writers fellowship, and Sewanee young writers conference that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other writers. You should also research to see if there are any writing groups/clubs in your area that you can join. Submittable is also a great website to search for writing opportunities for young people.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a writing-centric job. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking with fellow writers. Many people major in related fields such as marketing. Another option is to minor in some type of writing while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Good luck!
Thank you so much, Briana!
Isaac