Can you learn how to write a book?
There are several courses available that claim to teach you how to write a book—whether it be fiction or non-fiction—most of which are quite expensive. Several universities offer courses in creative writing, and other writing courses are readily available, some of which are devised by best-selling authors. While I looked into some of these courses and considered doing one myself, I decided in the end that I was better off investing money on talented editors and cover designers, and instead reading about writing techniques and trying to apply them to my own writing.
Could a writing course help? I’m guessing that the answer to this question is quite possibly, yes, however it’s not necessary. Whilst writing courses can guide one along the right path, none can guarantee you will be able to write a bestseller. There are many ingredients that go into a good book—writing ability or talent, a good command of language, a great idea, an original voice, commitment and self-discipline, editing skills (especially the ability to ‘kill your darlings’), patience and tenacity, and a burning desire to write to name a few. There are just too many variables, and the best writers such as Paul Bowles, Arthur Golden, Anthony Doerr, Cormac McCarthy, Michael Connelly and Delia Owens have mastered them all.
While most people can write, the truth is not everyone can write well, let alone write a great book, regardless of how many courses they do (or don’t). But if you think you have what it takes, a course may be a useful way of getting you on the right path.
However, you don’t need to spend money on a course as there are many great books on writing. The one I referred to the most (and read at least five or six times) is Story–Substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting by Robert McKee. While this book focuses on screenwriting, the emphasis is on great storytelling, the backbone of any good book. Without the ability to tell a story, you won’t be able to write a good book. McKee provides brilliant insight into the essential elements of storytelling, the importance of structure, what makes a good story and how to tell it well. If you only read one book, this is it.
Other worthwhile books, some of which I referred to in my writing journey, are listed below:
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere) by Lisa Cron
Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next by Jeff Gerke
On Writing by Stephen King
Writing the Breakout Novel: Insider advice for taking your fiction to the next level by Donald Maass
Writing the Blockbuster Novel by Albert Zuckerman
Whether you pay for a course or read about writing (or even do both) is up to you. However, in order to write a good book you need more than just knowledge. The best books stem from not only talent but a burning desire to write. It comes from the heart and is something you were born to do. In my case, writing is the only thing I believe I can do really well. It’s something you have to do and you are willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve your goals.
Although not everyone was born to write, everyone is gifted at something. The secret is to know yourself well and understand what it is you might be great at and develop this skill to the best of your ability. It may or may not be writing, but everyone has something unique they can contribute to the world.