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Creative Writing at NESA
The creative writing major is a dynamic four-year program focused on developing the next generation of working writers across the genres of poetry, fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, television writing, creative non-fiction, editing/publishing, and performance. Since writing isn’t just a skill, but also an art form, this major teaches students a way to convey ideas, emotions, and stories that resonate with the world. Writing is a journey of self-discovery and a way to connect with others on a profound level. Whether a student aspires to be a novelist, poet, screenwriter, or journalist, our creative writing major helps them find their voice and express their unique perspective.
Through four annual shows including The Play-Offs, a 100% student-written 10-minute play festival, as well as student-ran digital and print publication opportunities, the creative writing major deeply integrates with all NESA majors to write, direct, and perform their own original work. Our top writers end up participating in local, regional, and national writing programs, such as Scholastic Arts & Writing, Poetry Out Loud, The Princeton 10-Minute Play Festival, Blank Theater National Young Playwrights, and numerous literary journals and publications. With these broad experiences paired with literary talent developed through individual mentoring, creative writing graduates possess the professional repertoire to continue their writing prowess after NESA.
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Coursework for Creative Writing
Freshman Courses
Literary Genres: Students are initiated into their major with a variety of literary genres, including poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction. They explore the work of established writers and gain a deeper appreciation of literature.
Practical Writing: Students learn the practical aspects of writing, including effective communication, grammar, and composition, laying the foundation for their creative journey.
Sophomore Courses
Creative Writing I: Students are introduced to creative writing with an emphasis on narrative techniques and storytelling. They develop skills in crafting compelling characters and engaging plots.
Humanities: Students expand their horizons by exploring the intersection of literature, culture, and society, gaining insights into how writing reflects and shapes our world.
Junior Courses
Imaginative Writing: Students unleash their imagination as they dive into imaginative writing, which includes genres like fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism.
Writing for Stage and Screen: Students explore the art of scriptwriting for both stage and screen, learning how to bring stories to life through dialogue and visual storytelling.
Senior Courses
Creative Writing II: Students further develop their creative writing skills to a professional level, working on longer-form projects such as novels or comprehensive creative works.
Research and Technical Writing: Students gain proficiency in research and technical writing, preparing them for a variety of writing-related careers.
Additional Courses
Theater Arts I: Students obtain a deeper appreciation for the performing arts by exploring Theater Arts, complementing their creative writing skills and broadening their artistic perspective.
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Career Paths in Creative Writing
Graduating from NESA as a Creative Writing Major leads to a variety of exciting careers, including:
- Novelist: Crafts novels and stories, sharing imaginative worlds with readers.
- Poet: Expresses emotions and ideas through the art of poetry.
- Screenwriter: Writes scripts for films and television, bringing stories to life on the screen.
- Journalist: Reports on important events and issues, conveying information to the public.
- Content Writer: Creates engaging content for websites, blogs, and social media.
- Editor: Refines and polishes the work of other writers for publication.
- Technical Writer: Communicates complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Playwright: Writes compelling plays for the stage, exploring the human experience through drama.
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Student Showcase
