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Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Teaching the Fundamentals

     I find it both fascinating and disconcerting when I discover yet another person who believes that writing can't be taught. Frankly, I don't understand this point of view.

     I've long believed that there are two distinct but equally important halves to the writing process: One of these is related to art; the other is related to craft. Obviously, art cannot be taught. No one can give another human being the soul of an artist, the sensibility of a writer, or the passion to put words on paper that is the gift and the curse of those who fashion poetry and prose. But it's ludicrous to suggest and shortsighted to believe that the fundamentals of fiction can't be taught.

Elizabeth Gorge, Write Away, 2004

2 comments:

  1. I used to be able to write short stories. Quit for a few years and having a hard time getting back into it.

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    1. Tell yourself, all in first draft, the kind of story you like. Just let it flow and worry later about editing and publication. You have nothing to lose. No matter what you are creating something. It should be fun.

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