The Importance of Investing in the Craft of Writing
It’s recently been brought to my attention that some folks in the writing community belittle, even ostracize, other writers for investing in their craft. This mindset lacks the desire to improve on the craft within one’s own individualism, but more importantly, lacks professionalism in a specialized area of expertise.
To compare this too-cool-for-school concept, let’s focus on another creative industry—the performing arts.
Does anyone remember a comedian and actor named Robin Williams? Does Val Kilmer, Adam Driver, or Jessica Chastain ring any bells? They all graduated from the same school; the school that helps amateurs develop their craft and offers an avenue toward success on the big stage/screen. That school is Julliard Dance School in New York City and has been open for over 75-years. They have approximately 84% graduation rate and have over 300 alumni who have won Oscars, Tonys, and Golden Globes awards. Additionally, musicians like John Lennon, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Dionne Warwick all studied AND paid for higher education in their field of genius.
Jack Black/ School of Rock
Investing in your craft doesn’t necessarily mean attending university or college. There are plenty of professional educators that offer their services in order to help a person reach their craft potential.
Do you watch professional sports? Football? Soccer? Baseball? UFC/Martial Arts? Ping Pong? Every one of the athletes that compete at a professional level has had some type of specialized or skilled coaching. And guess what? You got it—they invested in themselves in order to position, or reach their potential at a high-level of athleticism.
What I’m trying to say here is that the idea of criticizing a fellow human for asking and paying for help is upsetting to me. I mean, who has the audacity to think that they are the best and don’t need to advice or help? But then I realized that those people are building self-defense mechanisms designed to avoid criticism of their own work.
Ultimately, investing in the craft of writing is a necessity, not an option. This publishing industry demands high a high skill set and those that nurture their own talent will be better positioned for success.
Happy Writing,
-RADolence