How likely is it to become a screenwriter?

Do you have to major in theater or creative writing in order to become a screenwriter?

• becoming a screenwriter as well as a film director is my life-long dream. Something i will achieve no matter what i have to do. My question is, do you have to major in theater or arts or creative writing or writing in general in order to become a successful screenwriter and director? i looked at 2011's Academy awards nominees for screenwriters and all of them seemed to have majored in theater or arts. I myself am going to get a degree in either engineering or medicine, in order to make my parents happy, because they have alot of expectations for me, and letting them down in a way would be letting myself down. but once i'm finished with the degree i intend to write screenplays for fantastic ideas i've had and i want to become successful in it. I know im talented as a writer, because i 've had very positive remarks from EVERYONE whom i've shared my ideas with and i generally just know that i am very good at it, because its the love of my life and i spend a lot of time refining my storytelling skills. Is there a way i can become a successful screenwriter and director after becoming an engineer or a doctor? i'm willing to do whatever it takes, and i know i can succeed if im given the opportunity.

• Answer:

  Nope. You don't need a degree, you don't need college, you don't need anything other than a thick skin, an imagination and the inability to take "no" for an answer to be a screenwriter. That's it.