I’ve always said that creative writing isn’t something you can teach. It’s like singing – you can either do it or you can’t. However, plenty of singers go for singing lessons and really benefit from them so is it the same with creative writing?
You can’t teach someone to be creative, but maybe it’s possible to help them hone in on that creativity and channel it. Janet from Rambles, Rants and Writings certainly believes so. She has just completed her 2nd creative writing degree and below she shares with you the top ten benefits to having this degree.
My Top Ten Benefits of Having A Creative Writing Degree by Janet
Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree that you don’t need a creative writing degree to become a writer. It’s not essential. However, I do feel that there are benefits to having a creative writing degree that can’t be ignored.
For me, I chose to complete an English and Creative Writing BA (hons) degree. I firstly decided I was going to complete an English degree because I felt it offered diverse opportunities for my future career.
I then tried a taster course in creative writing and I thoroughly enjoyed it – I scored really well in the assessment. I realised that I loved all aspects of English: literature, writing, and language. I felt that my ambition to write was just a dream at this point.
The English and Creative Writing degree offered me the opportunity to study all different types of English because there were core units as well as optional units. It’s a cultured qualification and that’s what appealed to me, I just needed confidence.
My 10 benefits of completing a creative writing degree are…
- You learn how to write, and how to structure your writing. This is particularly important for fiction writers. Different types of writing (articles, fiction, plays) all have different styles and the more familiar you are with the different styles, the more likely you are to be successful.
- It can mean you have writing opportunities. Your writing lecturer will have contacts and will know about the writing competitions or jobs available in the industry. This can really help if you want to progress in the future. You might even be offered some voluntary work and you never know, you might just become the next big thing.
- It will help you gain confidence. I must admit, this is a key reason for me. From my first writing grade, to my most recent, I was really pleased with the progress I had made, and it helped to build my confidence. I always thought being a writer was just a dream, but what I needed was the confidence to pursue that dream.
- It helps you to accept and respond effectively to criticism. We all like to think we are good at something but the fact is, the writing world is brutal. I have been told that my writing is okay, that it’s good, and also that it was awful. The most important thing I’ve learned is to listen to my critics – if they tell you it needs work, then it most likely needs work. By the time I got to my final year, I’d got over my fear of criticism and I’d started to use it. Okay so last year I was told I needed to improve on this, this and this, so this year I will do that in my writing. When I scored a higher grade, I realised that my writing was developed – when I looked at what I’d written in my first year, I cringed and thought WTF was I thinking.
- You have to constantly practice your writing. If you are doing a writing degree, it’s inevitable that you are going to be writing for three years (if studying a BA). The other good thing is that you are encouraged to practice and experiment with your writing too, and you’re even given guidance and feedback.
- You are recognised for your achievements. We all don’t need recognition for everything, but it is nice when you are trying your best at something to be able to recognise your achievements. Through my final year, I had to complete a portfolio of work and we used it to edit and discuss each other’s work. The tutor and other students all used to comment and praise one another on how we had progressed with our writing work. Particularly this coming from a lecturer or tutor, and again, the fact our grades were improving demonstrates our personal and academic achievements. Once you have your degree, you are recognised for your degree even more so.
- A chance to be published. I got published in the first instance because of the university I attended. I published two fictional stories and some magazine articles. My friend was a fantastic academic writer and she was published in an academic journal. You can gain some excellent opportunities from your university itself.
- It’s a chance to share ideas. Others have different writing ideas and interpretations, and it’s great to share these. Okay, so I’m not saying that copying another person’s ideas is a good thing, but your fellow students or peers might make suggestions that you can apply to your writing. Discussing your writing, especially if you are hitting a blank can really instil confidence and get some new, fresh ideas flowing.
- You get to explore different writing techniques and the cause and effect of writing in different ways. There are many different ways of writing and it can help to shape how the text is interpreted. Sometimes this comes natural to us and it does to me, however, I never really considered them as I just previously wrote on a whim, rather than thinking about how others see it. Gaining knowledge into this can really help to develop your writing and make you take notice of how it is digested by others. It can also help you pay attention to your own writing and ensure you are giving the right impression.
