To be a writer or publisher, what should one study in university/college?

Question

I want to write Historical Romances...become the next Jane Austen!

Answer 1

I'll second the opinion that you should study English and History. They were my major and minor in college...and I found the classes were great. I loved every moment of my studies. Reading literature is wonderful...and history just gives you a context for everything you will read...and one day write. Knowing where things fit in in the greater context is fulfilling. I think English and History should always be taught together...because one influences the other and so forth. (As does music and art).

Some English colleges (divisions of Universities--sometimes "schools" sometimes "colleges" sometimes "departments") offer creative writing courses as well.

Two other things:

1) Always read books for fun in addition to your required classics. This will keep you in touch with reality, and provide hours of pleasure...I like to read YA lit. Balancing serious literature with the lighter reads...is just fun and it keeps you from being overwhelmed.

2) Always keep writing. Make time to write each week...even if you can't write every day. Even if you don't seek out opportunities to be published as you're going through school...just keep writing so you don't lose focus of your ultimate goal.

Answer 2

History would be great so you can be historically accurate, and the first couple writing/english courses so you know all about comma splices, run ons, etc....

However beyond that, you really dont need a degree to be a writer, unless you mean like journalism. I'm a writer with an agent and I've got tons of writer friends, some published (www.AdamSelzer.com, www.Laurenbarnholdt.com, www.robynschneider.com)....etc. One of those three is in college, but her college thing didnt' effect her getting a book deal. So its not neccessary.

The most important thing to do is READ READ READ. Lots and lots of historical romances. And not just one author, but tons of different ones. Only when you understand what you like to read will you know what you want to write. . . and i dont mean genre-wise, but i mean like what kind of characters, what makes stories compelling to you, etc.

Have fun and dont be afraid to just open up a word doc and start!! Remember: Don't get it write, get it written!

Edited to add: The writing always speaks for itself. No matter what your background or credits, if you write well and you persevere, you will succeed.

Answer 3

You should study a lot of literature, of any kind. It's OK to study Historical Romances, if you like this subject (Jane Austen...who wouldn't like that?). But the most important think is to read a lot of books, not only classics, but also new ones.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Many writers or publishers did not go to school to write. Some people are gifted or have talent to write. I would suggest that you take English, History, Literature classes if you are trying to get some kind of background and knowledge.

Answer 5

A writer should study English and in your case, history. A publisher should stuy business management and advertizing.

Answer 6

Study lots of history, English, Literature, even Archeology, since that will give you new perspectives on past civilizations.

Answer 7

Study Finance and work on Wall Street until you can make enough money to retire and indulge in this thankless profession. A starving artist creates sick works.

Answer 8

Try starting with science, math, history and politics. Too many authors, especially journalists, don't have a grasp of the fundamentsl and it reflects in their writing.

Answer 9

Good writing comes from practice. Take classes where your writing is criticized.

Answer 10

bleh...become the first J Welken. I would suggest studying Physics or Chemistry.