tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post8485550243802877445..comments2023-10-01T12:16:36.158-04:00Comments on Writing in the Wilderness: Standing on formalitysarahjayne smythehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02589820347348973092noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-23212837760970002082010-05-12T02:52:36.014-04:002010-05-12T02:52:36.014-04:00My 2 cents...
I think that in creative arts inspi...My 2 cents...<br /><br />I think that in creative arts inspiration is the main driving force - this and the non-definable quality which compels us to do something (be it write, paint, compose music, and so on). <br /><br />Books and classess can be helpful in refining this drive, giving it a more focused direction, but the rest must come from us.<br /><br />I've never read books on how to write, but I found King's "On writing" very helpful about the kind of mind-set you need to channel that driving force into your work.<br /><br />Sorry for sounding so...Yoda-like! LOLMaddalenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11457992684016570400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-27893256553154395992010-05-11T22:15:44.325-04:002010-05-11T22:15:44.325-04:00I have zero training, just love to write. In colle...I have zero training, just love to write. In college now going for my degree in English.Unspokenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16065870952905767595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-44353466316509308302010-05-11T22:11:00.645-04:002010-05-11T22:11:00.645-04:00hehe. I didn't get a chance to read your post ...hehe. I didn't get a chance to read your post earlier when I dropped you the comment, but I had to come back to see why everyone's comments were SO long. And funny enough, my answer to your questions are in my post, which you already read, and was the whole point of my first visit. Funny how things work out.<br /><br />And I LOVED the creative writing class I took. It was SO much fun, I definitely encourage the idea :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-8130147095260311882010-05-11T21:42:38.227-04:002010-05-11T21:42:38.227-04:00I've taken some creative writing classes, and ...I've taken some creative writing classes, and an on-line writers course. I learned quite a bit actually from the course, but if I'd just bought the books on writing, I would have learned the same info. We posted our writings for us to critique each other's work, but most of my fellow students wouldn't give feedback. I did because it was part of the experience, in my view.<br /><br />I've gotten more out of reading recommended books on writing, joining a critique group, and attending a conference than I did from the paid class, though I don't regret the experience. It was fun, and helped me create a little writing discipline. I have one more course I'd like to attend - but its 12 weeks and a little expensive and I'm not sure I have the time to devote to it. It's like the creative workshop Simon Larter is currently attending.<br /><br />I don't believe a writer needs the MFA, or even a whole bunch of classes to be a good writer (fiction or non). It would be different if you were trying to actually teach on your blog, or were writing a book about writing. But just to share what you've learned, your own experiences with your WIP or books you've found helpful, nah. I like hearing from other aspiring writers what their process is.<br /><br />........dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-35841742235136744632010-05-11T19:14:08.921-04:002010-05-11T19:14:08.921-04:00Really great post!! I took some classes in college...Really great post!! I took some classes in college for creative non-fiction, journalism and poetry (independent studies) however none of those helped in a comprehensive way to write a book...just bits and pieces. I think the major learning experience for me is reading book after book after book throughout my life, seeing in black and white what makes a great read and trying to emulate that with my own voice! I did however take a screen writing workshop years ago and that did help oddly enough! I also have some serious PH.D level writer friends that write well but it's so formulaic and analytical, not fresh, quirky or authentic!! Sometimes I think when you learn writing in a class it can actually stifle your writing by teaching you this "write in a box" approach...good luck with whatever you decide!!!angelarenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13639436719051155045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-8642270272261950612010-05-11T18:05:22.413-04:002010-05-11T18:05:22.413-04:00I've been writing for ever, and I've only ...I've been writing for ever, and I've only taken the basic English classes so far (did NOT find them helpful) so I can't say much there, but I have found that writing and reading can help.<br /><br />I mean, if I'm not writing EVER there's not much chance I can get better, is there? I'm also realizing I totally need a critique partner person being. *sigh* People can help you see where you need help and stuff.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09222233412304660376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-39342081511089528502010-05-11T17:20:17.681-04:002010-05-11T17:20:17.681-04:00My degree is in Math, so I have no formal English ...My degree is in Math, so I have no formal English training either, other than the high school and mandatory college classes you mentioned.<br /><br />I did take one continuing education class at our local high school which was illuminating, but it was more about fostering ideas and being creative than about actual structure.<br /><br />I would love to take an "official" writing course, but I've never had the finances for that.Nighfalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01745824744507928211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-25404292825861116762010-05-11T16:57:31.131-04:002010-05-11T16:57:31.131-04:00I've read pieces of your writing, and you have...I've read pieces of your writing, and you have real talent and skill. You experiment with POV and style, successfully. You aren't a fraud.<br /> I've read plenty of published, best selling authors that can't craft a decent sentence. <br /> Take a class or workshop if you want to, for you. But don't take them for credentials or resume. <br />There are plenty of amazing books on craft that I find more valuable than anything I learned in creative writing classes or even recent workshops. <br /><br />Hugs,<br />LolaLola Sharphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14394765053485642935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-25754938803319147982010-05-11T15:44:46.500-04:002010-05-11T15:44:46.500-04:00Tag! You're it!