- It can make you motivated. Okay, so having a writing lesson each week, in a place in which ideas are shared, and you are in a circle of writers, all learning can increase your motivation. You go away and think about what you’ve learned and it might have inspired you, or the writing exercise suggested by your lecturer might have just pushed you to write when you usually wouldn’t have. You have deadlines to meet for assignments, so you have writing targets that you must hit – which also keeps you motivated. Generally, a writing degree is motivational and inspiring. It keeps you aiming for that long-term goal of becoming a writer constantly and your circle of friends in the same position of you means you can all work and support one another! It’s your own writers circle and you all understand one-another.
By posting these top ten benefits, I am not for one second suggesting that a degree in writing is for everyone, and it is very much possible to make it without one.
It is important to recognise that some people need this and it can be very beneficial for those people. I needed something to aim for, I needed someone to tell me that I was good enough but that there were no guarantees and I needed someone to give me their honest and brutal opinion, whether I wanted to hear it or not because I wasn’t confident, I didn’t have experience, and I didn’t believe that I would ever become a writer.
Some people don’t need that assurance and that’s absolutely fine, but I’ll be honest, I had no clue how to structure my writing and I have gained valuable contacts.
I know that if I hadn’t completed my degree, I wouldn’t have the confidence to write now, and I would have no chance at all in competitions or by submitting to publishers because I didn’t know how to structure things. Now I know the mechanics of writing, I’m much more at ease with myself and my writing.
My degree wasn’t solely in writing and I’ve studied literature and language too which have again, helped me understand the mechanics involved as a whole.
Although I’m far from being an expert, I feel that the exploration of English as a whole really improved my knowledge and understanding of the subject and opened my eyes. It’s a much more complex subject than it seems and I love it even more now I’ve studied it. Of course, English is required to help me write but I understand that writing for a purpose is so much more than that!
Thanks for sharing your experiences Janet.
Why not let us know what you think in the comments? Do you think a creative writing degree could help you to become a better writer?
This has made me want to do a creative writing degree! I’ve just started college so I’ll probably have to wait till I’ve finished what I’m doing! #anythinggoes
It’s good to have something to think about for later!
really great insight. I would love to go back and study English and all that’s involved. I studied Nursing so I did write a lot over that time, but it’s different obviously. #anythinggoes
I often wish I’d gone to uni and studied psychology or law but if I had then I probably wouldn’t be writing so maybe it was a good thing!
This is a fantastic post. Full of lots of lovely tips Janet. I’d love to be able to spend more time writing, but with a full time job and blogging, it’s very hard.
Sally @ Life Loving
It’s definitely hard to juggle a full time job, blogging and writing! We need more hours per day lol 🙂
I took a creative writing class in college and loved it. I have an associates in English because I loved my english classes. I got to take all sorts of interesting classes! I love creative writing but I also love Psychology, two completely different areas of study, LOL! I also love working with children. I have my BA in Child Advocacy Studies but unfortunately it hasn’t produced very many opportunities. I’m thinking of going back for my Master’s but it would probably be in Psychology. If I could do both Creative writing and Psychology though, that would be one of my dreams accomplished. Thanks for writing this. This is very helpful! #anythinggoes
It always make me smile how similar we are! I would love to do something combined psychology and writing, both of which I love. I did an A-level in psychology but I changed my mind about going to uni to study it further.
This is interesting, I’ve been considering a course. I particularly like the fact it might instill some discipline in me #FartGlitter
Deadlines are a brilliant way to get accustomed to being disciplined 🙂
I have mutiple degrees in the area of teaching and now stay home with the little kids. I always thought about going back for writing…but I cant yet seem to organize my motivation. Bravo to you though!
#anythinggoes
It’s so hard to find the extra time to do something like this, and I imagine it would be even harder to do when you have kids!
I fully agree with all of these 😊@anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂
Interesting post. Nothing like the assignment deadline to give a much needed motivational kick up the butt, that would be a huge benefit to me! #AnythingGoes
I agree – I work better to tight deadlines for sure!
Lots of great reasons. I don’t think I’m a good enough writer for something like this but it sounds really interesting! #anythinggoes
You never know until you try!
