Panel Discussion - Can Creative Writing Be Taught?

Location: Slopeside, Fernie Alpine Resort

Can Creative Writing Be Taught?

Panel Description:
Critics of creative writing programs insist that talent cannot be taught. Some claim that creative writing programs merely produce watered-down clones of their faculty writers, and students, therefore, lose the most important part of creativity -- originality. However, many accomplished writers attribute their success to skills mastered in such workshops and insist that the mentorship and guidance that creative writing programs offer is an invaluable part of their growth as writers. What role do creative writing programs have in the growth of emerging writers? How can they contribute to developing the work of individual writers as well as of literary movements as a whole? Can one be taught to write? How much influence should a teacher have over a student's work? What should aspiring writers look for when choosing writing programs and writing mentors? A panel of some of Canada's top writing teachers will explore these issues and answer questions from the audience.

Panel Participants:
With Alison Calder, Aritha Van Herk, Andreas Schroeder
Moderated by Peter Oliva