Do Novelist Need Formal Education to Succeed in Writing?
The age-old question of whether a novelist needs formal education to succeed in the literary world is a topic of much debate. While some believe that a college degree is essential, others argue that personal experience and a love for the craft are just as vital. This article aims to explore the nuances of this issue, emphasizing the importance of reading, writing, and real-world experiences in becoming a successful author.
Do You Need a Degree in English?
It comes as a surprise to many that formal education is not a strict requirement for novelists. A novelist doesn't necessarily need to have a degree in English or even a related field. What is more important is the ability to articulate thoughts coherently and compellingly, which can often be honed through various means beyond the classroom.
Among many successful writers, a significant portion did not pursue formal education in literature. Dickens, for instance, had no formal schooling. Many self-taught authors, including George Orwell and J.D. Salinger, managed to reach great heights without a degree. This demonstrates that one can acquire the necessary skills through personal passion and dedication.
Formal Education vs. Self-Learning: What’s Best?
The argument against a formal education in English often arises from the fact that many traditional English teachers perceive genre fiction with disdain. They often believe that the genre lacks the sophistication and artistic integrity that literary fiction possesses. While there are some exceptional programs in English and creative writing that do appreciate and teach genre fiction, these are not the norm.
Margaret Atwood, a renowned science fiction and fantasy writer, spoke about her experiences in academia. She noted that some professors "believed that genre fiction was anti-intellectual and that if you wrote genre fiction, well, that made you uninteresting—hidebound, manipulative, limited, and, of course, a hack." This attitude can discourage aspiring writers from pursuing a formal education in literature, as it may stifle their creativity and restrict their ability to flourish in the genre they love.
Building a Successful Career: Reading, Writing, and Experiences
So, if a formal education is not the key to success, what is? For many successful writers, the answer is reading, reading, and more reading. Novelist Jim Butcher, creator of the “Mistborn” series, advises aspiring writers to read extensively in their chosen genres. This practice not only helps develop a writer’s voice but also exposes them to different narrative styles and techniques.
Writing is equally crucial. One of the most common pieces of advice given to aspiring authors is, "Write what you know." However, this is not always practical or the best approach. In reality, most of us don't have the experiences required for compelling fiction. Instead, the better advice might be to write what you love. Whether you are passionate about adventure, romance, or mystery, your enthusiasm will help you overcome the challenges of writing and research the necessary details.
Expediency and authenticity are to a certain extent compromised by the necessity of real-life experience. Novists like Stephen King, who did not follow the traditional path of formal education, emphasize the importance of having broad life experiences. According to King, “A writer needs to live in strange, amazing, surprising places and have had amazing, strange, and surprising experiences.” These experiences provide the raw material that fuels their creativity and informs their work.
In conclusion, while formal education in English can provide valuable skills and knowledge, it is not a definitive requirement for success in writing. Successful writing often boils down to a combination of personal passion, continuous reading, and a broad range of life experiences. By focusing on these elements, aspiring authors can develop their craft without the constraints of a narrow educational path.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a successful novelist is unique for each individual, but one thing is certain: formal education alone is not sufficient. Successful writing is a blend of personal passion, continuous learning, and a wealth of experiences. Whether you choose to pursue a formal education or not, the most important factors are enjoying your work and persevering through the challenges of the craft.
Keywords: novelist education, formal training, genre fiction