Is good writing innate? Or is it learned?
And if it’s both, what’s the balance between the two? Which is more important?
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Polenth says
I don’t think there’s one answer that applies to all writers. For every balance people have come up with, you could find authors it fits and authors it doesn’t. Some writers are stronger on the natural talent thing and others got there with extra learning.
You can’t go through bestselling books and point at what balance of talent/learning an author had. You can only work that out by asking them. In the same way, you can’t predict which aspiring authors will make it based on their early talent (or lack of it).
Joel Sparks says
The basic points of view have been covered, but I do want to make one distinction. Unless you consider the marketplace to be the only judge of writing quality, then good writing and published writing make distinct, overlapping categories. Art and craft, you could say.
Since the original question is about “good writers”, nature is more important than nurture. Technical competence can be learned, and inborn talent may never come alive without instruction, but no amount of experience or drive can replace talent. Even child’s story told in crayon and broken English may possess a unique charm.
If the question were, “Are Published Writers Taught or Born?”, the equation would be very different. Drive predominates, and luck, and of course at least a certain amount of skill is required. Talent, when it occurs, is a nice cherry on top. Many things can be published and sell well without possessing any particular artistry that lifts the reader beyond his or her self.
IMHO, anyway 🙂
Criss says
I think by now it’s all been said. (But I’m going to say my piece anyway – ha!)
It’s obviously a combination of both, unless you’re the Mozart of writing. However, talent (the “born” part) has to be there, or the teaching won’t do much good. You can get by with talent and no teaching much better than you can with teaching and no talent.
The butt-in-the-chair-ness, though – which might be the most important part of the writing process… given that this is the part that actually puts the “writing” in the paper – that can be either innate or learned. (I, myself, am on the waiting list to be admitted into the latter category.)
Authoress says
Writing is a talent. Excellent writing is the result of hard work.
Liken it to a musician — let’s say a bassoonist (why not?). The gift of perfect pitch, natural musicality, etc., is something inborn. You are either a musician “by birth” or not. But if you never pick up the bassoon, you won’t learn how to play it. And if you never practice the bassoon after you’ve learned how to play it, you will never become a master.
Likewise, if you pick up a bassoon and practice every day, you’re going to learn to play it pretty darn well — but you’re not going to have that “special something” that a truly gifted musician will have. You will not be a master.
So it is with writing. It’s a gift, an innate talent, brought to fruition through much toil and dedication.
*wipes brow, steps down from podium*
Anonymous says
I hope taught or else what the hell am I doing pursing this?
A better question would be, how many published writers do you think are “genius” writers? “Born” to write?
Two that I can think of. The rest, myself included, probably just lucky hacks.
Shelli says
Whether born or not, I think there’s a lot of learning involved. But sometimes I listen to interviews of writers who said they never planned to write – they just thought of something, wrote it, and it got published quickly. I’m so envious. I’ve wanted to write since I was little, and I’m still trying.
Mystery Robin says
Writing is both art and craft, and a gift for the art can certainly be innte to a person, just as some are more gifted musically or with logic or math. But the cultivation of that art and the craft of novel pacing and turning points and killer pitch paragraphs can certainly be learned.
Cam says
The desire or drive to write may be innate, inborn. But writing talent and the creativity necessary to express that talent are learned and cultivated over time.
Creativity is like love; it’s not easy. Those first drafts — the words that spill out of your fingers onto the screen on the first go round — are the “lust” part, if you will. Lust is easy.
But it is the finished product, to be shared with the world, that comes only after a painstaking process. Like love, creativity is not easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort (especially if you sell the darned book) 🙂
Cameron
Nanci Block says
Good writers are born. Being born a good writer creates the innate motivation to learn, the desire to seek superior teachers, and the daily struggle to perfect the craft.
Elissa M says
What defines a “good” writer? Some are better than others, but few (if any) are considered “good” by every reader.
I am an artist, musician, and writer, and I find it difficult to believe I was “born” with some sort of special talent, especially knowing how many hours (decades) of work I’ve put into my skills. Saying people are “born” writers or storytellers implies they put no effort into it. Stories just “flow” from them like an open tap. True, sometimes the writing (or whatever) does come that easily, but not always. Even Mozart had times when all was not perfect.
To write well, one must observe well, then communicate those observations to others. There may be a germ of inherited talent, but everything else is learned.
As many here have said already, drive or ambition makes more difference than talent. All the talent in the world won’t put ink on the page.
Lauren Fobbs says
I would say you’re born with it. Like people who pick up the techniques of an instrument quicker than others. That’s natural talent. But then, someone has to teach them to read music notes in the first place and show them how to be a better musician. That’s, of course, learned.
