Do you believe being a writer is your calling? Learn how to improve your writing skills without a college degree, and let your voice be heard.
So, you want to be a writer? First off, my apologies. You’re about to embark on a grand, seemingly endless journey of creatively frustrating days, sleepless nights, and hours of unpaid labor to improve your writing skills and hopefully find an audience willing to read your words.
I’m probably being a bit dramatic, but really, what writer isn’t? We’re literally paid to dramatize words and ideas to lure readers in. We also often write the words others are afraid to say or organize obscure or incoherent thoughts into seamless, meaningful prose others can relate to. And that’s a skill that only comes with patience and practice.
So, you still want to be a writer? Good. The world can always use more perspectives and brave voices. Now, let’s figure out how to get there. Many people assume college is the way to go. While a creative writing degree program can certainly be helpful, it isn’t the only option nor is it attainable for everyone.
This post delves into how to improve your writing skills without college and be the voice you believe the world needs to hear.
Do You Need a College Degree to Be a Writer?
You don’t need a college degree to be a writer. Technically, anyone who writes is considered a writer. Although, for transparency, I am one of those writers who has both a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing.
I don’t regret my degrees. In fact, I think they helped me immensely but in my unique situation, which is a story for another post. Getting an English or writing degree isn’t necessary, and it’s certainly not the only way to become a writer or improve your skills. Plenty of famous writers never finished their degrees or attended college at all, including:
- Maya Angelou
- Ray Bradbury
- Ernest Hemingway
- Mark Twain
- H. G. Wells
- Jack Kerouac
- William Faulkner
How to Improve Your Writing Skills Without College
While obtaining a fancy degree isn’t a prerequisite to becoming a successful writer, learning the craft is, meaning those stereotypical stories of college students pulling all-night crunches and stumbling through sleep-deprived days fueled by Red Bull may still apply to the aspiring non-collegiate writer.
Creative writers aren’t bred overnight but honed over time through a meticulous concoction of reading, writing, mimicking, and learning. Below, you’ll find tips explaining how to become a creative writer without college and get one step closer to seeing your name in bold print on the shelves of your favorite bookstore.
Write
And write some more. Write when the words pour unprovoked from your fingertips and when they feel awkward and clunky, like they don’t quite fit together, but you swear there’s something there anyway. You should also write when it’s the last thing you want to do because you still believe, deep down, that those unwanted words may be worth something to someone someday.
And even if you don’t believe they’re worth anything – write them down anyway. Because the cold, hard truth is the only way to get better at something is to keep doing it. And that means writing through the bad prose to unearth something great.
Read. A Lot.
If you’re trying to figure out how to become a better writer, you need to understand what good writing looks like. I know, I know, good writing is subjective and all that, but oftentimes, there’s a reason why certain books or authors are lauded years, decades, or even centuries after being published.
It’s because their words transcend time and still resonate with people today, or they did something novel and groundbreaking that redefined what good literature looked like, at least in their specific genre. Determine what genres or types of stories you gravitate toward, and then become intimately familiar with what works, what doesn’t, and what you like as a reader. These elements combined can help you become a better writer.
Invest in Craft Books (or Find Online Craft Essays)
When I was in college, reading craft essays on story elements, like characterization, dialogue, conflict, and theme, was a core component of my studies. Although many of us writers originally gravitate toward the craft because we like the freedom and “anything goes” attitude that often accompanies writing, we also understand that a story must logically make sense for it to work.
Investing in craft books or finding online craft essays, like those published by Cleaver Magazine or Poets & Writers, can illuminate the methodology behind writing. If you aren’t sure where to start with books, check these out:
- The Art of Fiction by John Gardner
- On Writing by Stephen King
- Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
- The Art of Subtext by Charles Baxter
- Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
Network With Other Writers
There aren’t many things writers hate more than hearing the word “networking.” As people who prefer the written word over verbal speech, we aren’t exactly known for our admirable socialization skills. The good news is you can network with other writers without actually leaving your house or talking to them in person.
Social media platforms, like Facebook and LinkedIn, have groups you can join to meet other writers digitally. By joining a writing group aligning with your goals or interests, you can find advice, resources, and information about literary events from other writers or maybe befriend someone willing to exchange work for feedback.
Join a Community or Online Workshop
Okay, this tip does require a bit of talking and possibly even leaving your house, but joining a workshop is one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your creative writing skills. Workshops give you a chance to share your writing and receive feedback from other writers, helping you understand what’s working and what needs more attention.
Use social media or check with local universities or cultural centers to find in-person community workshops. Organizations like Writer’s Digest and Writers.com also offer online writing workshops, courses, and conferences.
Integrate Writing Into Your Daily Routine
Last but not least, establishing a daily writing routine can help you boost your productivity and build better writing habits. Now, I don’t mean you have to dedicate hours each day to writing. Start with, say, 15 minutes, and go from there.
Try to write at the same time everyday to make it feel like a natural part of your daily schedule. Limit distractions by turning phone notifications off or finding a quiet, calming space to work, and see where the words take you.
Some days will be more prolific than others, but all writing days are good days. As long as you’re consistently pressing pen to paper or filling a white document with words, you’re making progress. You’re producing something. And really, that’s the most important thing you can do as a writer.
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The Enlightened Storyteller 