Great new article on WriteWords, from writer, tutor and WW interviewee Dave Simpson; see here

Anna,
Interesting Article from Dave Simpson; however if one looks at your question then many thoughts come to mind.

Of course it is possible for someone to be taught to write. The main point is what is meant by the word 'write'.

I think 'success' in this is when the student is able to release imagination, creativity, ideas and thoughts from within. When he or she realises that words can be the most powerful, influential, destructive, beautiful, constructive and damaging aspects of our lives.
Len

Len, the question Can you teach somone to write? is simply the title of dave's article!

Anna,

I am aware of that but I still feel it is an interesting question to ask.

Regards,

Len

Absolutely, and one I often chew over when teaching creative writing myself. Or rather, a much better word, facilitating. Or enabling...or a whole host of other words. Teaching does imply a lack of power on the part of the would-be-writer, or an inability to do it- when we know that it's much more about having the right conditions in which to write, or the right support, encouragement, confidence, etc- whether or not one pursues it for a living.

well, but can you teach someone to sing? In my case, no. It has been tried. I had to watch which way the teachers hands were moving up and down the piano to see if she was expecting me to sing a high note or a low note. I can do a middle one too. I think we just can't all do everything.

Kara, don't be so hard on yourself - EVERYONE can sing in someway or another, you dont need to be Placido Domingo or Whitney Houston, you just need to enjoy it and make a noise. Singing isn't about sounding good - it's about feeling good! Who cares if those around you feel bad when you sing, right??!

Writing, is much the same I think. If you enjoy writing then it doesnt matter what other people think. Van Gogh loved painting and no-one really liked his work until close to his death, just because something's not popular now doesnt mean it wont be the vogue thing in the future, so my advice to you Kara is get yourself down to that recording studio and cut a few albums!!!

With regards to teaching someone to write... ofcourse you can teach someone to write (technically) but its getting them to think thats the problem. As for me, the question I'd like to ask is can you teach someone to spell?!?? (If you can please contact me immediately!)

Courtney

no, you can't teach someone to spell. And I don't think you should. Spelling shud be a creatif proces. On the other hand singing when you can't is a human right issue..

as x teacher yes u can & the younger u try the better it is
we are all influnced by other's writing so i used 2 write with the kids & we'd share

we can make others interested
make our mark
i got loads of lovely stuff from kids i taught
(hug)