Are Writing Courses Suitable?

I have one more assignment to go, when I can afford it, then I finish my Diploma in Writing and Publishing.

Before I started, I thought that a writing course will enhance the way one writes, find flaws one is unaware of and generally, make people better writers. Now, as the course nears the end, I see an entirely different perspective.

Why are there writing courses? Some associations offer one-on-one sessions with established writers for a small fee. At peer level, both parties have a genuine interest in the outcome of the collaboration which is great. No below-the belt shots intended here, but why teach a diploma course on how to write instead of using that time to write one’s own novels? I suggest that the peer collaboration model is much more effective.

Writing is subjective. Stephen King is one of today’s most popular writers, but I am not much of a fan. Writing tutors are like readers and writers: they are subjective in their opinions, too. What one tutor likes, another may not.

‘Show don’t tell!’ and ‘too much showing!’ were my most popular feedback terms. Not one assignment has what I believe to be the single, most important aspect of writing: tension. Some of these assignments, many some years old due to illness, are terrible. I should not have passed, but somehow, I received distinctions. What does this say about the standard of the tutor?

Would I recommend a writing course? That depends on you. It may suit some people. If you want a piece of paper saying you have a Diploma, then go for it. What harm can another qualification do? A course may help you network and point you in some directions, but not necessarily the right one. Courses do not a writer make.

I mentioned in a previous article that somebody once said that three million words is a good benchmark before becoming a serious writer. A diploma course will see much less. I expect some people may not complete the novel, only the assignments. They may write 10-15,000 words maximum.

The diploma course has not made me an efficient or effective writer, but it has made me a qualified one. With a course in teaching, I can also be a tutor, stop writing, and get paid to assess others work. Perhaps yours.

My point is this. If you are considering a course, be very careful and research it - especially your tutor - as thoroughly as possible. Qualifications do not a writer make.