And now, the answer to the question that stymies me whenever I speak to a group of high-school-age writers: “What should I major in if I want to write novels?”
Major in statistics. You’ll learn the odds of getting published are roughly three zillion to one.
Major in economics. You’ll understand why the publishing companies will never put you on a book tour or run an ad for your book in The New Yorker.
Major in law. You can fight Google and everyone else who wants to offer your book as a free download.
Major in journalism. Your future will appear so tenuous your parents will beg you to be a novelist instead.
Major in history. You’ll unearth enough material that you won’t need to invest in research and travel, which you’ll never make back on your advance.
Major in drama. Being rejected during auditions will make being rejected on paper seem like child’s play.
Major in forensics. When you inevitably end up writing for a hack TV crime show, you won’t have to work too hard.
Major in English. That’s what all the English majors would tell you to do.
Major in computer science. You can invent something with a better name than “vook.”
Major in Spanish. It will help your parents understand your Hemingway-esque desire to run with the bulls.
Major in psychology. Trust me –it’s easier to work through daddy issues on the couch than on the page.
Major in Phys Ed. Most first-time authors are attractive and fit. (Oh, don’t tell me you don’t look at those author photos!)
Major in music. Since you’re going to be singing the blues your entire life, you may as well be in tune.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
hahaha. we’re in trouble…
hmmmm, as a recent college graduate I have a feeling that there’s a ring of truth to each of those majors.
Major in drama. Being rejected during auditions will make being rejected on paper seem like child’s play.
ha!
Yeah, Lauren, there’s a touch of truth in my tongue-in-cheek article. It’s good to be prepared, and good to have an income stream while you’re establishing yourself.
I am just about to start my MFA in Creative Writing…maybe I should have picked something else?
Actually, Michelle, I’m a huge fan of MFAs. I do think they help — with the craft, with experience, with connections.
Funny how I’ve covered so many of these bases, Kelly! I have two degrees in music and trust me, it is much easier to be rejected in the privacy of your own home, via email or by letter, then to have someone look up from their sandwich while you’re singing your heart out, only to have them frown when you hit the high note. “Thanks, but no thanks,” stings a little more in person! I’ve also worked a law school fundraiser, an English professor, an actress, and as a journalist! Come on publishers–I’m ready for you! I would show this to my students but I think it would make them cry!
По моему мнению Вы не правы. Я уверен. Могу это доказать. Пишите мне в PM, обсудим.
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