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Do you need to go to college to be a best selling author ?
I’m in the tenth grade in a school that makes me uncomfortable so do a Successful author need college to make a living
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Terrell,
It's wonderful that you are creative and enjoy writing! But what makes you uncomfortable at school? Maybe figuring that out and looking how to improve your situation is a better way, before you decide that education, ANY education, is not for you. If you have a school counselor or a trusted teacher, please talk to them. If you have supportive parents or other adults in your life, please talk to them too.
Now about your question, you don't need to go to school to be a writer. Getting published, making money and being successful is not so easy though. Publishers get loads of manuscripts every week, and standing out is difficult.
At your age you also still have a lot of growing up to do. You need to try out different things, meet different people and different perspectives, experience different things to find your place in life. Going to university to study e.g. creative writing or english will give you that. You can still write your own stories on the side and try to get published if you have compelling stories to tell right now. But like most professions, honing your craft is important, and university will make you a better writer and a better thinker.
You find links to some creative writing programs here:
https://www.bachelorsportal.com/search/bachelor/creative-writing/united-states
Good luck!
KP
It's wonderful that you are creative and enjoy writing! But what makes you uncomfortable at school? Maybe figuring that out and looking how to improve your situation is a better way, before you decide that education, ANY education, is not for you. If you have a school counselor or a trusted teacher, please talk to them. If you have supportive parents or other adults in your life, please talk to them too.
Now about your question, you don't need to go to school to be a writer. Getting published, making money and being successful is not so easy though. Publishers get loads of manuscripts every week, and standing out is difficult.
At your age you also still have a lot of growing up to do. You need to try out different things, meet different people and different perspectives, experience different things to find your place in life. Going to university to study e.g. creative writing or english will give you that. You can still write your own stories on the side and try to get published if you have compelling stories to tell right now. But like most professions, honing your craft is important, and university will make you a better writer and a better thinker.
You find links to some creative writing programs here:
https://www.bachelorsportal.com/search/bachelor/creative-writing/united-states
Good luck!
KP
Thank you for the advice, Karin.
Terrell
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hey, that's a very good question. The answer is, absolutely NOT!
Some of the most famous, and influential writers have never set foot in a college. Here are a few: the great sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury, Truman Capote, Maya Angelou, Mark Twain, Jack Kerouak, William Faulkner, Jack London, Harper Lee ... (yeah, I got this list from the internet).
However, in order to learn your craft it's always best to learn the ground rules, and once you get that down you need to hone your craft. Going to college may prove to be a good environment to learn those ground rules and hone your craft. You'll be among others seeking the same as you, and you can help each other out, learn together, compare notes, critique each other's writing ... or just talk about writing. Man, I'd love that!
For me, I was bitten by the writing bug in high school - a million years ago - and somehow ended up taking 5 years of English elective classes. I took them because they were easy for me, and I loved everything about writing. While I was unable to attend college back then, I did take a mail-order course from Writer's Digest. And I read the classic authors (a few are listed above), and read books about how to write, and so on.
I don't want to discourage you - at all, but writing is a tough business to make a living. Many writers started out making a living as journalists, or copywriters writing for ad companies, or English teachers, before they made their mark as a best selling author. They took those jobs to bring in the moolah, while working on their personal gem after their workday was over.
But man! If you love to write, and after reading your work you say to yourself, "Wow, this is great stuff!", then a week later you go back and read it again and you say to yourself, "Wow, I really like this ... wait ... did I write this? No way, this is too good!", then you just keep writing, and learning about the craft, the art of writing. Then write a few short stories. Or short, short stories. Then read them back, make changes, add new stuff, add a character - whatever. But keep doing it. If you LOVE writing, then write, and write, and write.
Don't worry about becoming a best selling author. Worry about becoming the best writer you can be - then see where it takes you!
All the best to you!
Ciao,
Roger
Some of the most famous, and influential writers have never set foot in a college. Here are a few: the great sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury, Truman Capote, Maya Angelou, Mark Twain, Jack Kerouak, William Faulkner, Jack London, Harper Lee ... (yeah, I got this list from the internet).
However, in order to learn your craft it's always best to learn the ground rules, and once you get that down you need to hone your craft. Going to college may prove to be a good environment to learn those ground rules and hone your craft. You'll be among others seeking the same as you, and you can help each other out, learn together, compare notes, critique each other's writing ... or just talk about writing. Man, I'd love that!
For me, I was bitten by the writing bug in high school - a million years ago - and somehow ended up taking 5 years of English elective classes. I took them because they were easy for me, and I loved everything about writing. While I was unable to attend college back then, I did take a mail-order course from Writer's Digest. And I read the classic authors (a few are listed above), and read books about how to write, and so on.
I don't want to discourage you - at all, but writing is a tough business to make a living. Many writers started out making a living as journalists, or copywriters writing for ad companies, or English teachers, before they made their mark as a best selling author. They took those jobs to bring in the moolah, while working on their personal gem after their workday was over.
