Do i have to go to college to be a writer?

[Megan]

I'm 19, and i really want to be a writer. My area of writing would be books that teenage girls would like to read. I have a highschool diploma, but i'm not in college right now. Would i need to go to college to be a writer? Are there any famous writers who did not go to college? And would my getting top scores in my states highschool writing exams help my career? And if i wanted to take a creative writing class, could i do it online?

 

[moldyrutabaga]

I am not a writer, but my advice is that most professional writers have degrees in English, journalism, or creative writing. Most. There are of course people with natural talent, but one of the advantages in going to college is that finding contacts and opportunities will be easier.

My suggestion is that you major in English literature and take some creative writing courses or get involved with a campus newspaper. If it's really in your blood, it will come out. If not, you might be able to find a career such as teaching which will give you a reliable income while you write on the side.

 

[I'dtapthat]

If you want to write, do just that and write. Being a writer isn't like other jobs, people with college and university degrees might not get their books published, while those who haven't gone might get lucky.

It might be nice to go to school and perhaps get inspired, but there are no set rules to becoming an author.

Look at Twilight, it was most def whipped out of the authors ass in less than a day.

 

[kitty]

None of that stuff matters at all. Going to college might help you become a better writer, but it's not necessary. All you have to do is write a book that people want to read. You can send it to publishers and if they like it, they'll make your book. Exam scores will not affect anything, but the fact that you did well on those test means that you might be a good enough writer to make it. You could probably take an online creative writing class through your local community college.

 

[BenT]

Its a sure bet that getting a degree would improve your chances of becoming a professional writer, but is that the only way? Not necessarily, it ultimately requires talent or a natural knack for weaving a tale. Stephen Kings best advice to young authors is to READ and read some more. Examine how your favorite authors are writing and try to emulate it. Take notes.

College will really help you hone a natural talent though.

 

[CDB]

I resented the fact that I had to take English in college since I had been writing for years and was pretty darn good at it. But I have to admit, it helped me to become a better writer.
I strongly recommend continuing your education.