Friday, March 23, 2007

Law or Creative Writing?

I am trying to decide what I want to do with my life. I have only two possible options (this is exaggerated for effect) : I can either go to Law school, be a lawyer, make money and make a difference in this world, or I can go do a graduate program in creative writing, have a lot of fun, not get a job, not make money and have fewer prospects than when I began.
I've been praying about it a lot. I am really trying to work close with Heavenly Father to know what I am supposed to do, and you know what? It feels like he wants me to go do Creative Writing. So I think, You can't get a job that way! But then I think about it and I pray and I think, Man, I sure wish I could be a writer for the rest of my life. So I don't know. I am very excited about general conference coming up. I am sure to get a better idea after listening to the lord's messengers for two days.
We are going to miss the preisthood session because Tasha works until 5:30 on Saturday, and so we're going to drive to Utah after that so we can go to the Sunday morning session. I am so excited. I'll get to watch three of the five sessions, and one of them in the conference center. I am so happy.
So I will listen to the apostles, especially Elder Oaks who was a judge in the Utah Supreme court. He knows a thing or two about law.

4 comments:

the fellers said...

Just my thoughts on what you said....one thing I always tell Shon, and I think is very important. It makes life a little harder not having a lot of money....but easier in some aspects....but the thing is....I would rather have a happy husband, that is doing something he loves, and not have a lot of money vs. having a husband that doesnt LOVE his job, but is making a lot of money. It is a hard decision, but my advice is to do what you love, you will be happier!
-Vin

Anonymous said...

There are jobs to get Steven, it just depends. And don't think of an MFA as an end either. And Academia isn't the only path. I have a friend in my program who just took the LSAT and he's taking the subject GRE. He could go either way.

About ten people in my program already have Master's in English or something else.

Now if an MFA is the route you want to take, just remember. You have to publish a book. That's the best way to become marketable.

Jac said...

or you could sell your soul to advertising.

Jaren Watson said...

Steven,
Jaren Watson here. I'm not sure if you remember me or not. We used to workshop a little together in days of yore. Anyway, I feel your pain, brother. I went/am going through the same thing, only my dilemma was medicine and writing. Well, you know what I decided. The funny thing is, it turns out that it's harder to get into an MFA program than med school, and, from what I hear, law school. Statistically, at least.
I wouldn't presume to give you advice, but I'll pose this question. If you become a lawyer, are you going to spend your honest moments wishing you had become a writer? If a writer, will you wish you had become a lawyer?
Not that my opinion matters, but from what I've read of yours previously, and what I've recently read on the various blogs which feature some of your work, you've got what it takes, bucko. Either way, the Lord will use you to bless the lives of others.