Can Writing Be Taught?

Raymond Chandler said that writing was like red hair, you either have it or you don’t.

Presumably, he would have allowed that, if you have it, you could improve.

But, writing comes from the belly, not the head, so no amount of thinking about it could make you a better writer.

Because, Everything a writer learns about his art or craft takes away from the need or desire to write at all. In the end, he knows all the tricks and has nothing to say.

Tricks can be taught.

Chandler told an aspiring writer, Try to enthral not impress.

Red heads can tell the difference.

With thanks to Everyman’s introduction to Chandler by Tom Hiney.