Can you teach someone to be a writer? I can hear the fans on one side of the stadium yelling, "Yes!” while those in the nose-bleeds shout, "No!"
And you're probably both right.
Most jobs require some type of talent/skill set to be securely tucked under your belt for you to be considered. You wouldn't apply for a plumber's position without pertinent training or certification.
Here's the rub: You can be trained all day long and still be a bad plumber. Just because you've received documentation that you can now "plumb" doesn't mean you know what you're doing.
What about when it comes to other arts like painting, acting, or singing? There are voice coaches, art teachers (had one!), and drama coaches who can teach proper form and technique and provide encouragement, but if you don't have the inherent talent of a Kelly Clarkson or a Meryl Streep, you may get to a plateau and not get any further.
So back to the question of the day: Can you teach someone to be a writer? Absolutely.
> Syntax
> Rhythm
> Proper grammar and punctuation
> Using your voice
...can be taught but what can't be is the inherent talent and God-given gift of being a writer.
If you do have that urgent feeling of "I MUST get this down on paper," nothing will be able to stop you.
And as long as your expectations are realistic and you understand you may not be the next Poe or Twain (although you may be!), then when you have setbacks or are unable to make writing your main vocation, it might be easier to accept.
Not one sentence of this post is meant to dissuade you from shooting for the moon and if you want to be a writer, write. If you can't imagine doing anything else, let your love for words be heard. There's room for all of us.
Daily practice will improve your work over time and is something I do to stay on top of the craft.
I was a professional singer for most of my life. I toured the country, sang on a cruise ship, and had some incredible opportunities with song writing…
But I was/am an average singer.
Never quite good enough to make it into the inner circle that is celebrity. Here's what was a great blessing -- it was put on my heart to get out of the business after many years of having my own level of success. It's not what I was meant to do for the rest of my life.
I didn't have the need any more to let my emotion flow out from my voice. So I did what I was best at: Writing.
I have the need, the urgency, the "Can't NOT write" stamp on my heart.
Whatever your decision, make it yourself without letting outside influences tell you what you can and can't do. At the same time understand that you may be made and have gifts to do something else. While you write for the pure enjoyment of it.
So yes, I believe writing can be taught. I also believe it takes more than an instructor to make a writer out of someone who may be better suited to thrive doing something else.
Write on!
P.S. If you need blogs that will grab your customers' attention, gimme a shout! Contact me at jenflattosborn@writeawaycreations.com or here. And my tail will be wagging.