Learning How To Write

[Sylvie]

Okay, I'm going to say this. If you want to learn how to WRITE, you should go, and get 'Learning ENGLISH' courses, okay?

I'm not going to step in between the own idea/other's idea part because I'm unfamiliar with writing, but taking an English course doesn't really teach you to write. Sure, it'll teach you grammar and vocabulary and help you write good essays, but in my opinion, writing is completely different. An English class doesn't teach you how to portray a cheerful character differently compared to an aggressive one or how to describe an object differently through different people's eyes, and these are a few I could think of at the top of my head. Just wanted to put this out.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

I'm not going to step in the own idea/other's idea part because I'm unfamiliar with writing, but taking an English course doesn't really teach you to write. Sure, it'll teach you grammar and vocabulary and help you write good essays, but in my opinion, writing is completely different. An English class doesn't teach you how to portray a cheerful character differently compared to an aggressive one or how to describe an object differently through different people's eyes, and these are a few I could think of at the top of my head. Just wanted to put this out.

And what I mean by all my rants that you can't teach about writing, you should 'feel' it. There are no boundaries in writing, nor there are rights and wrongs here. That's why all these 'writing courses' is utter garbage. That's why if you write something you don't like to, something that you have no attachment to, you are wasting your time. I highly doubt that the author should use 'templates'. Sure, you can ask for advice, but if you are constantly relying on advices, would you develop your own style?

Also, what one would name garbage, the other person would identify as a genius writing. It's highly subjective. Honestly, the only advice that really matters is that you shouldn't leave big plotholes. That's it. You are good to go.

People like to use different kinds of art to show an example in writing. Imagine if game developers used the same templates over and over again? Imagine if someone like Salvador Dali would write 'simple' portraits? What if Joanne Rowling asked everyone around if her MCs are likable or not? And so on.

What I want to say is, don't rely on others. People who sit on this forum aren't the ones who are successful authors on scribble. In fact, most of them aren't successful. Do what you feel is right, and gauge everything through your own feelings. Btw, this also means that you don't need to listen to my advice. Anyway, sorry for ranting, and I hope you will enjoy writing whatever you decide to write. Either your own idea or someone else's.

 

[Deleted member 45782]

Just took a writing class last semester. I think it depends on the writing class and how decent the professor is. I liked it bc there's feedback from others who are also into writing and they're serious bout it but not rude at all so the criticism won't hurt as much for some. There are are guidelines in place to prevent people from going overboard and writing a critique that one often hears makes writers want to close their ears. On the other hand, sometimes you don't really get to write what you truly want bc the time limit (prof has to read and grade them) and the prompts they give to class aren't as creative or the path of your story you want to be, (had hard time writing something not so dark/contemporary like) for a bit for that class. Maybe bc I don't have high expectations for that class and it was actually my most laid back class in a long while so it feels nice. But bc the way its structured in class and you have to submit assignments, it sorta limits your freedom to write whatever you want and that is why its a waste.

As for Sylvie, I think similar problem. I don't really find myself that motivated to write beyond just conjuring some ideas for stories. One thing I suggest is a short story where there's a time limit to the story, like the leprechaun curse prompt I mentioned. I have another story that I decide will take place in span of 10 days - so I can keep it short and it won't be so daunting to finish, and easy steps to complete before I tackle on writing a bigger story.

Make a story with a time limit capped on in the setting. Like, heck it can be the curse of a NPC character from that character's viewpoint, and the character knows they're going to die anyways, but try fighting it til the very end of certain number of days to survive or reach their goal.