Writing Classes
Can writing classes mess with your writing?
This is something I think about quite often. I think there is something raw, if you were meant to be a writer that is, that presents itself. It can be coal that is formed into a gem, but it's there, you can see it. A natural story teller, if you will.
Grammar and basic things can only make that better, studying other writers and techniques, okay. You're treading on thin ice with the techniques at times, but if you know what you're about then those can help--in my opinion.
But then there are schools and classes that "teach" you how to write.
There is a distinct difference between learning the craft, and the tools you need to unleash what you have, or what you're leaning--a certain way to learn, if you will. Creative writing I guess you can say.
But then there are classes that attempt to teach you how to write.
There are good and there are bad ones.
Most are gimmicks and depend on how far along you are. If you are very new to the game, you're probably going to waste a lot of money and learn nothing.
That being said, if you want to try this, don't let the teachers force you to write like them. They should teach you theory, yet let you employ your own methods and styles.
Of course there are things they must correct you on, but if they are trying to shove their writing down your throat, you might want to reevaluate the class.
You can't write like other people, and vise versa. Someone can take a story from you, for instance, and pass it off as their own, but if they (theoretically) get a book deal out of it, they won't be able to continue to write in your style.
Of course, don't let the stealing happen, but you see what I mean?
So just be careful when getting into these classes that promise the dream.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
But not all the time--so research.
And try to learn as much as you can before you take the plunge. Sometimes the courses are before your eyes, you just have to know how to find them on the net.
WCM
This is something I think about quite often. I think there is something raw, if you were meant to be a writer that is, that presents itself. It can be coal that is formed into a gem, but it's there, you can see it. A natural story teller, if you will.
Grammar and basic things can only make that better, studying other writers and techniques, okay. You're treading on thin ice with the techniques at times, but if you know what you're about then those can help--in my opinion.
But then there are schools and classes that "teach" you how to write.
There is a distinct difference between learning the craft, and the tools you need to unleash what you have, or what you're leaning--a certain way to learn, if you will. Creative writing I guess you can say.
But then there are classes that attempt to teach you how to write.
There are good and there are bad ones.
Most are gimmicks and depend on how far along you are. If you are very new to the game, you're probably going to waste a lot of money and learn nothing.
That being said, if you want to try this, don't let the teachers force you to write like them. They should teach you theory, yet let you employ your own methods and styles.
Of course there are things they must correct you on, but if they are trying to shove their writing down your throat, you might want to reevaluate the class.
You can't write like other people, and vise versa. Someone can take a story from you, for instance, and pass it off as their own, but if they (theoretically) get a book deal out of it, they won't be able to continue to write in your style.
Of course, don't let the stealing happen, but you see what I mean?
So just be careful when getting into these classes that promise the dream.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
But not all the time--so research.
And try to learn as much as you can before you take the plunge. Sometimes the courses are before your eyes, you just have to know how to find them on the net.
WCM
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