You haven't been tagged, ...Tag! You're it!<br /><br />You haven't been tagged, yet, have you? I couldn't find a post on it so I used you as a tag.<br /><br />If you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, see my latest post :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-14686830544970580362010-05-11T14:30:34.770-04:002010-05-11T14:30:34.770-04:00I joined a writing group two years back that has c...I joined a writing group two years back that has changed my writing skills completely. It's called The Next Big Writer. The support I got from them was amazing. I had no formal training either but... well, I recommend joining a group.<br /><br />CDAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12160669603997465454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-57153112179701833892010-05-11T12:43:19.165-04:002010-05-11T12:43:19.165-04:00Having the "credentials" doesn't aut...Having the "credentials" doesn't automatically make one a great writer. I have an English BA and a master's in journalism and I think at times it gave me a false sense of "I know what I'm doing." I've written a lot of grammatically correct utter crap. Taking those fundamentals I learned in school and using them well takes PRACTICE. <br /><br />If you'd like to take classes, do it. You'd probably find them stimulating and fun and growing. Interacting with a live teacher and classmates can bring energy that a craft book can't on its own.Laurel Garverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03657218435228802535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-75710554476605464332010-05-11T12:27:36.952-04:002010-05-11T12:27:36.952-04:00I don't think you need formal training. I thin...I don't think you need formal training. I think you need to practise writing, and have someone who can critique your work from an experienced perspective. You wouldn't expect to become an expert in piano-playing without a teacher. I think it holds true for writing, too.Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-55310952778371938532010-05-11T12:08:52.702-04:002010-05-11T12:08:52.702-04:00I don't have a degree in English, Creative Wri...I don't have a degree in English, Creative Writing or the Humanities. I started writing as a child. Loved the pen and paper. Great way to entertain myself. I have taken two writing classes online. I found them helpful. I also have a bookcase full of writing books. The three that helped me, were Writing Down the Bones, The Sound of Paper: Starting from Scratch and Pen on Fire oh and I forgot, Hooked. I can commiserate with your feelings. I struggle with my feelings of posing as a writer. I battle with the voice that shouts fraud. HeyHo! Still I write. What else can we do?!Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07524878248746427258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-86554076836907185512010-05-11T11:59:52.726-04:002010-05-11T11:59:52.726-04:00Curiously enough, a PhD in history doesn't inv...Curiously enough, a PhD in history doesn't involve a great deal of making silly things up and writing them down either.stuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16388674850920848503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-90201886679021357002010-05-11T11:48:25.815-04:002010-05-11T11:48:25.815-04:00I started writing when I was very young and just k...I started writing when I was very young and just kept it up throughout my life. I went to Governor's School when I was in high school, but I don't have any formal training other than that. College wasn't a good fit for me and I probably will never go back. But that won't stop me from continuing to write. That being said, a writing class might help you think about things you might not necessarily have considered. We can all use information, why not try a class to enhance yours?B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112783922833164491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-77142618696793370412010-05-11T11:42:11.584-04:002010-05-11T11:42:11.584-04:00I intend to go to University, and I do not intend ...I intend to go to University, and I do not intend to study writing or take writing classes. For me, the real writing comes from within - one's craft is learnt from experiencing life, from contemplating, from reading the timeless works of literary geniuses. I'm sure learning from an actual professional would help, but I don't think it's all that essential.Sam Liuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01014838954712295981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-92112185295279344692010-05-11T11:31:21.459-04:002010-05-11T11:31:21.459-04:00Sarahjayne, as you can see, a lot of us are hoping...Sarahjayne, as you can see, a lot of us are hoping that just wanting to write is enough. I was an elementary ed major--and I don't write Middle Grade! heheh.<br /><br />Anyway. Reading. Writing. Tell the story. Revise the story. Feel the passion. Try again. It has to be enough.Charity Bradfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01960821077619680661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-24054129002145182272010-05-11T11:29:40.848-04:002010-05-11T11:29:40.848-04:00I started writing when I was 14. I found it came ...I started writing when I was 14. I found it came naturally to me so I majored in creative writing in college. While that experience was valuable, I don't think I learned a lot about the craft. Maybe I was too young and definitely too arrogant--I wanted to be the next Agnes Nixon (the All My Children creator) in a room full of Updike wannabes. I was totally out of my league.