Are good writers born or made?

Can good writing be taught or is it intrinsic?
Photo: Ivan Prole

It has been said that anyone can learn how to write, but not every writer has that intangible quality that makes their work distinctive.

So, what makes a book good? Is good writing an inherent quality that emerges at birth? Or can anyone learn how to write well?

Are good writers made?

Being a proficient writer means mastering the technical aspects of writing, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.  

Workshops, classes, books and blogs - there is an entire industry of resources focussed on helping writers to hone their skills.

From providing motivation, instilling a sense of community and offering constructive criticism, writing classes can help you to pinpoint both your strengths and weaknesses, while helping to kickstart your creativity. And the best part? Writer's workshops are not just for people living in big cities.

But can one gain the necessary skills to become a well-rounded writer from schooling alone?

Are good writers born?

In the history of writing, there are a slew of talented families who share an inclination for writing.

Well-known are the sisters Brontë. Charlotte, Emily and Anne each had their own successes with Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey respectively, as well as multiple movie adaptations of their books.

Similarly, Stephen King and his sons Owen and Joe Hill are a more modern example of multiple authors within one family. King’s dizzying list of novels and hundreds of short stories, as well as Hill’s slew of awards for his books 20th Century Ghosts and Heart-Shaped Box and Owen’s critically praised novel We're All in This Together are evidence that family ties are not the only thing shared by these successful authors.

What makes writing 'good'?

Just like beauty, creativity is often in the eye of the beholder. The thing that makes one's writing good or great is sometimes a matter of opinion. Romance lovers may not see the appeal of science fiction, but that doesn't make the former any better than the latter. To each his own, as they say.

So which is the hallmark of a good writer - skill or talent? Or are the two intertwined?

Your opinion matters

Where do you stand on the debate? Is good writing learned or is it intrinsic? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Don't miss out on my articles! Here are a few ways to stay informed:

• SUBSCRIBE to all Toronto Writing Examiner articles
• Do you have a tip on local writing events? EMAIL your comments, questions or suggestions for future articles
• Don't forget to follow me on Facebook!
• Keep track of my articles via RSS FEED