I always liked the idea if a creative writing degree and the thought of going back to uni and studying something new. Janet has made a creative writing degree sound so worthwhile and fun xx #anythinggoes
I agree – her passion for her subject really shows and it does sound a lot of fun! x
What fantastic points, I know I worry about not having a thick enough skin for negative feedback! #BloggerClubUK
I think if feedback is provided well, it can be really helpful, especially the negative stuff.
I bet there’s so many out there that think they can just put pen to paper and start writing with abandon. I think I’d find the criticism the hatdest, especially if it was a passionate labour of love. Great tips though and it sounds like a really interesting degree! #bloggerclubuk
I think the criticisms would be hard, but I think they would be invaluable too.
Great tips here. I am great believer in always learning to improve your craft! I was studying for a Masters in Creative Writing but sadly had to give it up after 1 year when we moved 🙁 I loved it and it really helped with structuring my approach to writing #BloggerClubUK
Sorry to hear you had to give it up, but it’s great that the year you did has helped you 🙂
Some of these benefits are huge, and really positive. I think having confidence in your writing is such an important thing and can take time. And also handling criticism which in turn can be quite a positive thing if handled the right way xx #BloggerClubUK
Anything that can help boost confidence is a good thing – and I agree about the criticism – I think it would be hard at first, but definitely beneficial once you get the thick skin! x
A degree in Creative writing, I’ve always liked the idea. I had to write a lot during my MA program in English and American studies (although not in the UK), and I loved it. It’s great when you can have your lecturers’ opinion, and it definitely helps to improve your writing skills. Brilliant post, Debbie! 🙂 x #BloggerClubUK
I think the feedback would be brilliant, and definitely a good way to see where you need to improve. Thank you 🙂
I would have loved to have done a creative writing degree but didnt know they existed at the time I went to colege. silly me. I have a BA in English and Classics and then went on to get my librarianship qualification but writing has always been in my life and creative writing is very important. #bloggerclubuk
It’s only in the last few years I have known they existed too!
I completely agree with this article. I’m the sort of person who would have got a lot of confidence (as well as knowledge) from a creative writing degree. I spent over a year working with an agent on my first novel. In the end she decided not to take a chance on my manuscript but I gained my confidence through this. Sad to say, I don’t have time for study at the moment.
Sorry to hear it didn’t work out, but I’m sure you did gain a lot from it!
My degree was in English and creative writing and I do think that it helped me to become a better writer. I think you have to have a talent for writing to begin with, but my degree taught me so much and definitely helped to improve my writing skills. #BloggerClubUK
Congrats on the degree Laura, I’m pleased it helped you 🙂
Oh I would absolutely love to enrol on a creative writing degree and it is on my to do list for sure but I am trying to find the right time for me so I can give it the attention it needs – thank you for sharing as it has really renewed my interest! #BloggerClubUK
Happy to hear this has inspired you 🙂 Good luck with the degree!
I agree that you don’t need a degree to achieve most things, however how can they be anything but beneficial – and from someone who has very little qualification you should all be extremely proud of your degrees! #bloggerclubuk
I agree, it’s a fab achievement!
These are great points – I have done an Open University online Creative Writing course – only a short one but manageable in my current circumstances – and found it incredibly useful, I would love to continue with something more in depth. #BloggerClubUK
The OU is a great option as you can fit it in to suit yourself!
Love the idea of doing this as I really enjoyed English Language & Lit at school but it’s making time for it all.
Finding the time would be the hardest part – I don’t know how Janet fits it all in!
Some good reasons here. I did A-Levels in English Literature and English Language, and I still fall back on those lessons now. My FIL has just retired and gone back to university to do a Creative Writing course. He wanted the opportunity to be creative every day and to hone his skills. #BloggerClubUK
I did A-Level English too and I think I learned a lot about the structure of story telling rather than how to actually write but it was still interesting. Good luck to your FIL 🙂
Great post! I studied English at university and sadly there was no option to study creative writing as part of the course. Having said that though there were poetry and creative writing societies associated with the faculty. I went along to some of their sessions – they were brilliant but I was also far, far too shy to participate. I think it’s a brilliant addition to any english degree and a course in it’s own right too! #bloggerclubuk
I would love to go to a writing group, but I would be the same about participating – I could happily blabber on but I would never be able to read my fiction out loud!
