Can Anyone Be a Writer?
Okay, so it's not my imagination. Maybe everybody does think they can be a writer.
Over at WritersWrite.com, they discussed that recent NEA report. You know the one -- most of us are familiar with the report because of what it said about Americans' reading habits, or lack thereof. What didn't get publicized was how many Americans fancy themselves writers. The number of people pursuing creative writing jumped 30%.
However, if you delve further into the post, most people don't want any creative writing training. While I certainly don't think everyone needs a degree in writing to be a good writer, it makes you wonder about that stereotype that "anyone can write" and whether some people think it would be the big easy, if only they had the time or the money to pursue writing The Great American Novel full time.
Write on,
LLB
Over at WritersWrite.com, they discussed that recent NEA report. You know the one -- most of us are familiar with the report because of what it said about Americans' reading habits, or lack thereof. What didn't get publicized was how many Americans fancy themselves writers. The number of people pursuing creative writing jumped 30%.
However, if you delve further into the post, most people don't want any creative writing training. While I certainly don't think everyone needs a degree in writing to be a good writer, it makes you wonder about that stereotype that "anyone can write" and whether some people think it would be the big easy, if only they had the time or the money to pursue writing The Great American Novel full time.
Write on,
LLB
posted by LadyLitBlitzin at 10:11 AM
6 Comments:
Ha! I can't even write the Great Canadian Postcard of All Time.
I only took a few courses in writing and read lots...I try to write and since university I've mostly had jobs involving writing (press releases, speeches, ad copy)...but I am still nowhere near being "a writer." Well, a literary writer.
No way! I've read your blog! You are an excellent writer!
Haha, Great Canadian Postcard of All Time -- I like that! :)
LLB
Re degrees in writing: the greatest books in history were written by people who had no degree in writing.
To be a writer, you need to read a lot. And you need to write a lot. And you need to think a lot about what you read and write. There is no shortcut.
Maybe for some people, the process of getting a degree in writing helps them understand this, but it won't necessarily make them writers.
DirtyTalkinGirl xxoo
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Great blog! I've just found it and I've added it to my favorites. I think it's very interesting, I'll go on reading it in the future.
To make them ponder, that is the writer's goal. I like your blog for this reason. Thanks.
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Thanks for the comments everyone. Yeah, I don't know what got into me. Sometimes I like to be bitchy about "everybody wanting to be a writer" but yeah, I certainly don't believe people need lessons. Indeed, it has a hell of a lot to do with reading a lot, pondering life, and so forth. (Hell, I consider myself a writer and I didn't even get my bachelors' degree! Though I was, ahem, close.)
Although workshopping short stories like on Zoetrope's site has been a huge help to me... and provided a good deal of moral support as well.
LLB
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