Writing: Art, Craft, or Both?

Each Thursday after our weekly writing class, I'll be posting excerpts from our discussion for anyone who may be interested in what we talked about.

Last night we spent some time talking about whether writing is strictly a talent, or if it in fact a craft; meaning it is something anyone can improve in.

I lean whole-heartedly to the side of craft. Otherwise this whole writing class idea would be a fluke. Hmmm....

Like all other fine arts, writing is something that requires both talent and work to develop. But even those with only a hint of talent, but who are willing to work hard, consistently, and according to a well-designed plan, can improve measurably.

During class we discussed the following relevant questions:

1. Is writing a talent, a craft, or both?
2. Can creative writing be taught?
3. Can a creative writing class help me?
4. Can this writing class help me?
5. How will our class be structured?

Here is a thumbnail summary of what we discussed for each question -

1. Is writing a talent, a craft, or both?
   Talent is overrated – work is the real secret. But what kind of work? We’ll learn how to design our work so that we see better yield.
   
2. Can creative writing be taught?
   The jury is still out. However, it can be encouraged, which is the real value of meeting as a group to develop a craft.
   
3. Can a creative writing class help me?
   The analogy of the aerobics class…we learn by absorption. Although I can’t get fit merely by sitting in a chair and watching other people work out, I can be more motivated to begin working out if I’m in the same room as other people doing so. Success is contagious.   
   
4. How can this writing class help me?
   You’ll largely get out what you put in. If you show up, do the work, bring stuff to workshop, provide feedback, and apply what you are learning, you absolutely will become a better writer.
   
5. How will our class be structured?
   Class will include opportunities to share examples we've seen during the week of both good and bad writing. We're calling this "Someone wrote that!" We'll also have "Wins of the Week" so people can share victories. We'll answer questions and review experiences from take-home assignments. We'll then have a 30-45 minute lesson, followed by two hours of workshopping class members' writing projects.

Other odds and ends: For those that want to try class for November-December, they can pay $50 for the five classes we'll be holding on the following dates:

November 14th

November 28th

December 5th

December 12th

December 19th

Please contact me at sleye1stories@gmail.com with any questions.

Finally, here is the poem we concluded class with. Great advice for all writers.

Advice to Writers
Billy Collins

Even if it keeps you up all night,
wash down the walls and scrub the floor
of your study before composing a syllable.

Clean the place as if the Pope were on his way.
Spotlessness is the niece of inspiration.

The more you clean, the more brilliant
your writing will be, so do not hesitate to take
to the open fields to scour the undersides
of rocks or swab in the dark forest
upper branches, nests full of eggs.

When you find your way back home
and stow the sponges and brushes under the sink,
you will behold in the light of dawn
the immaculate altar of your desk,
a clean surface in the middle of a clean world.

From a small vase, sparkling blue, lift
a yellow pencil, the sharpest of the bouquet,
and cover pages with tiny sentences
like long rows of devoted ants
that followed you in from the woods.