I have been accepted to a writing school, what should I Do?

Question

I took a writing test for a college. They said they loved my short story and writing style. To help me improve and get some contacts I need to sign up and take the course. I have no problem spending the $50. a month, and it is a great course I've checked it out, and they don't accept everyone. I have friends who have been accecpted and turned away. So it truely is an opportunity. Why the question then? I don't know, maybe just some your opinions at this moment is what I need. I can't give you a taste of the short story I've written because I will be submitting it later this year. Please, some advice.

The school does offer college credits.. it's worth 5.

Answer 1

I am a published writer (academic texts mostly, but two novels too). In my experience (as well as the experience of many other people I know who write for a living) these so-called writing schools are a waste of time and of money. Why? Simple, no-one but *no-one* who makes a penny from writing has ever found anything useful from these schools - ask yourself this question: if these people who teach writing knew anything at all about it, why the heck are they spending their time giving classes when they should be producing REAL writing? In short, they are, bar none, charlatans, and they want only one thing from you - your money and, I guarantee, they will steal your stories too if they are really worth what you claim they are worth. If you do not believe me, then ask them to give you the names of the people who have attended their classes who have subsequently had their work published, and by that I mean NOT published via the school itself or a vanity press. I assure you there will be no-one at all.

It's much better to sit down, think hard and write. Alone. With no so-called 'expert' help.

There are only two rules for writers: 1/ Write for yourself, no-one else. 2/ This can only be done by applying your butt to the chair, week in, week out, year in, year out. No free weekends, no trips to the beach, no nights out. Give yourself 6 years to write your first novel. Anything less than this and you will never produce material considered worthy for publication.

After that, you will have the very great difficulty of finding an honest agent (you will NEVER be published without one). Have a lawyer read every letter of the contract they ask you to sign otherwise you WILL be cheated.

Sorry if all of this sounds cynical, but the world is full of so-called 'writers' who do nothing but talk about writing and very little in the way of producing material. Good luck. You will sure as hell need it.

Answer 2

Why not go to real college where you can get academic credit and a degree? Plus, numerous opportunities to get experience on the campus newspaper, and generally, a well-rounded snapshot of really different writing opportunities?

Answer 3

Do it, it could launch your writting carer and next thing you know your books are flying off the shelves! I'd love to be accepted into a school like that, GO FOR IT!!!!

Answer 4

Go for it or you'll spend the rest of your life saying "what if".