#110: Is A Writing Course Really Worth it For Beginners?
Sep 26, 2023
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Explore the benefits of writing courses for beginners, including hands-on experience, community support, and mentorship. Learn how to select the right program that resonates with your goals and instincts. Discover the value of taking action on learnings and investing in a course for practical application.
A good writing course should emphasize story development and emotional connections with readers, not just tactics and templates.
An effective writing course should provide hands-on practice, feedback, and iterative improvement to enhance learning and application of writing strategies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Story Theory and Emotional Connection in Writing Courses
A valuable writing course should offer more than just tactics and templates to aspiring writers. It should focus on teaching story theory, emotional connections with readers, and essential writing strategies. Merely providing tools is insufficient without understanding how to connect deeply with the audience and implement these techniques effectively to create engaging narratives, reinforcing the significance of story development beyond surface-level guidance.
Structured Learning through Practical Application in Writing Courses
An effective writing course should not only deliver theoretical knowledge but also emphasize practical application. By following a structured approach that includes practicing concepts before progressing, students can better retain and apply information. Engaging in active writing and receiving feedback allows for continuous refinement, supporting the idea that hands-on experience and iterative improvement are vital in the learning process.
The Value of Community and Mentorship in Enhancing Writing Courses
An exceptional writing program should provide access to a community of like-minded writers and a mentor for guidance and support. Collaborating with peers who share similar aspirations offers varied perspectives and encouragement. Additionally, having a mentor who can provide personalized assistance and feedback can greatly enhance a writer's growth and learning experience. Building a supportive network fosters motivation, accountability, and valuable connections within the writing community.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on writing courses—including 5 things that make a fiction writing course worth your time and money. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
[02:15] A good writing course should provide you with more than just “tactics and templates.” It should move you beyond just learning and get you into action. [04:45] A good writing course should provide you with a community of like-minded writers who share similar goals and access to a mentor who can support you. [08:05] A good writing course should feel like a “HECK YES!” And if it doesn't, then it's probably a heck no—and that's okay! Trust your gut on this decision. [09:15] My two cents re: the question, "Can you learn to write a book from all the free resources online and/or in craft books?" (Spoiler alert: YES, you can!)
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