Great post. I used to love creative writing as a child and wrote some good pieces at school but these days I prefer factual writing. Perhaps I just don’t have the imagination I once had! #bloggerclubuk
I think as we grow up our preferences can change. You still have to have an imagination for factual writing – I think it’s actually harder to write factually and still be entertaining!
If I won the lottery I’d go back to uni and actually listen this time! I’d love to do a creative writing degree 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
I love the part about “actually listen this time” lol 🙂
People always tell me I should write a book but I never know where to start. I’d consider doing a course, maybe not a degree but learning about creative writing would certainly help I’m sure! #bloggerclubuk
Go for it Jaki! Starting is the hardest part, once you get going, the rest just sort of happens 🙂
This was a really interesting read. I’ve often thought about doing a creative writing degree and probably would, if I had the time! I think creative writing is similar to singing (as you say) or painting/art in that it’s not something you can learn from scratch on a course, but if you have some talent in the first place, a course could certainly help develop your skills. I’m going to put it on my to-do list for the future! #anythinggoes
This was a really interesting read. I’ve often thought about doing a creative writing degree and probably would, if only I had the time! I think creative writing is similar to singing (as you say) or painting/art in that it’s not something you can learn from scratch on a course, but if you have some talent in the first place, a course could certainly help develop your skills. I’m going to put it on my to-do list for the future! #anythinggoes
Sorry I accidentally posted twice! Oops!
Thank you 🙂 Good luck with the degree if you decide to go for it!
I have been thinking about heading back into education and doing and English or creative writing course just wasn’t sure. Thanks for your thoughts #BloggerclubUK
I hope this post has helped you decide 🙂
really interesting write up Debbie as there are more reasons other than just writing here! ive always enjoyed reading and writing but on my terms lol. for that reason I didn’t really do well at GCSE and it discouraged me to continue. I think mainly because Shakespeare wasn’t my thing and that’s all they taught us ! #bloggerclubuk
Shakespeare is ok in small doses, but it does get old pretty quick and all the stuff you do for GCSE is definitely off putting!
An interesting insight into doing a creative writing degree. Valuable reading for anyone thinking of doing one. I’ve done some short creative writing courses since my degree (in design) which I’ve found invaluable too. Great stuff 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
There’s some fab tips and advice here 🙂
Love these reasons for doing a creative writing degree. I did a short Creative Writing module with the OU a few years ago and it was so useful with regards to learning more about structuring my writing. Sadly I think I’ve forgotten a lot of it but I keep meaning to do another course at some point as I’d love to know more about how to improve my writing. #bloggerclubuk
The idea of a short course sounds great Louise – can you not dig your old notes out, save re-doing it?
Ooh where university did you study at Janet? I did a BAhons in English Lit and Creative Writing at Warwick. Totally agree with all these, especially the confidence thing. There is nothing like reading your work out in front of a group and they respond to it (mostly positively). I’m toying with the idea of an MA now. #BloggerClubUK
I cringe even at the thought of reading my work out loud lol – I’m happy enough for people to read it written down but I would be all stuttering and spluttering lol!
I agree with all of these and it’s made me want to do one! #bloggerclubuk x
Go for it! x
Some great thoughts about creative writing degrees. Well done for undertaking the degree. I keep mulling this over then something else gets in the way (life!) How you managed it all is amazing! I’d like to learn more about the structure of the language, the mechanics, – I try and learn from doing as much reading as possible.
#BloggerClubUk (sorry!)
Janet is superwoman I swear lol, the way she fits everything in is astounding! Reading is a great way to learn more about structure etc
This is a really useful post for anyone considering a creative writing degree. I’ve always loved factual writing but never liked writing fiction, but I think it would be interesting to take a short course some day, just to see what comes out with a bit of direction. #BloggerClubUK
Maybe you would fall in love with it! I always said I didn’t like factual writing, but then I guess a blog would be classed as factual writing to an extent and I love blogging
I am not gifted with the ability to tell stories, but I agree that learning how to compose naratives cam be a useful skill.
