Minor

Creative Writing

Creative writing is the process of crafting original and imaginative works of poetry, prose, or scripts. It encourages the exploration of language, structure, and narrative, and it also communicates unique perspectives and experiences in the world.

Copies of the Review

About the Creative Writing Minor

The Creative Writing minor is an excellent addition for those pursuing careers in writing and for those interested in developing their writing skills. Students in the program study various genres including great works of fiction and poetry. They also learn to write in various writing styles such as poems, short stories, and novels. In workshop classes, students dive into the refinement of the craft as they study the use of the five senses as a way to create a scene or develop a character as they work in collaboration with their peers and professors to refine their work.

Students in the program can participate in the Popular Fiction Workshop, taught once a year, to learn about the publishing industry, study current book trends, and receive personal writing advice on projects from published authors. Students can also submit their work to “The Review,” Southern Virginia University’s annual literary journal, which features poetry, short stories, and art.

Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn in the Creative Writing minor:

  1. Thorough understanding of different writing styles and their uses
  2. Knowledge of current book trends and publishing policies
  3. Strong writing and critical thinking skills

Career Opportunities

With a creative writing minor, you will open doors to literary professions. By honing your technical and creative writing skills you can prepare yourself for future professional growth.

  • Author
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Copywriter
  • Teacher

Getting Started in the Creative Writing Minor

Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the Creative Writing Minor today.


Enroll

Begin by taking Fundamentals of Creative Writing (ENG 220) in your first or second year


Contact Your Advisor

Get in touch with New tabProfessor Karen Hufford to discuss your interests and goals.


Declare

Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Minor form to the Registrar’s Office.


Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.

Creative Writing Faculty

Professor Karen Hufford

Karen Hufford

Professor of English; Creative Writing Program Coordinator

“Students from all disciplines can benefit from a creative writing minor as it teaches you so many skills that translate well into other areas of life. It’s a great stepping stone for those who are interested in writing, publishing, or just describing the world in which they live.”

—Karen Hufford, Professor of English; Creative Writing Program Coordinator