Do we really need to go and study how to write? Is it something you have or you don't?
Replies
I remember this crossroads!
I had exactly the same misgivings - that my perspective could be changed by the way I was taught/what I was taught and all my enjoyment could be sapped away. I know I was right not to study literature. Of course, I'll always study it in some form, but I think if more writers taught themselves, fiction would be a far more interesting place.
Your college experience is exactly why I would always be extremely cautious of advising that anyone should take any study course. As Jonathan says "those that can't teach..." This isn't entirely fair - there are inspiring teachers - but there are an awful lot of (at best) poor teachers.
I think that your time is likely to be better spent reading very widely and developing your own skills. If then you find that there is a specific problem - take action on that.
No. But It is better to learn from the best. All the best authors have read great traditional or award winning contemporary literature. But is better to read both, including as much as you can about the genre you are writing about.
I believe that those who are naturally creative and naturally poetic have the edge when it comes to writing novels. But that does not mean that someone who lacks creativity can’t out perform a creative genius who lacks dedication. Determined effort can reap significant rewards. It boils down to dedication. Besides, no-one was born a journalist. Even journalists had to learn their craft.
Before anyone considers enrolling on a creative writing course they should ask themselves: are the tutors on creative writing courses published authors? What success have their students had? What qualifications do they have? What can you learn from the creative writing course that you can’t teach yourself? Is the course for you?
There are cheaper options you can try first. I highly recommend ‘Aspects of the Novel’ by E. M. Forster, the successful author of Howards End, Room with a View and Passage to India. It is a must read for want-to-be authors, and can be bought for a few pounds on Amazon.
Also,used copies of ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King, can be bought for a Penny on Amazon excluding posting and packaging.
I remember this crossroads!
I had exactly the same misgivings - that my perspective could be changed by the way I was taught/what I was taught and all my enjoyment could be sapped away. I know I was right not to study literature. Of course, I'll always study it in some form, but I think if more writers taught themselves, fiction would be a far more interesting place.
Good luck.
Emelia
Your college experience is exactly why I would always be extremely cautious of advising that anyone should take any study course. As Jonathan says "those that can't teach..." This isn't entirely fair - there are inspiring teachers - but there are an awful lot of (at best) poor teachers.
I think that your time is likely to be better spent reading very widely and developing your own skills. If then you find that there is a specific problem - take action on that.
I hope all goes well.
:-)
Do you need writing qualifications?
No. But It is better to learn from the best. All the best authors have read great traditional or award winning contemporary literature. But is better to read both, including as much as you can about the genre you are writing about.
I believe that those who are naturally creative and naturally poetic have the edge when it comes to writing novels. But that does not mean that someone who lacks creativity can’t out perform a creative genius who lacks dedication. Determined effort can reap significant rewards. It boils down to dedication. Besides, no-one was born a journalist. Even journalists had to learn their craft.
Before anyone considers enrolling on a creative writing course they should ask themselves: are the tutors on creative writing courses published authors? What success have their students had? What qualifications do they have? What can you learn from the creative writing course that you can’t teach yourself? Is the course for you?
There are cheaper options you can try first. I highly recommend ‘Aspects of the Novel’ by E. M. Forster, the successful author of Howards End, Room with a View and Passage to India. It is a must read for want-to-be authors, and can be bought for a few pounds on Amazon.
Also,used copies of ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King, can be bought for a Penny on Amazon excluding posting and packaging.
I hope that helps.
Good Luck.