3 answers
Maria
Student
Irving, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Can someone help me find the right college and scholarhips for writing I wanna be an author
Im am looking for scholarships for collages ? #college #writing #scholarships #author
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3 answers
Matt Magee
Software Industry Team Lead
3
Answers
United States
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Having been the author of two, quite technical books for IBM, I think I might like to offer a different answer.
Whatever you decide to write about, it should be something that you have a great deal of passion for.
If you passion lies in bowling or other pursuits, then dropping out, could be an approach.
However, if what drives your passion are intellectual pursuits, then develop your expertise.
Go to college, work in industry and try to master that difficult thing.
Work with others who share your passion and experience life in that context.
Write, edit, write, edit write edit and then edit some more.
I do not disagree that what matters is the quality of your work.
However, what drives you, is what will make that work worth reading.
Whatever you decide to write about, it should be something that you have a great deal of passion for.
If you passion lies in bowling or other pursuits, then dropping out, could be an approach.
However, if what drives your passion are intellectual pursuits, then develop your expertise.
Go to college, work in industry and try to master that difficult thing.
Work with others who share your passion and experience life in that context.
Write, edit, write, edit write edit and then edit some more.
I do not disagree that what matters is the quality of your work.
However, what drives you, is what will make that work worth reading.
Emily Koch
Content Designer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Many writers don't go to school. What matters is your work, so I'd suggest looking at the authors you admire, and research what did they do to get there. Figure out what they did, and use that as a guide!
Another great thing you can do to be a successful author, similar to a musician, is practice. Read often and write just as often. If you share with others, you can get great advice from them on how to improve.
Now, to answer your question:
In terms of finding the right school, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all option! That said, I've heard that the University of Iowa has a very well-known program for creative writing. Though, I've found that no matter how good a school's reputation is, you can still sail through and not get a ton of value out off it. So look for a school with a good program, supportive faculty, a cost that's affordable to you, and one that gives you lots of opportunities to write.
If you go to a university or college for writing, reach out to and build bonds with your professors. Don't be afraid to go to them for advice!
Another great thing you can do to be a successful author, similar to a musician, is practice. Read often and write just as often. If you share with others, you can get great advice from them on how to improve.
Now, to answer your question:
In terms of finding the right school, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all option! That said, I've heard that the University of Iowa has a very well-known program for creative writing. Though, I've found that no matter how good a school's reputation is, you can still sail through and not get a ton of value out off it. So look for a school with a good program, supportive faculty, a cost that's affordable to you, and one that gives you lots of opportunities to write.
Emily recommends the following next steps:
Bobby Hilliard
Rac·on·teur
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bobby’s Answer
Go to Community College for a year. Learn the basics. Drop out. Go live somewhere cool. Write every single day. Read constantly. That's the best college you can go to. No one cares about MFAs or where you went, it's about the quality of your work.