<br /><br />I did find value in taking a "how to structure your novel" class in community college a few years ago. By then I was a grown up in a room full of grown ups who just wanted to write. I got more out of those three semesters than I did with an entire four year degree.<br /><br />I say take a writing class if only to meet other writers, get feedback, and workshop things. You probably aren't going to learn anything you don't already know but sometimes a class can give you validation. And, if you're like me (you're not), a class forces you to write, sometimes on the spot, in class.<br /><br />I've also found online communities of writers to be very helpful and even the fan fiction in which I've engaged (yes, I've gone there and have outed myself) has helped my confidence and abilities.Eva Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14855603175280772481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-52595713459802036592010-05-11T11:22:57.785-04:002010-05-11T11:22:57.785-04:00My degree was in art education, all level, with an...My degree was in art education, all level, with an elementary endorsement. I taught school and read, read, read the books I someday hoped to write. I always wanted to be a writer and one day just sat down an started writing. I go to conferences, have been a member of critique groups (all helpful), and buy "How to books" for advice and technique. So don't worry about formal English courses--from what I can see you have talent, desire, and drive. That's what counts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-24017079505060377132010-05-11T10:46:13.489-04:002010-05-11T10:46:13.489-04:00honestly, I think the practice of writing (every d...honestly, I think the practice of writing (every day) does the most good...and reading (every day) along with it. Classes will offer you a space of accountability for writing and will offer gems of inspiration, but this can be found on your own. Joining a writing group and/or book club will give you the same space for accountability. <br />If you've been writing for ten years, I'd say you certainly are not flawed. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-38075782543070464622010-05-11T10:36:19.365-04:002010-05-11T10:36:19.365-04:00I'm with most of the other commenters. I took ...I'm with most of the other commenters. I took one college-level creative writing course. It was helpful, but not nearly as helpful as crit groups, reading literature, and practice. <br /><br />Actually, some of the things I learned in college and at writing seminars has been out of date. The business of novel writing and selling has evolved so much in the past few decades that it seems that writers' blogs tend to give better, more relevant advice than professors.Jean Michelle Miernikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08971882597502010124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-59214931496277510852010-05-11T10:00:42.851-04:002010-05-11T10:00:42.851-04:00I think its too easy to get hung up on the technic...I think its too easy to get hung up on the technicalities of the writing process, for me it's all about getting the stuff out there and developing your own unique voice!magicdartshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11095926017533229807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-70252998840838623742010-05-11T09:51:18.208-04:002010-05-11T09:51:18.208-04:00i do have a degree in creative writing. But that s...i do have a degree in creative writing. But that said, i've learned more about craft since i've been out of college than when i was in. The one thing the degree did offer me was a chance to crit and be critiqued constantly, which was wonderful and so much fun.<br />I just think i wasn't ready to really embrace my writing during that time, even in my master's classesSarah Ahiershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795455714801965956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-25104228331331695102010-05-11T09:36:56.792-04:002010-05-11T09:36:56.792-04:00My degree is in flute performance, so I'm the ...My degree is in flute performance, so I'm the same way as you! I've always been interested in books and writing, but I have no MFA or formal training. Mostly the English classes that I took were reading classes, not writing. <br /><br />I don't think it matters because we aren't writing essays, we're writing fiction!Aubriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10884036126491922530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669763793815784823.post-21823664435126238822010-05-11T09:08:57.832-04:002010-05-11T09:08:57.832-04:00Thanks for the shout out about the contest, Sarahj...Thanks for the shout out about the contest, Sarahjayne. Personally (and I see others here agree with me) my bachelor's degree taught me ZIP about how to write fiction - or even to write for publication. I've taught myself everything I need to know. Can you learn how to do this through a Master's degree course? Probably. I've heard the Iowa program is great, for instance. But there's something to be said for the school of hard knocks. ;D I've considered it, but have no money for it.<br /><br />Good luck whatever you do. Great post.Victoria Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14012092208934951963noreply@blogger.com