Minor

Creative Writing

Creative Writing, a form of artistic expression, is the process of crafting original and imaginative works of poetry and fiction in highly specialized small workshop class sizes of under fifteen students. It encourages the exploration of language, structure, and narrative, as students write as a means of communicating their unique experiences and perspectives into the world. Creative Writing students are challenged to improve their control of language and individual writing style as they study great works of classic and contemporary literature in preparation for future careers in a highly competitive workforce that values strong creative writing and communication skills.

Resources

New TabCourse Requirements

PDFMinor Checklist

Copies of the Review

About the Creative Writing Minor

The Creative Writing minor is an excellent addition for those pursuing careers in writing and 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 poetry, short stories, and novels. Our small workshop class sizes promote stimulating discussion and the exchange of ideas with both students and professors. Creative Writing minors receive highly individualized attention as they perfect their writing style, study diverse perspectives, and prepare for career paths and graduate school. Students who minor in Creative Writing build life-long bonds with professors and peers. They become lifetime learners, writers, and lifetime lovers of great works of literature.

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 authors in the publishing industry. 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. Critical reading and analytical reading learning objectives aid students in their ability to read a variety of literary texts closely, recognizing subtle and complex differences in language within specific literary genres
  2. Knowledge of a variety of key authors, traditions and movements, and literary and cultural history as it applies to specific works studied
  3. Knowledge of current book trends and publishing policies
  4. Strong writing and critical thinking skills as it relates to a student’s specialized study

Career Opportunities

There is an exciting and wide array of potential careers that a Creative Writing minor background opens the doors to, including jobs in writing, publishing, journalism, law, public relations, marketing, library science, and jobs in secondary and higher education.

  • Writer/Author, creative, nonfiction
  • Publishing, copyediting, editing, administration, book publishing
  • Journalism, magazine, newspapers, radio, and television broadcasting
  • Teacher, elementary school, high school, college, TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language)
  • Librarian, public and academic
  • Marketing, content creation, academic, social media
  • Marketing management
  • Product management

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 because they receive highly individualized attention as they perfect their writing styles, study diverse perspectives, and further prepare themselves for career paths and for graduate school. Our small workshop class sizes promote stimulating discussion about students’ original works as well as the exchange of ideas and insights. I am honored to be a part of a process that gives one of the greatest gifts an education can bestow, and that gift is one of creative expression. ‘The writer’s job is to tell the truth,’ Ernest Hemingway once said. Students are schooled in artistic freedom and perspective so that they never lose sight of who they are or what they hold dear and true to their hearts.”

—Karen Hufford, Professor of English; Creative Writing Program Coordinator
Alumna Krislee Twiner at graduation.
Alumni Success

Krislee Twiner Ellsworth (‘18)

Published Young Adult Novel Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Link to news articleRead More
Literary journal in physical and digital formats.
In the News

Annual Campus Literary Journal Now Available As E-Book

the review, Southern Virginia University’s annual literary journal featuring original student and faculty artwork and writing, is now being offered as an e-book in companionship with the physical edition to allow for increased accessibility and awareness campus-wide.

Link to news article.Read More