To Senga--what's it like pursuing creative writing? I love writing and for as long as I can remember I've wanted to be an author, but I don't even know where to begin.
This’ll be a long response because your question actually hits some of my hot points, but some of you may find it useful.
Where you begin is when you sit yourself down and put your pencil to the paper (or your fingers to the keyboard, as the case may be). There are a lot of ideas out there about how to prepare and motivate yourself, but the best way I have found to get stuff done is to just start doing it. Even if you feel like you don’t know where you’re going, having words on a page is a step closer to the goal.
The writing method that I’ve found works best for myself is to pretend it’s my job. If I want to be productive, I have to pick out a nice outfit, get on my bike and go to a specific location to write my book. If I act like I have a paying job, I get stuff done. Perhaps this is a method you could use. Going through the motions of an actual job resets your perspective, and I find it very useful.
It may take you a while to figure out what kind of process works best for you, but whatever it turns out to be, write every day. It doesn’t have to be “nice” prose, either - you could write out your story as bullet points, or crappy paragraphs full of half-sentences. You’ll have to revise it someday anyway, so my advice to you is to not over-think it and just put down whatever words you can. Eventually you’ll look back and go, “hey, when did those last fifty-two pages get there??”
About pursuing a degree: in no way is having a degree completely necessary to be an author. Some people feel they don’t need to pay the money for courses; others love having a regular atmosphere in which to work, collaborate and learn from instructors face-to-face. I’m pursuing a creative writing degree because I value the input and experience of my instructors and I know that they will hold my writing to a professional level. Plus, it gives me a good reason to write daily - my grades depend on it.
If you decide to go after a creative writing degree, expect your first papers to come back with red pen all over them. College is a whole new ball field for most people, so don’t be surprised if you get knocked down a peg or two - actually, appreciate it. It’s what shows you your weaknesses and builds your skills. There are, of course, some exceptions: my first English professor was a particularly hard grader, but he praised my work to no end and I aced every assignment. Something about my writing style really struck up well with him, which can happen sometimes. But every professor has their own preferences and they look for different things in their students’ work. I fully expect to have professors who will tear my papers to shreds, and I’m actually looking forward to it, odd as it sounds. It’s a chance to raise my standards.
Whatever you decide to do, know that it may seem like a huge goal at the start, but that every little bit of progress you make will bring you closer. It’s the small everyday goals that add up to the big ten-years-from-now goals, so don’t neglect them - just stick to it. You’ll get into the swing of things. I have every confidence in you, dearnatashamun!
