Writing and Education

I'm sure you've all heard the argument that you can't teach someone to be a writer. That the creative spark is either there or not, and that no matter how much you go to school, if it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be. In part, that's true. I don't think true creativity can be taught in a module, or a classroom; however, I think education and being around like minds can help foster the internal creativity that you might have. Put yourself in the right conditions and see what happens. It might blow your mind.

I'm currently halfway through a specialized MFA program with a school called Seton Hill University. They have a program that is tailored to writing popular fiction. Before I joined, I thought I knew a lot about writing and that I was pretty good. I was right. I did know a lot about writing, and I was "pretty" good at it. However, after the first residency at school, I learned so much that I could go back and punch bus sized holes in my own work. After the first residency, I had so many new ideas that I got right to work the moment I had some free time. Best of all, I networked a group of friends and associates that were the next up-and-comers in the business of writing, editing, screenplay, and publishing. Every time I go to residency, it's like I'm going to a writing convention.

So what am I trying to say here? Is education necessary to be a writer? Heavens no! Will it help no matter what level you're at? Hell yeah it will! Even if it's just making friends in the business, it's worth it. As a writer, you can never stop learning, or writing for that matter. Now get