Can Writing Be Learned?
In the writers' communities that I've been a part of, this is one question that seems to pop up from time to time. Most people, I think, are starting to come around to the idea that you can learn to write as opposed to needing some inborn talent. That said, I think that those without that special innate talent are forever doomed to be "lesser" writers. But, hey, that didn't stop Tom Clancy from getting onto the bestseller lists, now did it?
Personally, I'm of the opinion that writing can indeed be learned. However, I'm not sure whether one can truly learn to write well in a classroom setting. In high school, I took a class called Writer's Craft and, during the course of the semester, turned out work that was far worse then what I'd been writing at home. Looking back on it now, I'm not sure I even managed to improve much from the experience. In my opinion, there are three aspects to pay attention to when learning how to write.
The first, and most important, is to realize that writing is something that's learned by doing. Every new story, even every new character is important to the development of a budding writer, because it forces them to try different things. This is why it's probably not a great idea for first time writers to plan long epics, or stories with sequel after sequel - because it doesn't ask the writer to do anything new, and results in stagnation. Of course, when I was starting out, the first thing I wrote was a novel intended to have many sequels, followed by a novelette that did, end up, having many sequels. To this day, it's a path I regret choosing. Those two projects lasted over two years and, when I look back, there's not much improvement to be seen.
Of course, this isn't to say that if you churn out hundreds of short stories you're well on your way to being a great writer. You've also got to read. A lot. And not just your favourite series, or what's assigned in school, or the latest bestseller, but everything you can get your hands on. Novels, short stories, poetry, drama - it all contributes to developing a sense of what makes great literature. And, if you can get a handle on that, you have a pretty sizeable advantage over the rest of the crowd.
Finally (and some people may argue this point) I think that interaction is absolutely crucial to a writer's development. You have to get acquainted, in some form or another, with other writers. Your opinions are good, of course, but let's face it - a writer's success is based entirely on the opinion of others. Interaction with other writers helps to gather more views on the craft of writing itself and also teaches valuable lessons about critiquing, finding markets, doing research, etc., etc.
Do these three things for long enough (I think it was Bradbury who said that a writer needed to have written one million words before they could truly be considered a writer) and you'll probably start to have some successes.
Of course, this isn't to say that learning how to write in a classroom is useless, I just have no real experience there. In fact, one of my life goals to accomplish before the age of thirty is to attend the Clarion writers workshop. If you haven't heard of it, Clarion (there are three workshops, one in Seattle, one at the university of Michigan and one in Australia) is an intense six-week long "bootcamp" for SF&F writers. Workshops are given by top writers in the field (the 2005 lineup at Clarion East consisted of Hugo winner Joan Vinge, World Fantasy and Tiptree winner Gwyneth Jones, Nebula and Hugo nominee Charles Coleman Finlay, Campbell and Locus winner Cory Doctorow, Nebula winner Walter Jon Williams, Nebula winner Leslie What and Asimov's editor Sheila Williams) and attendees learn tips and tricks, write short stories and have them evaluated by both those teaching and their fellow students. Man, I would kill to go to that.
But, I digress. Maybe someone else has had a better experience in a classroom setting?
Personally, I'm of the opinion that writing can indeed be learned. However, I'm not sure whether one can truly learn to write well in a classroom setting. In high school, I took a class called Writer's Craft and, during the course of the semester, turned out work that was far worse then what I'd been writing at home. Looking back on it now, I'm not sure I even managed to improve much from the experience. In my opinion, there are three aspects to pay attention to when learning how to write.
The first, and most important, is to realize that writing is something that's learned by doing. Every new story, even every new character is important to the development of a budding writer, because it forces them to try different things. This is why it's probably not a great idea for first time writers to plan long epics, or stories with sequel after sequel - because it doesn't ask the writer to do anything new, and results in stagnation. Of course, when I was starting out, the first thing I wrote was a novel intended to have many sequels, followed by a novelette that did, end up, having many sequels. To this day, it's a path I regret choosing. Those two projects lasted over two years and, when I look back, there's not much improvement to be seen.
Of course, this isn't to say that if you churn out hundreds of short stories you're well on your way to being a great writer. You've also got to read. A lot. And not just your favourite series, or what's assigned in school, or the latest bestseller, but everything you can get your hands on. Novels, short stories, poetry, drama - it all contributes to developing a sense of what makes great literature. And, if you can get a handle on that, you have a pretty sizeable advantage over the rest of the crowd.
Finally (and some people may argue this point) I think that interaction is absolutely crucial to a writer's development. You have to get acquainted, in some form or another, with other writers. Your opinions are good, of course, but let's face it - a writer's success is based entirely on the opinion of others. Interaction with other writers helps to gather more views on the craft of writing itself and also teaches valuable lessons about critiquing, finding markets, doing research, etc., etc.
