Like any creative discipline, writing requires
the ongoing accumulation of skill and technique coupled with an exposure to
inspiring events and people.
Ever since writing became a skill accessible
to non-elites, the handing down of writing knowledge and practice has been held
in high regard by society.
The history of education in the United Kingdom shows
that writing knowledge was a scarce commodity, taught to the lucky few through
the tiny number of early universities and later by the grammar schools
introduced by Edward VI.
Nowadays, writing education is abundant. The
range of options when it comes to learning about writing is truly astonishing.
In today’s article, I will share with you three of my favorite ways to learn
about writing along with some thoughts on each.
Writing Classes
The range of writing classes on offer in the
modern era is truly astonishing. No matter your level of ability as a writer,
your previous experience, or the area of writing you wish to focus on, there is
almost certainly a class suited to your needs.
Some of the types of classes you may wish to
consider include -
●
Evening classes taught in person,
such as those held at universities or adult colleges
●
Intensive classes, sometimes
residential, held for a focused period of time
●
One on one tuition with a writing
tutor
●
Online classes, either taught in
the form of live sessions or pre-recorded courses
●
One off workshops or taster
sessions
●
Formal qualifications, such as
diplomas or degrees resulting in a recognized qualification
The benefits of a writing class as a source of
ongoing education are many. Sometimes, if left to our own devices, we find
excuses and reasons not to write. By committing to a class, and often paying
money to do so, it becomes a lot easier to justify spending time working on and
improving our writing.
Writing classes also offer a social dimension
which isn’t always present in other forms of writing education. For some
people, the enjoyment of learning and practicing alongside a group of
likeminded souls is far more enjoyable than a solitary writing practice.
If you’re the kind of writer who enjoys a
structured approach to learning, and the company of others, a writing class
might be the perfect solution to your ongoing educational needs.
Podcasts For Writers
While many people never consider making
podcasts one of their primary forms of ongoing education, those who do often
become devotees to the format.
There are many advantages to using podcasts as
a way of increasing your writing knowledge. Podcasts allow you to -
● Learn about writing no matter
where you are. A mundane commute becomes an educational masterclass with the
right podcast.
● Hear directly from writers you
admire and wish to emulate. Having a writer share their ideas and experiences
directly in your ear is often the next best thing to listening to them in
person.
● Be entertained as well as
educated. The best podcasts not only offer information but do so in a way which
is enjoyable, just like the best teachers.
A good reason to use podcasts as a way of
learning about writing is that, unlike many other forms of education, podcasts
are ongoing and regularly updated. Whereas you might read a book about writing
once or twice, podcasts allow you to refresh your writing education each and
every week.
Many people find the small, focused lessons
learned from podcasts over a long period of time to be a better way to learn
than more comprehensive and in-depth blocks of information absorbed over a
shorter period.
The best writing podcast you can choose is one
which focuses on information directly relevant to your own writing that you
also enjoy listening to. If you find your writing education to be both useful
and enjoyable you are more likely to stick with it, thus reaping rewards in the
long run.
Books About Writing
For some people, there is nothing better than
a book as a way to learn. Books offer a number of advantages over both podcasts
and writing classes.
●
Books are almost always cheaper
than writing classes
●
Books often contain an incredible
depth of information
●
A book can be pursued at the
learner’s own pace, unlike a writing class
●
Books require no commitment or
travel and are therefore great options for busy writers with hectic calendars
There are a number of books which are
considered all time classic resources for writers and those interested in the
craft of writing. In no particular order, three books I feel to be particularly
valuable are -
1) Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss. This is probably the most technical book of
the three but also one of the most enjoyable. Widely regarded as one of the
best books about punctuation on the market, Eats, Shoots & Leaves teaches
an essential but mundane aspect of the English language in an engaging and
enjoyable way. Eats, Shoots & Leaves is a prime example of education being
more effective when it is also entertaining.
2) On Writing by Stephen King. Stephen King is
widely regarded as one of the best popular storytellers of the modern era. On
Writing explores King’s own journey as a writer, which is inspiring in and of
itself, as well as the process by which he writes and edits his work.
3) The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield. In The
War of Art, Pressfield delves deep into the creative process and the frustrations
and struggles we all face as writers. Focusing not on the technical craft of
writing, but instead on the inner drive needed to create, this book covers a
valuable but often overlooked part of the writing process.
When you find the right book to assist you on
your journey as a writer, it becomes almost like an old friend that you can
turn to for advice and reassurance when you need it most.
Ongoing Education For Writers
Recap
Long gone are the days where education was a
scarce resource available to the privileged few. Nowadays, we are spoiled for
choice when it comes to the variety of ways to gain a deeper understanding of
the writing craft.
Be sure to enjoy your ongoing education as a
writer, and please feel free to share any other sources of writing education
you’ve found personally helpful in the comments.
Dave Chesson
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About the Author
Dave Chesson is a master Jedi at book marketing and the author of Kindlepreneur. To succeed in today’s competitive kindle business, you need to be part writer and part marketer. His website on self-publishing is devoted to helping you with the latter. Find out more at Kindlepreneur.com and find Dave on Facebook and Twitter @DaveChesson.
