Is writing something that can be taught?

Question

I have an idea for a book. Well more than just an idea, I have characters, plots, narrative, etc. I want it to have suspense, humor and even romance. Here'e the problem, I have done a lot of writing on it, but when I read it, it seems amateurish to me. Are there courses I can take to help me to develop my characteres, plots, etc. Or should I just admit to myself that I don't have talent and give up. PS I don't care if anyone ever reads my book, I just want to know in my own mind that its good, and maybe my kids will find it in the attic one day when I'm gone. Thanks in advance for any serious reply.

I am overwhelmed by the excellence of all the answers. I have read and reread your suggestions and I agree with every single one of them. I will never use "thanks in advance again". When I've read it in correspondence that I have received, it irked me but I never understood why it irked me. I think pretentious is the right word to describe "thank you in advance"! I sensed that reading good writers - is a good way to become a better writer. My favorite is Hemingway. A lot of your suggestions, I have known somewhere in my mind, but when you actually express them to me, it makes me understand so much better. I'm looking forward to the challenge of picking a best answer. I am very humbled by your willingess to help. Thank you very kindly.

One more thought (I doubt that anyone will read this far down). Writing is similar to cooking. When I cook, I don't follow recipes to the letter. I do variations on the recipes. Each time I create a recipe - it's different. I tweak and change the ingredients, with my mood. So, I have to go over and over and over my sentences and change them until the recipe is just right. In cooking, I call it; "it's there". I know when I added just the right amount of an ingredient, such as a base or a spice or Worcestershire Sauce. My taste buds tell me: "It's there"! Writing is similar.

Answer 1

I think the answer to whether writing can be taught is a bit of both 'yes' and 'no'... Anyone with creative ideas can potentially write, but writing must also be shaped with some guidance, be it from the self (by learning on your own from other works) or taking writing courses.

I think the hardest part about writing is getting started and sticking to it. I've heard it said from one prolific author that "you can fix a badly written page, but you can't fix a page that's not there" or something to that effect. So just keep at it, or begin, and stick with it! Do whatever it takes to keep you writing, and especially if you do it for yourself, it doesn't matter how long it takes you to complete your work, as long as you're satisfied with it.

If you re-read it and don't like it, there's nothing wrong with re-writing it over and over again. There are also writing self-help books available, but I've never picked any up. You can always look some up on Amazon and see what the reviews say about them. I included a link in the Sources down below.

A trusted beta-reader can be a great help, too. If you're not shy about your work, let someone else read it and make suggestions and critiques.

Answer 2

One of the best ways to learn to write is to copy other writers. Seriously, pick up a book of your favorite author and copy it, word for word, from start to finish. Write it out in long hand. Read the book to yourself as you write. This will take a while to do, but the results are worth it. By copying in this way, you learn to think and compose in the same manner as the writer you are copying. Once you have finished copying the book, relax, let things settle and start writing. You may be writing in a false style, but sooner or later, you develop your own providing what u write is original, that is, your own. Try it. Later, you can then pick up another book, either by this same writer, or by another writer you admire and respect, and do the same thing.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

One thing writers do is WRITE!
If you have an idea, pursue it!
You can take writing classes at the college or community college level. These courses tell you how to compose sentences that make sense, use proper grammer, and conform to the standards of the written word.
Once you have the basics of composition down pat, just write.
One of my favorite high school teachers taught me that 'the best writing is rewriting." You HAVE to go back over your work and refine it, tweak it, perhaps melt it down to its basic components.
Think of this: every writer has his/her own personality, and it should come through in the product.
The more that you attempt to refine your writing, the better it will get.

Answer 4

i sure hope so - i'm studying to be a professor of composition!!!

seriously tho - it's a blend of talent/ability, and understanding. anyone can write -- but those who care, and who are willing to work at it, can write well.

on top of the Strunk & White's Elements of Style (very good book), you may also want to consider "Robert's Rules of Writing" by Robert Masello (isbn 1582973261) -- I've been laughing my way through it, and learning a lot.

also, have friends look it over and give you their opinion.

community colleges are wonderful places to go for formal classes, but be warned -- the style of presentation you get from one class could be totally different under a different instructor. (for example, my first cw teacher gave wonderful examples, explained how things worked, and was incredibly helpful. the second teacher essentially stuck to 'workshops' -- peer review.)

last but not least, take heart. writers are generally a LOT harder on themselves than anyone else COULD be (except maybe a bad editor, lol), so even if you might think it's horrid, someone else may see a lot of potential.

good luck, and keep your chin up.

Answer 5

Community colleges offer courses in creative writing. Further, purchase quality grammar reference books and study them.

Find a copy of "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White; it is filled with great reminders and tips for the novice and the accomplished writer. Price: around $7.50.

One tidbit you will learn is to never say, "thanks in advance" for any reply. This sounds as if the writer meant, "It will not be worth my while to write to you again."

Above all, continue writing by learning the craft through constant research, editing, and revising.

Good luck.