Writing Why would you study creative writing if a good narrative doesn't guarantee popularity?

[RepresentingEnvy]

I took creative writing and realized that the teachers in college were full of shit. I learned the profound meaning of, "those that can't do, teach." Especially when their book sales are propped up by selling the book in a slide at the beginning of class.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

I took creative writing and realized that the teachers in college were full of shit. I learned the profound meaning of, "those that can't do, teach." Especially when their book sales are propped up by selling the book in a slide at the beginning of class.

I've never heard anything good about college level creative writing classes - community learning center ones? Yep. High School and Middle School ones? Absolutely - one of my better experiences in ... either seventh or eighth grade, don't remember which now. But college? No, those are usually run by tenured professors who just need a few more contact hours to keep their income flow.

 

[MFontana]

Just share your opinion. There are no right or wrong answers here.

People actually study creative writing?
I guess that makes sense, to a degree.
I can't say I've ever studied it formally, and probably won't.

I firmly believe that Artistic expression, in its truest, and purest sense needs to come from within the artist, and is conveyed through the medium they have chosen, and this is not something that can be taught. It must be there from the beginning. The artforms used are simply a means of expressing what is already there in the creator's heart and soul.
Sure, you can learn the technical aspects of the literary arts, just as any other artform, if you lack the passion and visionary spirit of an artist, nothing will come of it. However, if you are willing, and able, to pour your heart, and soul into every word, or brushstroke, or line, or what-have-you, then your art will live on as your legacy.

This is just my opinion, but since the greatest artists don't pursue their artform with the intent of seeking fame or fortune, and many rarely ever achieve such in their lifetimes, I suspect the reason for pursuing one's artistic craft is equally prevalent to their lasting success and legacy. Only those who break the mold, and follow their own vision achieve any true measure of artistic success and lasting influence, so if any of you reading this are wondering what the formula for success is, then do please take this under consideration.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

People actually study creative writing?
I guess that makes sense, to a degree.
I can't say I've ever studied it formally, and probably won't.

I firmly believe that Artistic expression, in its truest, and purest sense needs to come from within the artist, and is conveyed through the medium they have chosen, and this is not something that can be taught. It must be there from the beginning. The artforms used are simply a means of expressing what is already there in the creator's heart and soul.
Sure, you can learn the technical aspects of the literary arts, just as any other artform, if you lack the passion and visionary spirit of an artist, nothing will come of it. However, if you are willing, and able, to pour your heart, and soul into every word, or brushstroke, or line, or what-have-you, then your art will live on as your legacy.

This is just my opinion, but since the greatest artists don't pursue their artform with the intent of seeking fame or fortune, and many rarely ever achieve such in their lifetimes, I suspect the reason for pursuing one's artistic craft is equally prevalent to their lasting success and legacy. Only those who break the mold, and follow their own vision achieve any true measure of artistic success and lasting influence, so if any of you reading this are wondering what the formula for success is, then do please take this under consideration.

While you are correct, most artists do study the works of others, either to learn what to emulate, or what to avoid. Creative Writing classes can help this if run well (or crush this if run poorly, by focusing on works the teacher likes instead of ones that are timeless examples, or by avoiding anything "popular" as "common trash" or whatnot).

 

[Story_Marc]

At this point, it's the joy of improvement and creation that drives me. Plus my anti-vision. I don't wish to die with regrets. One of my regrets would be not making what I want, not putting it out in the world. It's through that which drives me to do anything I please, even if it's an unpopular decision.