Sometimes you get those wanna-be musicians who are tone deaf and have zero rhythm. Those things can’t be taught, or at least people refuse to believe that. You have to have those chips inserted into your brain long before you’re born. Just because you can identify an “A” when you hear it doesn’t mean you can sing it back.
Clearly, I have music on the brain. :3
Andrew says
Both storytelling and writing are learned.
The problem comes from understanding how they’re learned. We sometimes assume a trait is innate because we don’t see where it came from. But this is like assuming that the earth is flat because we haven’t seen its curvature.
I have identical twins, genetically the same person, raised in the same environment. One is a creative storyteller. The other has a good musical ear. Both these things are in their shared environment, and neither has been pushed in any particular direction. Their interests have simply diverged, and so they are learning different things.
Some skills are learned early in life and can’t easily be cultivated later. It’s difficult to wilfully reinvent one’s personality. These things, if you like, you can call talent, i.e. innate ability. They’re not truly innate, but they’re what you bring to the table when you sit down to write.
The drive to write could be in this category. Writing well comes from hard work. No drive, no hard work, no skill — this, we could confuse with a lack of “talent.”
But to suggest that writing skill is innate, or that the desire to write is innate … nope.
sam says
It has to be a mixture of born and learnt, doesn’t it?
If it was all born, then we’d have masterpieces being written by teenagers. Which we generally do not. Many – most? – of the great writers have produced their best work in middle-age.
But, then, if it was all learned, then everyone coming out of a creative writing programme would be a genius on the move. Clearly this is not the case.
So, a mixture – or an admixture, if you prefer – of talent, craft and determination.
Kathleen says
It seems that I’m far from the only one saying it’s a mixture!
I think it’s learned… but there’s an innate ability to understand what needs to be learned, and that is necessary, too. There are things that I simply cannot seem to learn, no matter how long I try. It’s not “in” me. All of us have skills that come more natural than others… but I don’t think anyone is born a good writer. Some do, perhaps, “learn” more at earlier ages, depending on what their environment was like, but they still “learned” it.
I’m also going to say that there’s another factor that’s probably more important than either of these.
Being willing to learn.
the1stanonymous says
I agree with Andrew. Of course good writing is not innate; language itself must be learned.
In fact, I am wary of all this mystical bowing before the great innate TALENT, without which no one can write…. hogwash.
I also think it’s a way people make themselves feel special or different from others, to believe they are BORN talented.
Most people have enough intelligence to write well. Whether or not they grow up in an environment which allows them to learn what they need in order to write is more a matter of luck.
Just by being born in a wealthy country where you have enough to eat and get and get an education as a matter of course improves your odds greatly. But this is not some talent you’re born with: it’s luck. What you do with you$r luck is your own business.
Anonymous says
What some think is good, others think is crap.
Personally, I think talent helps but the hard work is the cake and icing too.
If I’m ever published and described as “talented” I may change my mind.
Time for Nathan to stoke this fire.
Erik says
Life happens around people. Some are called to say something about it. A smaller number yet have the talent to do it, and even fewer are willing to work on the skill to make it happen.
It is not something you learn in a class. There are many, many ways to learn – but the hard way is usually the best in affairs of the heart.
Michael says
This one has certainly stirred interest. An analysis of that alone would be worthwhile.
Andrew’s description of his identical twins is scientifically interesting and worthy of research.
To be pedantic, what is “good writing?”
Most persons would seperate correct writing from interesting writing.
A fascinating story told in poor English can always be corrected. A dull story told in perfect English cannot be made anything other than dull.
So I believe correct writing can be taught, mostly by eliminating defects.
But a good story teller is born a good story teller and that cannot be created by a teacher. Yes, a mediocre story teller can be improved, but will always lack that little “je ne sais quoi” of genius.
If Walter Scott submitted a manuscript to you Nathan, would you represent him? I doubt it. But if Dickens did, I think you would.
Nathan Bransford says
Time for Nathan to stoke this fire.
Happy to oblige.
I heard a great quote that said something along the lines of “You can’t teach someone how to write. You can only teach them how not to write.”
As in, you can teach people to avoid obvious mistakes (i.e. “the craft”), but ultimately you can’t really teach someone how to write.
I have to admit, I come down much more on the “born” side of things than the “made.” I think the basketball and singing comparisons in this thread are good, both in terms of describing innate talent and the practice that has to happen as well.
Good writing is just as innate as a 40″ vertical, it’s just harder to see.
Of course that talent has to be refined with practice, but the talent is essential — not everyone can become a great writer, no matter how much they practice.
