Again We Ask – Can Creative Writing be Taught?

If you ask writers this question many give a resounding 'No'. Why is this? Do they like to think they were born with a remarkable gift?  Or perhaps they feel that what they have achieved doesn’t depend on their education or experiences. Yet times have changed; many universities are now offering courses in Creative Writing and published writers supplement their income by teaching on them. I assume they believe in what they are doing.

I believe in what they are doing which is why Ways With Words asks published writers to teach on Creative Writing Courses in France and Italy. As an educationalist I have great faith in people’s abilities to learn, to change, to develop. But teaching is not straightforward. Some people just need confidence and reassurance – part of the educationalist’s role is developing self-belief. I can hear cynics saying that some people have too much confidence in their work and it is often misplaced. True, but that too is part of the teacher’s job: to offer constructive criticism, to assess what each person needs. For some it will be the nuts and bolts of writing: help with plotting, character development, dialogue. For others time and a thoughtful consideration of the content of their work will be the spur they need. And why France and Italy? Sometimes a break from life’s busyness is essential to develop writing, permission to spend time being creative. This is easier in a beautiful environment away from home and so the location of the course is important. But what really transforms people’s lives and abilities is a mystery and one that constantly intrigues me.

  The writing group in France

The writing group in Italy 

No apologies then for revisiting this topic at the Words by the Water literature festival in Cumbria. We have an interesting panel to discuss the question: Can Creative Writing Be Taught? James Long has taught on the Ways With Words writing courses in Italy and also been involved in the Arvon foundation. Chris Wadsworth came on the Ways With Words writing course in Italy and was taught by James Long. She now has a 2 book deal for her short stories that were based on the artists and customers she has met running the Castlegate Gallery. James - and others in Italy - played a part in getting the books in print. But what part?

Sarah Hall has been on both sides of the Creative Writing experience both as a student and as a tutor. She is one of the country’s most successful young novelists and has been both short and long listed for the Booker prize. What does she feel she has learnt – and what has she taught others - about this mysterious process?   

Where will the discussion go? I’m interested to know.

       

Can Creative Writing be Taught? with Sarah Hall, Chris Wadsworth and James Long - Friday 12 March at 12 noon.

WORDS BY THE WATER LITERATURE FESTIVAL at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

Art and Memoir Writing Courses in the North Dordogne, France: Wednesday June 9 - 16, 2010

Comments

[tel aviv club]

What are the core or basic lessons taught Writing classes? One of the first things I learned about was Freytags Pyramid. I was told that isn't an across the board learning device.