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studying writing?

leiphos

leiphos

Bluelighter
Joined
May 8, 2008
Messages
1,147
i wonder how many bluelighters study writing at a college or university? does the Words forum crowd think that writing is even something that can be studied in academic settings, or is it something that is refined on your own, so to speak? the latter theory seems to be have more of a historical basis, but in the past few decades writing programs have been popping up everywhere (at least in the usa). for young writers this question is very pertinent. how do mfa programs and undergrad crwr programs fit into the historical scheme of writing “education”? is it possible that such programs put writers at a disadvantage, even?
 
I am studying psychology and philosophy at university, Ive barely taken any english classes just the standard ENG 101, 102... I feel like a few of the people on this board have to be english majors with the skill of their writing. As far as developing your writing skills I feel like grammar, structure, vocabulary can be taught to a degree but creativity, flow, artistry and content is more of a personal endeavor than one taught. Purely my opinion and I havent been writing to long so take it with a grain of salt but I felt you deserved a response =D.
 
writing/english was my initial major but i had to switch to nursing so i could get high paying work almost anywhere i might wander. but my real love is reading and writing. finally i'm beginning to get a few words published and am saving $$ like a miser so i will be able to quit nursing and write full time hopefully very soon. for me, grad school wouldn't be worth the bucks. as notDeja said, reading a lot of work by good writers helps the reader become a better writer.
 
MynameisnotDeja said:
The best way to study writing is to read a lot!
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i agree, but don't you think having what you read analyzed not only by you but by a qualified professional and your peers helps enlighten your perspective on it, and helps you take more from it + learn more as a writer?
 
...though, bit of a useless comment, just leaving it at that.
i absolutely think writing can be studying academically. (i'd be barking up the wrong tree, if i didn't). you might never be able to learn how to write interesting or profound things, but at least you might be able to work on all the other parts of writing; structure, grammar, etc
 
leiphos said:
i agree, but don't you think having what you read analyzed not only by you but by a qualified professional and your peers helps enlighten your perspective on it, and helps you take more from it + learn more as a writer?
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Hmmm. I guess it does. I have just always had a very difficult time in school. I am a very independent and rebellious type of person, school is very structured and that bothers me. I do definitely like discussing books and seeing the way they different people perceive the stories, but you don't need school to do that. That's what this forum is for! :D

Although, all that said, I wouldn't mind perhaps taking a class or two one day if I ever had the means (I don't right now).

I feel that ability to write a good story is something that comes from the heart and soul and can't really be taught (only brought out if the desire is already there) BUT- like Doris said, there is definitely a lot I could learn about grammar, structure, etc. Although I am learning and have learned so much just by writing myself. When I first started me book I was just such an amateur. It's kinda cute going back and reading some of the first little passages I wrote, like awwwww look at me the little writer virgin. %) I definitely am not where I want to be yet but I'd say I've improved 500% at least in the year I've been working on this manuscript.

There is no better feeling than doing something you love and seeing yourself improve at it. :)
 
I study writing and linguistics at university-- heavy on the linguistics, although I do consider creative writing to be an important aspect of my life in general...

One of the main benefits I have found in my writing program is the workshops. Listener/reader criticism has played a huge part in my development as a writer.

Mainly, though, it's the more technical classes offered-- those that provide insight on how to appropriately fashion a piece for various genres and advice on getting published-- that have really left me thankful.
 
I think someone can become a very skilled writter without taking a single class.

However, sitting in writting lecutres and doing structured homework probably doesn't hurt..and helps most people who do it. It's like this, I once took a basic computer class and was like phss, I know all of this. But looking at the huge book that was assigned with the class, I obviously didn't know everthing in that book.

IE you can learn something everywhere you look
 
I think it's a combination of things.

-workshopping with other writers. Seeing other people mistakes. Having people point out yours.

-writing.

-reading.

-by being taught. I firmly believe the rule "once you know the rules, you can break the rules." You have to learn the basics and what constitutes "good" before you can start doing your own shit.

From my experience writing classes never stay on topic. You start talking about form and then you start debating whether anti-depresents are causing humanity to become a weaker breed. I learned more about life from my writing classes than anywhere else, and life = writing. I don't see how it's a bad thing.
 
I would think studying writing to be incompatible with the way I write, personally. I would think studying the language that you write in to be far more important. Then again, I've never taken the time to complete a college course...so maybe there's something that I'm missing out on that I haven't learned yet.
 
I wouldn't mind taking a class during a time I was having a slump in creative inspiration. It would be neat to be given assignments and what not to get ideas. But while in the middle of working on a novel? Never.. it would take away too much of my focus.
 
I couldn't help but notice this thread on the index :)

One word: STYLE.

It seems that the post-modern artistic ethos dictates that art ought to be expressed without prior education (formal or not) in style. I think that is total bullshit.

Unless you are one of the one-in-a-million geniuses, chances are that your uneducated piece of junk is just that.

While I don't believe that a formal diploma in writing is important, some amount of education in style is imperative.

I don't understand why people still believe in the myth that absolutely anyone can produce a masterpiece without a single minute invested in education.
 
In order to improve your writing you need to read AND write a lot. You can learn magnitudes from others work but it can only go so far without personal application.

Anyone can benifit from even minimal formal education. All writers need editors, you can look at it that way. Words are one of the deepest and most powerful forms of expression, guides can be very benificial.
 
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MynameisnotDeja said:
I wouldn't mind taking a class during a time I was having a slump in creative inspiration. It would be neat to be given assignments and what not to get ideas. But while in the middle of working on a novel? Never.. it would take away too much of my focus.
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Hmm. I guess plays are different. If I get into a good workshop class it vastly improves my focus, work ethic, and overall product I produce. But I guess that's also why playwrights work with dramaturgs.
 
it helps to live near a major university because there are many off campus writer's groups as well as other venues to read your work and get feedback.
it really helps to have strong grammar skills and to audit a few grammar classes once in awhile.
some people absolutely need the structure of "traditional" writing classes but as long as you have strong language skills and are very self motivated, it's still possible to do some good work.
 
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