Troy Reaves says
Both…
Being driven to write – born
Proper grammar and sentence structure – learned
Knowing when to break the rules of proper grammar and sentence structure – both
Writing large amounts of text to a specific purpose – learned
Knowing when to stop filling in a scene – born
Accepting critique and growing from it – learned
Not stopping when you know you should – born
Finding an idea for a novel in a bus full of strangers – born
Bringing a pen and pad with you everywhere – learned the hard way
Believing your novel is finished and ready for the world – born with a dash of stubbornness
Finding out the first hundred agents you query disagree – learned
Knowing one of the next one hundred will – born
Lynne says
Learned. One starts by having parents who have lot of books and read *to*
you. Then you learn to read by yourself. I read GONE WITH THE WIND in Grade 4. As long as we were reading, we were quiet, which my mum needed, since my little brother and sister (twins) were LOUD. We escaped into books. Dad took us to the library every Saturday. Words, words, words. He never answered a question that concerned homework without saying ‘get the encyclopedia.’ Had 2 of those! Sometimes we read the encylopedia for fun. Interested in horses? Memorize every flippin’ breed. Dogs? The same. Jewelry, cats, ohmigosh history? Read. Job preference? Journalism is a start and is portable. You can move and still have a job. When I thought I had a book in my head, I had no clue whatsoever. I started by typing dialogue, then added descriptions and scenes. Found a great writer’s forum and that, my dear, is why I’m here, bothering y’all!
Dan says
Nathan, you cheated on your own question! (At least semantically):
“Good writing is just as innate as a 40” vertical, it’s just harder to see.
Of course that talent has to be refined with practice, but the talent is essential — not everyone can become a great writer, no matter how much they practice.”
You didn’t ask about great writers, you asked about good ones!
But I agree with you.
There are studies that show most everybody thinks their traits (some or all) are above average (good). Given the definition of average, someone is wrong, and I don’t think it’s math.
Which is probably why a lot of people believe good writing is learned or a combination of both – it’s something they can do (not necessarily well) and it’s also something much more subjective than the 40″ vertical – meaning it’s easier to rate yourself much higher than where you belong.
Anonymous says
I concur with Robena.
And, I am wondering if anyone here has had any experience taking writing courses or workshops at Absolute Write and what your experience was. Good? Bad? Forumulistic? Do you recommend it?
Sam Hranac says
A creative mind/temperament has somewhat more to do with nature vs. nurture, but still can be taught, to some extent. The craft of writing, and understanding good story structure, etc. I believe falls very solidly on the nurture side of things. Many aspects of a well rounded and tutored consciousness comes into play when one is writing well.
Anonymous says
The writing is innate, the storytelling is learned.
Anonymous says
Both. The need and desire for story are inborn; the craft is learned.
gerriwritinglog says
Good writers are taught or self-trained. Most people can become good writers.
Great writers, however…Whole different ball-o-wax. I think that with a serious amount of determination and struggle, some good writers can become great. But for the great ones, talent starts them off at a higher level and caps their maximum at a higher level.
In the end, though, the good writer who works for the skill will beat out the talented writer who doesn’t do the work.
Anonymous says
I believe that it is mostly innate. I see writers write on poetry boards and prose workshops too, that have been at it a long time and don’t improve.
Like with any art, it is inborn and nurtured by reading and practicing.
Sometimes writing is excellent but the “people” arent’ ready for it, they want plain, boring, distant prose, and if someone comes along to shake that up, they don’t like it – including agents and editors – UNLESS the author is already famous.
Also, most people don’t want to think, so the status quo is just fine for them.
Betty Atkins Dominguez says
Architects are born with the ability to see volume, writers need stimulus from family and school.
Daniela Soave says
Interesting – both. You can have the raw talent and that is the most important factor, but you do benefit from learning disciplines. I know this as a journalist and a fiction writer. But you need to have the guts and talent to start with.
Anonymous says
Nathan,
I’m a professor in the environmental science field, and have guided many M.S. and Ph.D. students over the years. Over 100 of my scientific papers have been published in refereed journals over the years. I am also trying to write a novel, and it is a learning experience for me. I find fiction writing much harder than scientific writing. I guess I would say that at one point in my career (graduate school) I had to learn scientific writing, and now that I’m somewhat bored with that I’m having to learn new techniques that are foreign. I have innate language skills, but creating something that readers enjoy is tough.
abc says
you can get a boob job, but everyone will know they are fake. what?
I vote for born.
sally says
The ability is mostly there from the start, but can be perfected.
I base my answer on what I’ve read by (too many) college-educated (in WRITING, no less) people who should, theoretically, be able to write decently.
My college degree is in science. I have no clue about the parts of speech, how to diagram a sentence or the purpose/use/definition of gerunds, participles and the like. However, I work full-time as a science writer. No one ‘taught’ me how to write. Somehow, I just can.
Baysidemama says
I think it comes down to many factors, including a person’s inbuilt ability to observe others. However I am a firm believer that a person’s very early years – and an early introduction to books – has a huge impact on making a writer.
