Are Writers Born Or Made? (What Do You Think?)
Which is more important to a writer: native ability or training?
Consider the following fictional scenarios:
Scenario A–In this scenario is an individual who is very talented with words with a tremendous vocabulary and perfect spelling, but who has never had a formal English class.
Scenario B–In this scenario is an individual who has no natural talent with words and struggles with spelling, but who has had years of formal training in writing classes.
In your opinion, which of the preceding individuals would make the better writer (and why)?
What’s your take? WritingThoughts wants to know.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
Inspiration
About the Author: I am a successful freelance writer with 20 years of copy writing experience. I am available for consulting, business writing, copy writing, editing, technical writing, and web content writing. In addition, I have written an ebook, 
Tiff | Apr 23, 2007 | Reply
A for sure B can be learned
Laura | Apr 23, 2007 | Reply
Tiff: Thanks for your input! (I’m glad someone besides me is interested in this.)
Mihaela Lica | Apr 23, 2007 | Reply
Do blends matter? Cocktails? I say: take two parts A, one par B, season with grace divine, and shake well!
Lisa Vella | Apr 23, 2007 | Reply
To me it seems simple - definitely A. Natural talent can be enhanced with an education.
Good question! Have a great evening.
Lisa
CalvinWarr | Apr 23, 2007 | Reply
Natural talent is good. But without any training, it is doubtful that the natural writer will blossom to be what he or she can potentially achieve. But I feel that no matter how much training you get, if you have no “feel” for writing, it will be really hard to become a good writer.
Doris | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
Definitely ‘A’ for me… I often wish I have the ‘talent’ to write well. Some people are just so natural but I struggle with what and how to write skillfully and clearly… but I’m learning everyday. Like to say thanks for dropping by homeofficewomen.com so regularly.
Gayla McCord | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
Writers are born. It’s something that comes from within, an imagination, a passion, a story to tell — proper English is the icing on the cake — but is only a creative tool if there’s something to apply it to.
Mihaela Lica | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
Ha! I haven’t noticed this! So you say that if we are not English natives we are not writers?
I stick with my answer: you need both talent and training. More talent than training… but both!
Laura | Apr 25, 2007 | Reply
Good comments!
Welcome to Mihaela, Lisa, Calvin, Gayla, and Doris. It’s good to hear from all of you. (You can substitute the word “English” for grammar if you like.)
This has been an interesting discussion! I originally envisioned it as sort of a nature vs. nurture discussion. After thinking about it, I realize there should have been a third scenario involving motivation, which I think is actually the most important element to any type of success.
Yvonne Russell | Apr 25, 2007 | Reply
I’m a bit late to the party with this. I would say A. but I also think it probably depends a little on the type of writing. I definitely agree about the motivation factor.
Gayla McCord | Apr 25, 2007 | Reply
I guess that was rather “narrow minded” of me to use the term “English” however, I think proper command of any language by way of skill is only a small factor it what makes a great writer.
Laura | Apr 25, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for your input Yvonne! Don’t worry Gayla, I was the one who used the word “English” first. I should have said proficiency with the language.
Angie | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
It can absolutely be a blend. Some people are born with a knack for observation and being able to translate their thoughts onto paper. Other people may have thoughts and observations that are just as profound, but need to learn how to tap into the written langauge that expresses them.
laura | May 1, 2007 | Reply
Welcome Angie! I love your answer: all of the above. Why not?
Inez | Mar 23, 2010 | Reply
I think writers are born, like singers, like musicians. By the way, why would people learn the technicalities of writing when they do not really have the DRIVE and “feel” for it?