Time for a little fun. So, what do you do with an English or creative writing degree? Lots of people assume that teaching is the only path for a writing grad. But as a holder of one such degree, let me offer a few interesting career paths:

8. Grant Writer. If you’ve got a big heart and a cause that’s dear to you, becoming a grant writer will put your talents to use while you help a non-profit obtain much needed funding.

7. Technical Writer. You know how to break things down into simple steps? Perfect. As a technical writer, you’d write manuals and process documents for anything from computer products to company procedures so that other people can figure out how to use/follow them.

6. Lawyer. Surprised? Well, lawyers have to do a lot of writing and reading. All those nights that you’ve pored over Spenser and Joyce give you the prime skills to go to law school and to defend or prosecute.

5. World Famous Author. If that great American novel is finally ready to come out, find an agent and get that book published. Not too many people can make it in this career (it is very competitive), but if this is your passion, go for it without reservation.

4. Journalist. Ready to be the next Walter Cronkite? Find a newspaper or TV station to work for, and start climbing the ladder to that feature column or nightly news anchor position.

3. Public Relations Advocate. Somebody has to write all those press releases and speeches for the big-wigs and corporations. Maybe this is your calling. If you’re more out-going than the average bookworm, you might really enjoy it.

2. Copywriter. Love the marketing around a product like Ipod? Then take your love of words into a highly creative career writing advertising and branding copy for a product or service.

1. Professional blogger. Make your own hours and topics. While I’m not pulling this off yet, a number of bloggers spout off whatever is on their minds and make a nice living off of advertising revenue on their blogs.

So that’s my top eight writing careers. Next up: top uses for the ole art degree. That ought to be fun.