So I saw an ad the other day that said, "Learn how to write! Get a novel out! Earn lots of money!" and I laughed my ass off. If it was that easy, there wouldn't be any 'struggling authors' we'd all be raking in boatloads of cash. Sure, writing is a skill that can be taught, just like any other skill. But after I calmed down (and felt pity for the people who paid that asshat for those lessons) I got a little irritated, and then I got pissed off. If it was that easy, then the whole world would all be authors. And that's what this blog is about:
Anybody can learn to do (blank), but not everybody can do (blank) well.
Here's an example. I know how to follow recipes. I can cook basic stuff, and I'm sure if I took lessons I could cook fairly well. But would I consider myself a chef, could I take ingredients and off the top of my head create a culinary masterpiece? No, I couldn't, and that's because I don't have the talent in me that takes it from providing sustenance for myself and my family into impressing people with the flavors and presentation.
Anyone can take a picture; hells, nowadays our phones make it super easy to take fairly decent pics. But could I shoot someone professionally, take such incredible pictures that others gasp in amazement, learn how all the different lenses and flares and backdrops work to help create the stunning pictures that grace the sets we all know and love? Again, no I couldn't, because while I could be taught all of that, having that inner shutterbug that knows what makes a great picture and how to get it is a talent I do not have.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to expand your knowledge and learn new things, and by doing so you may discover that you indeed have a talent for something that you never knew about, and that's great. But to say that anyone could learn to do things like those who consider themselves professionals do is a bit insulting, and demeans all the hard work that it took to get there. But then again, that's my two cents worth and what do I know? Hope everyone has a great weekend!!