Occasionally I read a blog post or comment that just rubs me the wrong way. Most the time there seems to be an unspoken (written?) etiquette regarding blogs. Don’t be nasty, offer criticism if asked – make sure it’s constructive and think before you type!
I’ve read some posts and comments over the past months that have really made my eyebrows shoot up.
One was by a writer who was unimpressed by ‘regular’ people who once hearing she wrote replied that they too would like to write. The author of the blog post basically suggested that not everyone can write and she felt they were insulting her ‘talent’.
Do you think of your writing as a talent or gift? I don’t. This is just my opinion of course so feel free to say otherwise if you think. Writing for me feels like any other hobby. Like sewing. Anyone can follow a pattern. Sure the end result may not be as good as another making the same pattern but that’s not the point.
I personally feel ANYONE can write. I’m not suggesting that everyone will be good at it but they certainly can do it.
I agree that anyone can write. Some people may be more naturally adept to write than others may be, but anyone can do it. It's just like anything else, the more you practice, the better you'll become.
I can't believe that anyone would discourge someone telling their story. Actually, who am I kidding; I do believe it. Being an English teacher I encounter students every year that are afraid to put anything on paper because "someone" has told them that writing is some sort of magical talent that reigns down like sunlight on a lucky few. Pfffff. Whatever. Personally, I jsut think some people should get WAY over themselves.
I like and agree with your way of thinking, Nicole. Personally I think anyone who tries to "discourage" anyone from writing is merely insecure about their own abilities.
Hmmm…good question. I do feel that writing is a talent…I have very few, I have to latch on to what I have lol! At the same time, I have never met anyone who wanted to write and did not have the innate ability to write well (I have met people who really cannot write well, but they don't want to write any more than is required of them to be functioning adults). I feel that writing is like talent in music–you have an ear or you don't. But just because you do have an ear for music or prose doesn't mean you're done–you have to develop that ability, hone it, make something of it. And different writers are talented in different elements of writing, too–sometimes we get so caught on one part–perhaps the ease of the prose–that we forget that telling a good story or creating believable characters is also a talent.
So, in essence a differing a opinion, but in practice, the same–respect all writers. Be nice. Get over yourself if you think you're the only one with talent–you'll be happier!
Well said! I believe writing is like any creative endeavor. There may be a bit of talent at the start, but actually getting a story out of your brain and onto the page takes hard work and persistence. I'm sure there are brilliant storytellers out there who will never work hard enough to get a book written.
Interesting post – I'm not sure how I feel about it. I believe that mostly everybody has the talent to write stories. But I think there is a 'gift' or 'talent' in the sense that it takes a certain determination to do it. The determination and passion for the art is, in my opinion, the talent.
I think I'm agreeing with you on this one. Everyone can write, but that doesn't mean everyone will become a published author. :O)
First, no one should be so pompous. Second, I do think there's an element of talent involved, but like any talent, it has to be developed. So while there may be "born writers," I don't think they'll be successful without honing their craft.
On the other hand, much like anyone can learn an instrument with enough practice and dedication, anyone can learn to write well. It might not come as easily for some as others, but it can be done…
Are there people who simply cannot write? Hmm… that's another question. But I like the existential debate! ;p <3
Love that it's getting you all debating! 🙂 I do believe in talent but hardwork is what makes it happen 🙂 You wouldn't call someone talented for completing a marathon for example – but you would agree I'm sure that they put in A LOT of hard work!
I'm with you – it's 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. And you can probably copy the 10% from someone else if you have to …
I agree with you. Anybody given time/resources/education can learn how to write. Not just write, but make movies, direct plays, etc. There's an element of aptitude, but it is malleable, and can be grown. I think the writer was insulted because people don't value writing as an art–no one would tell an orchestra composer that they can write great orchestral pieces without actually having done so. Great post–wonderful to read.
Yep. Anyone can write. It's frustrating to see how quickly we can find ourselves with an ego so big that we're willing to knock someone down for being ambitious.
I disagree. Not anyone can sew. I can barely sew a button on! I got detentions in 7th grade due to my sewing deficiency, and don't even get me started on knitting. My poor grandmother tried to stuff her tiny little feet into the slippers I made. I'd made them too big and just balled the extra in the toe. Compared to sewing and knitting, writing is a piece of cake.
Damn, I'm proof anyone can write!!
I think it's great to have a natural talent, be it drawing, writing, scuba diving, bird watching, doing research… but I agree with your graphic, without hard work talent isn't enough.
I do feel that writing is a talent to a certain extent, but that doesn't mean people who don't normally write shouldn't do it. How many people are talented singers? Some. How many people sing to themselves, in the car, in the shower, around the house? Tons.
I think anyone can write good fiction. It may take intense inspiration and "Talent" to be remarkable through history, but I have ready many books of enjoyment that do not reach that standard.
There are certainly those who have a gift/talent. I can't discount that. You know the ones who make it all look effortless?
Still, anyone can write. Some have to work harder than others, and some will never get published or have much of a career.
I know the type of writer you're referring too. The snooty fancy-pants writer. Mmmhhmmm. Those divas need to be taken down a peg or two.
I certainly agree that anyone is capable of writing…however there is a certain thing that marks certain work from others. I'm not talking with published stuff, either. I'm talking anything from fanfiction to a kid's first school short story. Some people are really good at imagining the plot, the characters, and capturing it on the page. So, it's a little of both.
I like the way you think, that anyone can write. And I think we should all write in the manner that we do best. There are as many ways to tell a story as there are to paint a picture.
I think that anyone can write – but some people have more passion for it than others. The skill itself is something that has to be learned – by all.
I know that I can take sewing classes, and some years from now I'd be very good at sewing, but I would probably never be as good as my aunt, who has passion for sewing (plus, I really hate sewing, and that will never become a passion of mine, although it would be very nice if I knew how to do it!).
In other words: People with passion for writing have an advantage, but everyone can learn how to write.