Do these three things for long enough (I think it was Bradbury who said that a writer needed to have written one million words before they could truly be considered a writer) and you'll probably start to have some successes.
Of course, this isn't to say that learning how to write in a classroom is useless, I just have no real experience there. In fact, one of my life goals to accomplish before the age of thirty is to attend the Clarion writers workshop. If you haven't heard of it, Clarion (there are three workshops, one in Seattle, one at the university of Michigan and one in Australia) is an intense six-week long "bootcamp" for SF&F writers. Workshops are given by top writers in the field (the 2005 lineup at Clarion East consisted of Hugo winner Joan Vinge, World Fantasy and Tiptree winner Gwyneth Jones, Nebula and Hugo nominee Charles Coleman Finlay, Campbell and Locus winner Cory Doctorow, Nebula winner Walter Jon Williams, Nebula winner Leslie What and Asimov's editor Sheila Williams) and attendees learn tips and tricks, write short stories and have them evaluated by both those teaching and their fellow students. Man, I would kill to go to that.
But, I digress. Maybe someone else has had a better experience in a classroom setting?
10 Comments:
My stories are riveting tales of tactical espionage and international intrigue. Even if they weren't bestsellers a dozen times over people would still be reading them. There exellent..and you are a catty little bitch.
-Tom Clancy
I think writing can be learned because I didn't start writing until college. However I think that the creative talent was something that was always in me...with writing a just found another way to express it...use it...
I think classes are good for pointing out techniques. I've taken many which I've found helpful in that they make me realize where and when in my writing I start to digress or do something I shouldn't. However the only way my writing has improved has been through WRITING and more writing and more writing. You can't apply the lessons learned if you don't write.
I think that writing can be learned, but like Jennifer I think it has a lot to do with just writing endlessley. I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn't until this year when I told myself that I was going to write no matter what, that it started going anywhere.
I have to agree that reading is also essential to a great writer. Every author that I have asked has told me that they do exactly what you said, they read everything that they can get their hands on.
One thing that I have found interesting over the last year is that my mind works in a different way, now that I'm writing more. I find that the smallest thing, a brief scene in a movie, a turn of phrase, a line in a song, will convert itself into an idea in my brain. I think that is neat.
Writing, like anything other skill, has to be learned and practiced regularly if you're going to improve. I've seen a definite improvement with my writing since I first started.
I agree with Jennifer, who said that writing classes are good for pointing out techniques. I'd like to add that they also give the writer the opportunity for others to critique their work.
Reading many genres, including nonfiction, is also important in building your skill level because you have examples to go by. It can also spark new ideas for your next book or short story.
I never took a writing class per se. I think you can learn the "rules": grammar, sentences, paragraphs, dialogue, descriptions etc., but I odn't think you can learn how to put it together and your ideas together.
Writing requires tons of practice and learning, but there is still that 1% that has to be in you. Call it talent if you will.
I think most people share similar beliefs to my own, which is always nice to hear :)
Jennifer - Out of curiousity, did you take Creative Writing classes in college, or just general Literature classes?
I took one creative writing class (which was a focus on poetry ugh and short stories) my 5th year of college (I had a five year program). And I took a couple of literature classes. That was all I had room for with free electives -- my major being architecture there was little room for anything else (and I didn't start writing until the summer of my third year). I did, while in school, take the Long Ridge Writing Program (a correspondance class--don't know if you've heard of it.) Basically I got this writing apptitude test and filled it out because I felt like it...I wasn't even going to mail it in...but somehow I did. And well the rest is history...they obviously they thought I had some potential...which I thought was either wonderful or they were on drugs cause I'd never written a word before and they said I passed their apptitude test.
Anyway signed up for the class and started learning how to write.
Wow that was a long answer for a simple question. Sorry to go on so long.
I met people doing the Clarion South (Australia) workshop a couple of years ago, and man do they work 'em. I'm not sure I'd be up for such an intense six week program, one of the things I like about writing is all the naps.
Still if you come to Clarion in Brisbane we'd be able to catch up for a beer and talk about all things sci-fi.
I think I remember Stephen King saying that you can't teach people to be good writers. I however do think that you can learn to be a good writer, if it's in you heart to achieve something and you put in the effort.
PS Cavan I'm writing (in Five Parts) my story of how I started writing...if you want the full story. Part one is up. Part two should be up today with the other's following shortly.
Not everyone can learn to write well but everyone can learn to write better. I think of Steven King his early work is just bad, but The Stand is classic. Some people will never write a great book, but they can improve.
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