But man! If you love to write, and after reading your work you say to yourself, "Wow, this is great stuff!", then a week later you go back and read it again and you say to yourself, "Wow, I really like this ... wait ... did I write this? No way, this is too good!", then you just keep writing, and learning about the craft, the art of writing. Then write a few short stories. Or short, short stories. Then read them back, make changes, add new stuff, add a character - whatever. But keep doing it. If you LOVE writing, then write, and write, and write.
Don't worry about becoming a best selling author. Worry about becoming the best writer you can be - then see where it takes you!
All the best to you!
Ciao,
Roger
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think college can offer a nice foundation for many careers. With that being said, I think you could find success as an author without a degree. Between some of the AI options and just writing from your heart, you can find success! Writing is a competitive industry. Maybe having an associates degree in English/writing would give you more skills to find success.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Terrell
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Going to college is not required to be a successful author. College can help when it comes to giving you more insight into the writing field, along with teaching you about other writing formats. Treat college as an option to consider if you have the budget for it. It can be a great experience both for learning and meeting new people, but it's not mandatory. Since you're in the 10th grade you still have time to think and plan things out. Don't let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Terrell!
Just wondering, have you ever asked yourself if you need to go to college to become a best-selling author? Well, the quick answer is no, you don't necessarily have to. Sure, college can equip you with some useful skills and knowledge that might help you as an author, but it's not a must-have ticket to success in the world of writing. There are plenty of authors who've made it big without a college degree in writing or similar fields.
So, what does make a successful author? Well, there are a few key ingredients. Creativity, imagination, the knack for telling a good story, and a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences are all vital. And guess what? These aren't things you can only learn in a classroom. You can nurture them through your own experiences, by reading widely, and by practicing your craft.
Now, don't get me wrong, formal education can be a great way to learn writing skills and techniques. But it's not the only way. Many famous authors have sharpened their skills through self-study, mentorship, and just plain old practice. Plus, in the publishing world, they often care more about originality, unique viewpoints, and captivating storytelling than they do about academic qualifications.
There are plenty of examples of authors who didn't follow the traditional college route. Some had different careers before they switched to writing full-time, while others drew on their life experiences and personal passions to write gripping stories. And with self-publishing platforms and digital media, there are now more ways than ever for budding authors to get their work out there, without needing formal literary qualifications.
So, in a nutshell, while a college education can be helpful, it's not a must for becoming a best-selling author. What really counts is creativity, storytelling talent, determination, and the ability to connect with readers emotionally. There are loads of different ways to hone your craft and get recognized, without necessarily having a college degree in writing.
By the way, I used some top-notch sources to answer your question: The New York Times, The Guardian, and Writer’s Digest. They're all great places to get insights into the journeys of successful authors and the role of formal education in writing.
Before I sign off, check out my bio at the end of the 'About Me' section. It's kind of like my autobiography. It has some tips on how to eat food that boosts your nutrient intake. Because, let's face it, not all foods are created equal. Some say humans are the only creatures that ruin their food before eating it. But we can do better! So, have a look at the bio and pick up some ideas to improve your writing skills.
Take care and God bless,
James.
Just wondering, have you ever asked yourself if you need to go to college to become a best-selling author? Well, the quick answer is no, you don't necessarily have to. Sure, college can equip you with some useful skills and knowledge that might help you as an author, but it's not a must-have ticket to success in the world of writing. There are plenty of authors who've made it big without a college degree in writing or similar fields.
So, what does make a successful author? Well, there are a few key ingredients. Creativity, imagination, the knack for telling a good story, and a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences are all vital. And guess what? These aren't things you can only learn in a classroom. You can nurture them through your own experiences, by reading widely, and by practicing your craft.
Now, don't get me wrong, formal education can be a great way to learn writing skills and techniques. But it's not the only way. Many famous authors have sharpened their skills through self-study, mentorship, and just plain old practice. Plus, in the publishing world, they often care more about originality, unique viewpoints, and captivating storytelling than they do about academic qualifications.
There are plenty of examples of authors who didn't follow the traditional college route. Some had different careers before they switched to writing full-time, while others drew on their life experiences and personal passions to write gripping stories. And with self-publishing platforms and digital media, there are now more ways than ever for budding authors to get their work out there, without needing formal literary qualifications.
So, in a nutshell, while a college education can be helpful, it's not a must for becoming a best-selling author. What really counts is creativity, storytelling talent, determination, and the ability to connect with readers emotionally. There are loads of different ways to hone your craft and get recognized, without necessarily having a college degree in writing.
By the way, I used some top-notch sources to answer your question: The New York Times, The Guardian, and Writer’s Digest. They're all great places to get insights into the journeys of successful authors and the role of formal education in writing.
Before I sign off, check out my bio at the end of the 'About Me' section. It's kind of like my autobiography. It has some tips on how to eat food that boosts your nutrient intake. Because, let's face it, not all foods are created equal. Some say humans are the only creatures that ruin their food before eating it. But we can do better! So, have a look at the bio and pick up some ideas to improve your writing skills.
Take care and God bless,
James.