Even if you think you might not.
by Ella Tomes
When course enrollment time rolls around, picking courses can be hard. And picking a “fun” class to balance out your requirements can sometimes be even harder. But I am here to tell you that creative writing classes exist and they are for you (even if you think they aren’t). UW–Madison offers fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Creative writing can seem like it’s only for English students, or like you need experience as a “writer.” But you don’t. These classes are built for students across all majors, and the point is not to show up already knowing what you are doing. The true lesson is to learn how to put words together with clarity and intention, and to practice saying what you actually mean.
People might be hesitant to dedicate time to what could be seen as simply “storytelling,” but creative writing can teach skills essential to the world we live in. Learning how to write a story clearly, with intention behind every sentence, is a valuable skill not only on the page but also in real life. Understanding the structure of storytelling can transfer to job applications, interviews, research, and even the everyday moments where you are trying to explain yourself without rambling.
When I walked into English 207: Intro to Creative Writing, my freshman year, I was very quiet, and I honestly felt embarrassed to talk about my writing. But now, as a senior taking English 408: Creative Writing: Fiction Workshop with Professor Dantiel Moniz, I can actually feel the difference in my confidence. I have found a new love for talking about my ideas out loud. Through these classes, I found my voice not just on the page but also within myself.
One of the biggest takeaways from creative writing classes is the feedback you receive from your peers. Hearing people’s thoughts and opinions can clarify so much. It forces you to see how someone experiences your words, which is essential in any kind of writing. But after feedback comes the hardest part, revision. It might seem like the first version of a story or a poem should be the final version, but that’s not true. The magic happens in revision. Understanding how to revise any kind of writing is something that could make or break your writing. And once you learn how to do that, it stops being just a creative writing thing and starts showing up in everything you write.
Storytelling is communication, and people from all fields use it every day without even realizing it. I spoke to Stella Harper, a zoology major here who is on the path to becoming a vet. She decided to take English 207: Intro to Creative Writing because she had always loved reading. She told me:
“The creative writing courses at the UW have helped me a lot in science classes. I feel that they have really helped me with my confidence in writing. These traits transfer smoothly into writing skills for scientific research papers and experimental reports.”
Her experience is proof that creative writing is not only about being artistic, but it’s also about getting better at how you communicate on the page.
Right now, writing is more powerful than ever. It can be hard at first, but that’s what makes it worth it. After all the typing and brainstorming, you get to look at the page and say, I did that. So if you are looking for a credit to fill and want to challenge yourself while also gaining skills that stick with you forever, consider clicking add to cart on that creative writing class. Nobody starts out as a “writer,” and you might be surprised with what you learn, not only about writing, but also about yourself.