Become an Author - No Degree Required!

Have you thought that the only way to become a successful author is by having a college degree or tons of training? Going to college for literature, journalism or creative writing might help, but it’s certainly not necessary to start you on the path to being an author. 

Having a degree does not prove intelligence or confer talent. You only need to ask yourself, “Do I have a story I’d like to tell?”

There have been a number of famous authors who never got their college degree, whether for writing or anything else, and that didn’t prevent them from writing engaging and entertaining books. Here are a few great examples: Mark Twain, Ray Bradbury, Charles Dickens, Jack London, William Faulkner, and  Lee Child. 

Writing What Matters to You

Start by putting your ideas down on paper. Whichever type of book you wish to write, place your ideas in a folder for future reference and inspiration. Your book could be about your own experiences or you could simply mock up characters and worlds entirely from scratch. The important point is to write from the heart and let your imagination take over.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Today, there are endless resources to help you grow as a writer if you wish: books, online courses, writing groups, etc. You can develop your skills outside of a formal college setting by reading widely, writing regularly, and learning from feedback.

Reading a wide variety of books is also a good way to sharpen your skills. Not only do you see different writing styles, but you also should increase your vocabulary and see how words are put together. 

Practicing Consistently

In the end, becoming an author isn’t about having a degree. It’s about taking the time to get better at writing. “How?” you might ask. The simplicity of becoming a decent author is to just write… a lot. Write and write and write. And keep on writing. It’s just a drill and the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. You already have the passion or you wouldn’t be reading this post. Now just take that passion, couple it with persistence, and dedication to your dreams, and practice like mad until you complete the story you wish to share with the world.