Abstract
Through qualitative interviews with seven professional and technical writers (PTWs) who majored in literature or creative writing, this study examines how students' emotions and beliefs about English as literary brought them to major in English but also limited their confidence in pursuing writing careers. Findings suggest that PTW concentrations in traditional English departments must account for their majors' affinity for the literary while also providing sufficient coursework that helps them understand how English actually leads to specific writing careers.