What education is need to be a writer?

Question

My dream is to be come a great author. I want to right young Adult books. What level or type of education do I need to become a writer?

Answer 1

I'm guessing you need to take an English/Literature class from... first grade until your senior year of high school. I think that'll give you enough knowledge and experience to learn how to write the word 'write' correctly instead of writing 'right.'

College would do you good as well. You need writing practice.

PS

fictionpress.net <<< Community of writers where you can post your work up, receive critiques and give your own to other people. (alethegoodsoul is my penname there)

If you need any help, message me. I'm an experienced writer that may/can/could help you reach your goal.

You need some guidance, kiddoe. You so need it.

Answer 2

The best authors have an appreciation and understanding of the language they are writing in. Excellent grammar and spelling are vital, as is a large vocabulary.

Whilst you may want to make a formal study of literature, it's not really necessary.

Read a lot of books, articles and anything that comes your way. Ask yourself if you find the writing clear, and then ask how you would write that same thing.

Find something you want to write about, then research it - even if it is fiction, you will need to research your location and time, so that you don't make any glaring errors.

Avoid "flowery prose" when possible - description is good, but to use too many adjectives results ina very difficult to read piece.

And above all - get a good beta reader or editor (even a friend!) to read your work before submitting it. This third party reader will pick up errors you've missed, and any plotholes.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Technically, you dont need any. When it comes to art, and or most creative areas, you cant really learn it at school. Artistic talent is something I believe you are born with, not learn from a textbook. What school can help you with is the technical side of things. Spellling and grammer. College can help with this, but in the end you can still get a good editor to handle that stuff.

I would recromend going to college and trying all kinds of classes. If you want to write, then do it. The more you write the better. And also remember that sometimes writing quality comes down to opinion, so don't get discouraged if someone doesnt like your work. Don't give up on your dreams.

Answer 4

The ability to read and write are the only skills you really need to be a writer. The fact that you already have homonym issues ('right' for 'write') and diction concerns ('be come' for 'become') may prove that some reading and grammar education could help (but that hasn't stopped many published authors with a good proofreader).

Some alternatives: check out journalism, literature, and creative writing workshops (formal or informal) and/or courses.

Answer 5

I'd recommend an English major. Look for colleges with good English departments and creative writing programs. Some schools offer courses in Young Adult Literature. You can also major in Creative Writing at some schools. If you like pursuing more after you graduate, there are graduate programs where you can get an M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing. Of course, you can write anywhere. Just continuing to write wherever you are is the most important thing.

Answer 6

Education comes in many flavors. Do not think because you obtain a degree in literature that you will write the great (insert country of your choice) novel. To write you must live first. Read the classics. Obtain an education from whatever source is available to you and learn the trade of writing. And then my literary friend, after you have lived and seen with your own heart, then you can sit down and pour it over the canvas. Lei capicce?

Answer 7

Many great writers are not highly educated, they may just be natural wordsmiths with talent. Usually, "great authors" have an innate intelligence and use it to express what they have to say. English Literature with an emphasis in writing would be a good area of study for a writer. There are many good creative writing courses to help you study the craft of writing. Here's a good site to go to for getting your "feet wet." http://www.writing.com/?rfrc=google&rfrt=googlecw&sp=1&gclid=CJWwifC80YYCFSggVAodFSUoLw

Answer 8

I'm in the same situation. Look into colleges and universities around and see about their English/lit/creative writing degrees etc.
Though schooling may not be required, you could work part time anywhere and then lock yourself away and write your masterpiece. Who knows?
As many have said before, read a lot, write a lot and then do it all again. It isn't going to be easy but if you truly love what you do you'll do it with a smile.

Answer 9

English, grammar, creative writing, and classes in topics that you would like to write about. If you want to write young adult books, you should learn about Young Adults, what kinds of things they like, etc. Also, read a lot, your writing will improve if you can read different styles. I wish you all the luck in the world, it sounds like you have a great goal to work towards.

Answer 10

You don't need to have any particular education. If you feel the need for classes, though, be sure to check your community college to see what English Composition or Literature courses are available.