Who is the better writer, the one with the college Degree, or the dropout who wr

1. 59

   SheliaKayposted 13 years ago

   Who is the better writer, the one with the college Degree, or the dropout who writes with passion.
   
   With so much talent on here did you graduate from college?
   
   

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2. 47

   chanrothposted 13 years ago

   It's really hard to judge who can be the better writer or the worst writer because either way, both drop out and non drop out are good writer in different way. I found that people who drop out of HS is much smarter than those who didn't. Same goes to college student...I pursue college because I want to be a good role model for my children and expand my knowledge. When I start to write...I leave everything behind, this include whatever I learn in school, I put my heart into my writing.

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3. 70

   BakerRamblesposted 13 years ago

   I'm currently college, but my passion for writing for surpasses anything a class could do to enlighten me.  I feel as though when the pen is moving my mind is living, creating inspirations within myself that can be felt by others around the world.

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4. 59

   SheliaKayposted 13 years ago

   Chanroth I do agree about some drop outs can be just as, if not smarter then a college grad, I feel a college grad or one who is attending expands their horizons a bit more therefor sparking more creativity and less closed minded. Most young girls are not thinking of their future children as you mentioned how you want to be a good role model. I know that was the furthest thing from my mind when I first became a mother at the age of 18.  Baker you and Chanroth both mentioned your passion when it comes to writing. I can read the passion in your answers and I would have to agree that is what makes a good Author. I have read some writings that lacked this passion but was loaded with educated words to the point where I needed a dictionary to even understand it needless to say I lost interest fast. My lack of a college education has held me back from pursuing my dreams of writing but I am learning differently at this stage in my life. Thank you for your answers.

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5. 0

   writeronlineposted 13 years ago

   Hi Sheliakay,
   
   I'd have to say that I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. 
   
   Frequently the style of writing is determined by the purpose / need, ie; a formal business document will likely be more credible if written from the head, more than the heart. And, vice versa in the case of a novel, or a sales letter for example, where emotion is the key driver.
   
   A good writer should be able to adapt their style and tone accordingly.
   
   I personally find 'passion' an over-used attribute that many writers bestow upon themselves, and to me, this creates a pretension I find cringeworthy. But, that's just my opinion, not meant to offend.
   
   But in fact, my main reason for responding to your question is because I read your comment that "My lack of a college education has held me back from pursuing my dreams of writing".
   
   Don't let it SheliaKay. I left school at age 16, never took any further formal instruction, and made my living in advertising, writing business strategies, and as a copywriter.
   
   Writing is simply using words to communicate. (Don't laugh, some people draw, some take photographs, it's all communication, and personal expression). You'll have your own style, and if you're passionate (the word belongs in this context) about what you want to communicate, that will bring your thoughts and words off the page and into the heart and mind of your readers.
   
   As Nike used to say "Just do it."
   
   Cheers, and good luck.

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   iloveglee83posted 13 years ago

   I'm in college, and I love to write, but I've always love to write and I'm sure if your a writer you have loved to write most of your life so I don't feel that a persons education staus has anything to do with their ability to write. You right because that is what you love to do.

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   M. T. Dremerposted 13 years ago

   I have a bachelor's degree in creative writing and while I won't say that a college education guarantees good writing, I would say that it produces refined writing. You can have all the passion in the world, but if your story is riddled with spelling errors, grammatical missteps and plot holes, people probably won't want to read it. We all make mistakes, of course, but the more you make, the harder it is to ignore. Also, even though many great writers break rules and molds of their genres, I feel it is essential to know what those rules are before being able to break them. Accidentally breaking a writing rule doesn't produce the same result as intentionally breaking one.
   
   But despite the refinement higher education can bring, it is not a requirement. In other words, it can be self taught. If you make the effort to read as much as possible, and involve yourself in writing workshops, you can give yourself the education that would have been gained from college. It all depends on the effort you're willing to put in. Writers who wish to be published should seriously work on trying to refine their writing as much as possible. Writers who only wish to write for themselves, have much less restrictions.

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8. 94

   wannabwesternposted 13 years ago

   That is a loaded question. I agree with other commenters that going to college can make you a better writer, and that passion alone will not guarantee success. College is a place of learning, and an educated, passionate writer is probably going to have more control over their talents.

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9. 60

   Savvycruzrposted 13 years ago

   Well SheliaKay, If BOTH of them have passion as writers - then they are GOOD.
   
   Sir. Richard Branson who comes from a family of Legal practitioners has no college education but he has a strong passion for what he does as an International business man and entrepreneur. So PASSION is the keyword here!:-)

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10. 67

    marwan asmarposted 7 years ago

    The one who writes with passion. Its always good to write from the gut. Somebody with a college degree might hesitate and say "I have to write in a certain way or style" and end up not giving his best.

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