How to Become a Writer in Pennsylvania with a BFA, MFA or Similar Creative Writing Degree

Pennsylvania’s Creative Writing Classes, Courses, and Workshops Can Prepare You for a Creative Writing Degree

You probably know by now that becoming a writer doesn’t mean following a prescriptive path. There’s no perfect model to hold up or rigidly structured process that offers the assurance of success. And by its very nature, writing is an art – an abstract, elusive, undefined art – that requires passion and vision from its creator. It’s something that exists for an audience only in the way the author allows it to. Your journey as a writer begins with self-reaction and deep immersion into your own thoughts, desires, and visions. After all, Alcott’s most memorable piece of writing, Little Women, was, in fact, a protégé of her own life – a window into her own mind.

Developing your craft, then, is inevitably tied to self-discovery. This, of course, means that you’ll need an outlet for self-inquiry as much as self-expression – a place where you can unravel yourself, challenge your own thoughts, and find your voice. There’s no better way to do this than to get involved with your local writing community.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are full of opportunities for the amateur writer. Local bookstores, such as A Novel Idea in Philadelphia, are great places to connect with fellow writers, participate in thoughtful discussions with a book club, and capture an audience on open-mic nights.

Groups like the Mad Poets Society and Babel Poetry Collective out of Philadelphia are hot connections for networking with fellow poets, giving you a chance to field honest critique through workshops and open-mic readings. The Brandywine Valley Writers Group, which meets once a month at Ryan’s Pub in West Chester, and the Main Line Writers Group, meeting monthly at Black Powder Tavern in Wayne, are great connections for professional and amateur writers alike who subscribe to a more novelistic approach.

It’s important to keep yourself informed about the goings-on in your local literary scene, too. Circulars like Philadelphia Stories and Painted Bride Quarterly are great resources for new material, information about local events, and manuscript submission. There’s also a slew of publishing agencies in Philadelphia that are always looking for new talent, including Arch Street Press and West Philly Press.

Writing Colleges in Pennsylvania Offering Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing Provide a Path to Becoming a Writer

Ultimately, though, a formal education in creative writing is what brings your experience, networking, and passion together in a cohesive way. Simply put, it’s what separates the professionals from the amateurs. Don’t let all your toil and introspection fall victim to a lifetime of hobby writing. Check out these creative writing degree programs, find one that fits, and start your career as a writer today!