American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Creative writing has gradually developed from a personal leisure activity into a serious form of intellectual and professional engagement. Learning and practicing creative writing requires investments of time, effort, training, and financial resources, while the outcomes of such investment may remain uncertain for a considerable period. This study examines creative writing from an economic perspective by exploring the relationship between the resources devoted to developing writing skills and the potential benefits associated with literary achievement and publication. Attention is given to opportunity cost, especially the value of alternative activities that may be forgone while pursuing creative writing. A cost-benefit perspective is used to consider both measurable and less tangible outcomes, including professional opportunities, personal development, recognition, and potential income from published work. The analysis highlights the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of investments in creative writing and emphasizes the importance of evaluating its broader cultural and professional value alongside direct economic returns. The study contributes to a wider understanding of creative writing as an activity involving choices, investments, and potential long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Creative Writing; Opportunity Cost; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Economic Value; Literary Practice; Writing Investment; Publishing Outcomes; Professional Development; Creative Economy; Literary Production.