What is a good backup major for an aspiring writer?

[Alex]

I am struggling to decide what I want to major in at my university. I am majoring in English because my ultimate dream is to write novels and short stories. However, being a realist, I understand that many people fail and it often takes a long time to get published. What is a good second major/alternative career I could pursue while I develop my writing and try to get published? For example, I was thinking about nursing. Any thoughts?

[Alex]

Well, I have two books yet to be published (it does take a long time! And a costly amount of shipping) but as well as an author I am a school guidance counselor. Anything is possible! You can easily do two jobs at once

Bess'd

[sensualgruv]

I majored in English in College, with a minor in media and theatre arts production. I currently have two published novels (you can see my titles in my profile). I have held many jobs in film, theatre, television, music production, and advertising before getting a career with the government which allowed me to utilize all my skills as well as several others.

It really depends on what else you are good at and what you hope to be doing. I know of another published author who is a nurse, her schedule is crazy and she also has a family. But she managed it.

Some people have majored in marketing, sociology, social work, law, medicine... and yet they have all managed to write.

[lolg]

Journalism, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy are all interesting fields if you want an alternative career.