When I was studying I had to compose regular essays and I use that form of writing now to compose my blog posts, general introduction of the subject, arguments going from general to specific then a conclusion.
#bloggerclubuk
It’s a great format, one I should really use for my blog posts. I tend to have a process with creative writing, but my blog posts are mostly me rambling on lol 🙂
Even though my degree wasn’t in creative writing . The university style of writing does help you a lot when it comes to blog writing. #bloggerclubuk
I can imagine, and I also imagine it helps you meet deadlines etc
There is a skill to creative writing. I have a degree in English and a large part of my career as a PR was about writing which is one of the key reasons I did it, but creative writing is a whole different skill set. You need good ideas for starters which you clearly do and a passion to tell a story. It is something my daughter is really hooked on. She writes on Wattpad all the time and dreams of being an author. Well done for pursuing your dream and making a success of it too as that is often the hardest part. #bloggerclubuk
Good luck to your daughter, she sounds very motivated, I’m sure she’ll get her dream 🙂
A great post, it’s true, knowing how to write creatively helps in so many ways. Love to have it highlighted in a post, so many people think creative writing is just a waste of time, so far from the truth! #bloggerclubuk
I think knowing how to write can open many career doors. It definitely isn’t a waste of time!
I chose not to go to uni in favour of getting a job, but if I had gone I would have done English with Creative Writing. I have since looked into doing an OU course, but with both time and money being tight right now, it is something I have put off! I’d love to look into it again in the future for all the reasons Janet suggests #BloggerClubUK
I did the same although I would have been studying psychology. The OU is a fab option for anyone not wanting to actually go to a uni but still get a qualification!
Have not thought of this until now… very interesting post! I think it’s great to know that you’ll not only know how to write but enhance your capabilities and be creative as well with this course. #BloggerClubUK
Janet makes it sound fab and really interesting too!
This is excellent – I think the opportunies which can arise from doing a course with like minded people, taught by someone with expertise are priceless. I know someone who has just completed a writing course and now has been asked to teach on it! #bloggerclubuk
Fantastic news, well done to them!
Thank you for the insight. I don’t have a degree in writing, but it is definitely something to think about for the future.
This sounds incredible, huge congratulations to you for achieving your degree!
The benefits sounds wonderful – I shall await your first novel now…
big love, L
xxx
#bloggerclubuk
It’s a fab achievement and I’m eagerly awaiting the novel too 🙂 x
This is really helpful as it’s something I would like to do myself one day. Thanks for sharing X #anythinggoes
I’m glad it helped 🙂 x
I actually believe that creative writing can be taught, especially when a writer is nurtured to exercise their creativity more effortlessly. That said, I think that that outside the classroom, the writer needs to be able to keep working on their craft on their own in order to continue growing.
I’m glad your Creative Writing degree offered so many benefits for you.
Yes, it’s definitely something that needs to be done regularly to keep growing.
That’s really interesting. I can definitely see the benefits. I do think that real natural talent and creativity are mostly things people just have. However, I think talents can always stand to be honed and polished. Successful athletes, dancers, etc mostly have a natural aptitude, but they still need training and guidance. #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 I never thought of it that way – but you are right, people do generally need training to really enhance their natural skills!
Great tips, sounds like it’s come in very useful! At least you can use it unlike some degrees 😉 #BloggerClubUK
So true Sarah!
I used to love creative writing in high school. Then when I was in a band and wrote all the lyrics I still didn’t realize that I really had a knack for writing. It actually wasn’t until I started blogging that I realized I really loved writing about things I was passionate about. Maybe someday I will put all these thoughts in my head into a book. Thanks for hostessing and I apologize for the delay in my commenting as I am still trying to find my “back to school” routine.
You should definitely write that book! No problem, I imagine it’s a pretty hectic time for you 🙂
Interesting! I’ve never thought about a writing degree but had considered some form of short course lately. Thanks for the pointers! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 A short course would be a great idea to see if you really enjoy it before taking the plunge