Commencement at Liberty University is just around the corner. This year, I will be graduating with a degree in English and Writing. While my English classes help further my love of literature, my creative writing classes have geared me toward my work as a writer.
Right now, I am completing my final creative writing classes for my bachelor's degree. I am also working on a series of books set during the Crusades, a series concerning the Regency era, and a 1960s espionage novel. In my final classes, I have learned more about editing, editing for publishing, and the process of a book's publication.
In today's world, it is not only necessary to write well but to know the process of publication. Literary agents can help a great deal. And while books can be self-published, I have long desired the publication of my works through traditional publishing.
If a writer were to ask me if English classes or creative writing classes are more beneficial for them, I would say that both are. The former directs the writer to what literature should be, while the latter teaches one how to do it. Certainly, English and writing cannot be totally separated.
For me, I have learned the beauty of literature and the craft of creative writing from my degree. I purposefully delayed the latter for the end of my program as I wanted my knowledge of publication to be fresh while I am pursuing contacts with one or more literary agents to publish my first novel.
What do I hope to gain from my knowledge of publishing? How to advance my books and prepare them as manuscripts for the world to read!
