THE RECKLESS WRITER
What College Classes Should I Take if I Want to Be a Writer?
Never pass up an opportunity to learn something useful
I’m old enough that I’ve begun to feel a grandfatherly sense of protection towards all the young people that I meet. I see expressions I recognize from my own children in the faces of strangers, and I want to reach out and help them if only to linger a moment in my memories of being a young parent.
A few weeks ago I received an email from a freshman currently attending my alma mater. She wanted to interview me about becoming a writer. Apparently I had filled out some form to get on an alumni list.
We scheduled a phone call and I spent a delightful hour speaking with this thoughtful young mind. I was reminded of some of the students I had more than a decade ago. Today, they are all well into their careers, but they remain perpetual youths in my memories.
I know full well that my eldest daughter is only a few years away from wrestling with the same questions posed by this college student, so I considered the interview a trial run. Once I started thinking about it, I realized that most people completely fail to prepare themselves for a career in writing, myself included.
A literature degree
I don’t have the fond recollections some people dredge up when talking about their college years. For me, there was a lot of uncertainty, particularly about what I should study. I knew I was interested in writing, but I wasn’t certain of the best way to approach that objective.
Adding to the confusion was that fact that I didn’t fit in well with the “scene.” After one detestable year in the dorms, I spent the rest of my time in college off-campus. Dorm life is too expensive as far as I’m concerned. I’ve always been willing to rent a small room, or even a cupboard under the stairs, for as little as possible.
If I could fit my mattress in there and shut the door, I had everything I needed. I didn’t spend much time in my room anyway, except to read, and reading takes you away from wherever you are.
I developed a strong relationship with one of my professors, and I remember sitting with him and posing the question of pursuing a creative writing major or a Master of Fine Arts. He gave me a thoughtful look and said, “You want a degree with some meat on it.”
So, I elected to major in English literature rather than creative writing, and it turned out to be an effective choice for me.
Should you take creative writing classes?
I was willing to accept my professor’s advice because it aligned with what I was thinking anyway. Unfounded arrogance was a huge issue for me in my 20s. I was hesitant to take creative writing class from a teacher who hadn’t landed a book contract. What I didn’t know then was that many of the professors actually had landed book contracts, it’s just that writing doesn’t pay enough even when you’re very successful.
At the time, I preferred to read everything I could get my hands on. I wanted to learn from the works that had withstood the test of time.
What I realize now is that, at the time, I wasn’t hardwired in a way that would have allowed me to get much out of a creative writing class. I was too insecure and vulnerable to accept constructive criticism. I was too combative. However, today I see there would have been enormous value in establishing connections with the students and the teachers.
I’m satisfied with my literature degree. It has allowed me to sit down with confidence at job interviews and project competence and understanding of a wide range of topics. I don’t consider myself a “quote guy” but I can rattle off the names of books and authors.
For me, it was always going to be literature. I’m not sure I would have sat in interviews with the same confidence if my degree had been in creative writing, but I think there would have been value in pursuing a minor, or at least a few classes.
Instead, I earned a minor in physics
The freshman who called to interview me said, “I have the option to pick up a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.”
“Absolutely, without question, get the Bachelor of Science,” was my immediate response.
In my college days, I picked up a minor in physics as something of a joke. I’d taken advanced math classes in my early days because it “didn’t feel like school” without math. Then I got curious about Einstein, so why not pick up a minor in physics?
To some extent, this decision can be attributed to my professor’s “meat on the bone” comment. I tell you what, if the English degree made me feel confident in interviews, my physics minor multiplied that confidence. Anything that allows you to stand out in a field of candidates helps your chances of getting hired, and there are not a lot of people walking around with the English/physics combo.
Pursuing writing as a career is like painting yourself in a corner. At some point, late in your studies, you’re guaranteed to think, “Uh-oh, what if nobody hires me.” Any kind of science on your resume dramatically improves your chances of landing some kind of job.
If you’ve got science credits, you can get into fast track programs to earn further accreditation if industries find themselves short on qualified candidates. My physics minor allowed me to pick up a teaching certificate in a shortage area. I haven’t used it, but it’s comforting to know that’s in my back pocket.
Other classes
During the interview with the freshman, I was surprised to discover how practical my thinking has become. In college, I was a lot less tethered to reality. I pretty much figured I’d be handed a six or seven figure contract for a manuscript shortly after graduation. I’m still waiting.
These days, the field of writing covers a lot of other disciplines. Over the years, I’ve had to learn a little bit about computer programming. I’m not very good at it, my mind is much more attuned to useless ideas like what happens when you approach the speed of light. But I was good enough to build web pages.
That was a major component of my job duties for close to a decade.
The technology side of writing is not going away and just an introduction to computer science class would be valuable to a professional in any field. Writers should also pick up at least one class in graphic design.
You’ll likely be required to come up with featured images for your articles at some point. If you can do basic graphics or cartoons, that’s even better. A photography or art class would be helpful too. Learn how to use programs like Photoshop and Lightroom.
Journalism and law
The final piece of advice I offered the freshman student was to take a journalism class in order to learn a little about the legal side of writing. It’s important to spend a little time studying what constitutes defamation in order to avoid the wrong sort of attention.
There’s a reason you so often see the disclaimer, “This is a work of fiction, any similarity to real people is purely coincidental.”
The great thing about dipping your toe into the water of law is that if you find it piques your curiosity, you might be able to pivot to a career that actually stands a chance of being lucrative. English slides right into law. It’s not nearly as frivolous a degree as people like to believe.
Was the interview a success?
At the end of the conversation I said, “I wish you well and I hope all your dreams come true.”
“Uh, thanks,” she said.
The poor girl didn’t realize that in addition to thinking about her, I was haunted by visions of all the kids that have ever sat in my classroom. That was on top of the fact that I perpetually fret about my own kids. Once you get old you start welling up with nostalgia all the time. It’s not a bad thing, but we live in a society that too often becomes unsettled by people who show emotion.
After I hung up, I recalled my youthful excitement about going to college. There are so many things that you can learn about. You should seize every opportunity, even if you don’t think you’ll need those things. Take a class to learn how to become an electrician, it might come in useful when the power goes out in your house (and the power will go out).
Any education that allows you to make more than minimum wage has value that will endure until the end of your days.
Being a writer means that you have to know a little bit about everything. If you aren’t inclined to devour knowledge wherever you find it, then consider another path.
Become a hoarder of knowledge
After the interview, I picked up my daughter from school. She’s in eighth grade, and on our drive home she started chatting with me about some classes that were available to her.
“Take all of them!” I said, with probably too much urgency. “It doesn’t matter if it interests you or not. Get as many credits as you can while they’re free. The more you know, the more powerful you become.”
“Uh, okay dad,” she said. She hadn’t realized what she was walking into. In that moment, through her, I had the opportunity to address the army of ghosts representing everyone who’s ever walked into my field of influence. Often, I find myself wishing I’d provided better information for all those I’ve been privileged enough to teach.
“I’m sorry sweetie,” I added. “I just wish you well and I want all your dreams to come true!”
And that sentiment also applies to everyone reading this article.