As a Creative Writing student, I’ve heard a multitude of comments that come from those who don’t believe writing is a great degree choice. These comments seem to come from people who think I might change my major just because they've put their two cents in. As if I didn’t consider the possibilities before committing years of my life and throwing myself into debt before deciding this was fine.
If you know someone getting a degree in Creative Writing, or any creative field in general, I promise you we've heard whatever your opinion is, and we aren't looking to hear it again. Be supportive, be encouraging, or just be quiet. We have enough voices in our heads as it is, please don't add to that.
1. “You can’t make money being a writer unless you get really lucky.”
Luck? Is that how that happens? Man, then I am in the wrong field. I thought for sure it was based on talent and skill. I guarantee you some of my faves did not get to where they are based on luck. Sure, it takes some luck, as anything does. It doesn't hurt that the right publisher picked up a manuscript and thought, "My God! A secret school for young witches and wizards, it's bloody brilliant!" and decided to take the wizarding world farther than I'm sure J.K. could have ever imagined.
But books aren't published, most of the time, on pure luck. It takes knowing how to write and craft convincing characters and magnificent worlds. Wanna guess where you learn those skills? School! Isn't that crazy? I'm in school for writing, and they know how to write, and I'm learning how to write. It's almost like I'm on the right track or something.
2. “So you’re going to teach?”
Umm...no. I mean, I could. But just because I'm getting degrees in Creative Writing and English, doesn't mean I want to teach it. There's other great careers out there. Screenwriting, play-writing, journalism or content creation which is exactly what I am doing right this second. Look, you're already reading a product of my degree. Are you shocked yet?
3. “I have a great idea for a book!”
OK, cool. So you go write it. I don't want to write your story #sorrynotsorry. Chances are, and no offense, if you aren't familiar with Creative Writing, you probably have a "great" idea for a movie and not a book. Also, I have about one million and a half of my own half-formed ideas floating around in my head, please don't add to that. It's painful enough as it is.
4. “Will you create a character after me?”
Probably not. And at this rate you'd end up as the villain, so do you really want to go there?
5. “Do you actually plan to do something with that degree?”
Nope. Just went to school for funsies!
Of course! I plan to be a Creative Writer, surprise! Honestly, it's not really any of your business anyway, but yes. I plan to write. I chose something that I love more than anything to do and I went for it. I might not be rolling in money from writing, but I will be writing. And a degree in this field is only going to make me a stronger writer. If I'm going to be writing no matter what, then I better be damn good at it, right?
6. “Your parents must be mad you chose Creative Writing.”
First off, no, they aren't. Sure, they think I could have chosen something with a little more job security, but I'm in school getting a degree. They're happy I'm working towards something. Secondly, it's my life and my future, not theirs. So why is that important? Should my parents determine my future for me? Did your parents determine yours?
7. “You could go to school for nursing and then write as a hobby.”
Speaking of parents, this is my dad's favorite line. Yes, I could have gone to school for nursing or teaching, but why? To have money? It's not what I want to do. And writing isn't a hobby, it's essentially my life force. I don't want to make time for writing around a career I don't want. I want to love what I do.
8. “You probably won’t have time to write once you’re married and have kids.”
I think you're missing the point, writing will be my career. That's like telling a woman to quit her job because she has to raise her family now. Which, in case you miss the sarcasm, is not okay to do. Also, if my wild and craziest dreams come true, I'll be writing at home, spending time with my family and working. It's the best of both worlds.
9. “Can you write my paper for me?”
NO!
10. “How will you make money?"
You know what, I don't know. Maybe I'll be a successful writer with my work being optioned for film and TV. Maybe there will be a franchise based on one of my series and Tumblr fandoms to fall in love with my writing. Maybe I'll create something that changes the lives of millions.
Or maybe I'll just keep writing articles and blog posts and change just one person's life. Maybe I'll write early in the mornings or late at night, working around a job that actually makes money. The point is, I don't care. I didn't go to school to make money, I went to school to become great at something I love. No matter what, money or family or not, I will write. Bottom line, it's my life.
