A dark and moody path through the woods with fallen leaves covering the ground.

The AJSWITZY Project:

Stories, Creative Living, and a Bit of Chaos

Is A Writing Degree Worth It if You Want to Be a Novelist?

PERSONAL ESSAYS | WRITING JOURNEY

Aspiring writers often ask if you have to study writing to become a writer. The short answer is no. If you write, you already are a writer. Your novel can get published with or without a writing degree. But if you want to be hired as a writer, a degree can make a big difference.

If you’re early on your writing path and considering pursuing a writing degree, keep reading. This post walks through my 4-year journey as a writing student:

Choose Your Adventure

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How to Use Sound to Enter Creative Flow: A Writing Ritual for Inspired Productivity

INTENTION & PRACTICE | CREATIVE RITUALS

I’m sure we’ve all wished we could just sit down to write, immediately get into a groove, and knock out a bunch of words like it’s nothing.

Most of the time, it’s not like that. My brain wants to get the mood right. And if we’re being honest, I can waste a lot of time doing that. But I found a shortcut to that creative flow mood when I was in college and wanted to do some fun writing between class projects. That shortcut was sound.

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FEATURED POST

Lani Sarem at AWCon 18: I Remain Unconvinced

As seen referenced on Jealous Haters Book Club and the Handbook for Mortals Wikipedia page!

In 2018, I sat in the front row of Lani Sarem’s seminar “How I Navigated the NYT Bestseller List” at a writing conference. I wanted to hear her side of the story and ask a few questions myself.

Portrait of writer and artist Amanda Surowitz looking off to the side with a relaxed expression while standing under a maple tree just starting to turn yellow in autumn.

Meet the Writer

A curious mind bringing together writing, art, and intention—with a few plot twists.

I’m Amanda, a writer and artist with a soft spot for the strange and stories that leave a mark. When I’m not working in websites content marketing, I’m creating.

What began as a place to chronicle what I learned as a college student pursuing a writing degree has evolved over the years. Now, it’s The AJSWITZY Project.

Here in my corner of the internet, you’ll find everything there is to know about my creative work. Whether you’re a fellow creative, a curious reader, or a wanderer just here for the vibes, grab your favorite drink and pull up a seat. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME ⟶

Dispatches from the Creative Underworld

Direct-to-inbox posts for curious readers, intuitive weirdos, and wild-hearted creatives.