Motivational Mondays -- Those Who Teach Can Do More Than You Think!

You know that saying, “Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach”? Well, don’t believe it. Some folks specialize. Some folks can do both. But I feel like most of the people who actually say that probably can’t do either.

And shut up. I love to write fiction – AND tutorials.

Very little makes me happier than entertaining readers and/or helping beginning writers.

[Link] Teaching Creativity & Structure in Writing

by Laurisa Reyes

When it comes to writing well, two things are essential: creativity and structure. These work side by side to construct any piece of good writing, be it a poem, a story, an essay, or an instruction manual.

Let’s begin with structure. Structure isn’t so much the shape or the organization of the writing as it is the rules that govern how we write. It includes spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, as well as things like thesis statements, plot progression, argumentation methods, poetic patterns, and so forth. Structure is HOW words are put together and HOW they function within a sentence, a paragraph, stanza, or so on. Without structure, things simply don’t make a lot of sense. Also, the rules that form the structure of writing apply the same to everyone.

Creativity, on the other hand, is the freedom to sculpt language the way an artist sculpts a work of art. Every individual creates his/her own style of expression and language patterns. Each person is capable of tapping into his/her imagination to craft a unique written work. The possibilities are truly endless. New songs, poems, stories, news articles, and books are brought into existence by the thousands every single day. In fact, it is practically impossible for two people to write the same story or poem — unless they intentionally copy each other.

In order to write well, which means to express one’s ideas in a way that they can effectively communicate those ideas to others, kids need both the rules that govern good writing and the freedom to explore their own imaginations. To focus solely on spelling and grammar and such is boring and can discourage the budding writer who may struggle to learn those concepts.

Likewise, to allow unfettered freedom without also teaching structure gives kids a false sense of confidence and dooms them to mediocrity in a world where employers and college professors expect quality writing skills.

Read the full article: https://www.goread.com/buzz/lwreyes/article/teaching-creativity-structure-in-writing/

The Writer Will Take Your Questions Now #300 -- But Is That All They Can Do?

Why do you like teaching writing 

and talking about writing so much?

I know it's a bit of an insult to say that "those who can, do, and those who can't, teach." It's also translated in writing circles as "writers write, and people who talk about writing don't."

But, as someone how loves to write, loves to have written, AND loves to teach and talk about writing, I think these two statements are far too generalized and more than a bit unfair.

I would argue, and hope some would agree with me that I am indeed a quality writer of some merit, but also would argue that I have somewhere inside me a need to teach and train as well. I particularly enjoy talking about the act of writing with other writers and especially with those who are wanting to learn to write or write better. I think that's one of the reasons I started this blog, to have an outlet to do just that. I find that irons sharpens iron. I become a better writer by talking with and listening to other writers. 

Inversely, I also don't think it's fair to judge those writers who don't enjoy talking about the craft or doing panels, etc. for being less "into" writing. Some enjoy just the act of creating and prefer not to think about the "craft" in any analytical way. Some enjoy both the act of writing and the nature of the craft equally. Some enjoy the craft more. 

To discount any of those creatives is unfair. But your mileage may vary, as always.