What Can Carl Jung, Eastern Philosophy And Photography Teach Us About Creativity?
Do you think that creative writing can be taught?
First, let me say that I have taken only one creative writing course in my life. And so, my experience is not extensive. But, having written for many years, I can tell you what Ive observed.
Teachers can help you hone your craft. They can even teach you tricks to overcome obstacles to the creative flow. But I doubt they can teach you to be creative.
If I worked very hard with a good teacher, I might gain respectable proficiency at the piano. I might even learn musical theory and composition and pass every course with honors. And yet, Ill never compose a piano sonata, which stirs us to the depths, without that amazing ingredient creativity. It cant be taught.
Why not? Because creativity is a gift. It comes from within, and is personal to the individual. You either find it within yourself and work with it or you dont. Its much the same with writing or painting. Only a tiny handful will ever write a novel, which is truly original or creative.
If a writer does manage such a feat, he or she likely created it...