Giacomo S says
I believe Robena Grant has struck the nail on its head; good storytelling is innate, good writing is learned, both are essential to be ‘GREAT’!
Hilary says
It’s both, but all the training in the world can’t replace inspiration. I worked very hard at writing for a long time and couldn’t complete anything. then I put it all away and one day I knew I had to write. Then it came and I have felt as if there is a writer inside me telling me what to do. This doesn’t mean I haven’t rewritten and rewritten and will do it again. It just means I’m inspired and that is a very natural state to be in.
Gidde says
I have to agree with the 90% work, 10% talent theory, but disagree on where the talent lies.
Many have said that the drive is innate, but I agree with the minority who said the “ear” is innate.
To create beautiful writing you have to be able to recognize it … then comes the hard work in learning how to make it.
T.A. Northburg says
I believe a good writer is both born and taught. 60% innate talent, 40% teaching.
I have read some things from good technical writers that is garbage because the inspriation and idea was just not there. They were technically perfect but they lacked a certian connectivity.
Then there is the inspired writer who has that innate ability to paint a great picture with words and captures the true essence of a character’s feelings and emotions. That writer just needs to refine their craft. They can be taught that.
I believe good writers are born with talent. You can not teach talent.
Sally Ketchum says
From personal experience and knowing those of my students, I say one needs innate potential to reach greatness, often even modest success. One needs at least 75% of innate ability (My dad was a writer, and I FELT that, and that is all I ever wanted to be.) and then the reading, reading, reading, writing, writing, writing. Innate is the soul, experience and education are the soul developed.
Sally D. Ketchum
Betty Atkins Dominguez says
I agree with several of the lastest posters. Artistic talent is inate. Many writers also paint or play an instrument and vise versa. The talent is there, but it must be nurtured.
ketchumwriter.com says
This is a test
Jeanne Ryan says
I am interested in one thing. Many are talking about how the craft of writing can be taught. I’m getting the impression that they mean through workshops and books.
For me just the act of doing it is part of the learning experience. Every time I edit, I learn. Every time something doesn’t work, I learn. Every time I get all that crap out, that is part of the learning process.
And more beneficial than all the workshops I’ve taken and books I’ve read. All professional writers give the same advice “write.” I participated in NaNoWriMo last year. It takes something three weeks for something to become a habit. Those three weeks are part of learning.
Butt in chair, hands on keyboard is learned behavior.
cttiger says
I learned to play the piano very well, but I am one deaf and will never be a virtuoso. Writing is the same type of gift.
Exceptional writers are born; competent writers can be taught, but it will not come as easily or be as successful.
Anonymous says
Kathleen mentioned “being willing to learn, and I think that’s key. Also being smart enough to figure out what we need to learn, what our strengths and weaknesses are, and how to use them.
I feel like we make a choice to go down this path, to immerse ourself in the hard stuff, fumble, and constantly try to do better. And it’s that choice–which is not a one-time choice but a choice that we make over and over and over again–which guides us through from our earliest attempts to our current best and our even better future best. In a sense, then, good writers teach themselves.
Probably there is something innate that gives some people the drive and ability to traverse the learning curve. And different people have different innate potential that we recognize, in its realized form, as the difference between the craftsman and the genius.
Anonymous says
When I was a young journalist my editor told me that she could teach me the writing – anyone could write – but having the “nose” of a journalist was something you’re born with.
Twenty years separated from my editor’s advice, my gut reaction: You must be joking, or seeking an easy way out of posting a legitimate blog today. Jeez, Nsthan, it’s freakin’ easy to write a book. It’s damn hard to write a good book.
So here’s my answer: Subjects are taught. Good writers are “born.”
Furious D says
I think good writers are born with a good imagination, but practise and education are what make someone who can tell a story into a real writer.
Stephen King compared it to having a knife, people have different size knives, but it’s the properly sharpened one that gets the job done right.
Anonymous says
It’s been my experience that wankers who couldn’t trouble themselves to put in the time and effort believe that artistic ability is inborn.
Those who’ve walked every inch of the trail know that nobody don’t get nothing for free.
In reference to something I wrote a while back, if you CAN’T NOT do it, then you have little choice but to invest all that is necessary.
And where will that get you? As far as you need to go.
Nikki Duncan says
I’m with Dan in the opinion they’re born.
Anyone can write a story, sure. Not everyone can learn to write a great story that is well crafted and publishable.
Natalie Hatch says
I think it could be a mutant genetic variability that shows up in every generation. These people are born to become slaves to their writing, putting their effort into telling stories (or maybe not)…
You can certainly learn to improve your writing ability, anyone can, but the passion to write? I don’t know where that comes from.
ORION says
A love of reading leads to a love of writing – it can be enhanced and developed but you are born with the desire and talent.
The quality of perseverance (to me) is more important than writing talent…