Friday Writing Question: Can You Still Learn?

/ harmonykentonline

Hello SErs! Harmony here. I hope this finds you all well. Today is the day for our Friday Writing Question. A while back, I came across one of those people who knows it all already … he’s been there, done that, and has the whole wardrobe–never mind just wearing the darn T-shirt. Something in this struck me as quite sad. What is there left in life?

All of which got me to musing … and you all know how dangerous that can be! 🙂

So, to my question for today …

Can we ever become such an expert we can no longer learn?

To date, I have published ten books and have a plenty more stuff on the go. My answer to this question lies in the fact that I have recently embarked upon a couple of writing classes, as well as purchasing books on writing. Do I lack self-confidence? No! Do I want to keep perfecting my craft? Yes!

I’d love to hear your thoughts, both for and against, in the comments below, as well as what you do to hone your craft (or not). Have a great weekend, everyone 🙂

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Harmony Kent

30 thoughts on “Friday Writing Question: Can You Still Learn?”

  1. Pingback: Author Inspiration and Last Week’s Writing Links – Staci Troilo

  2. What do they say? You’re never too late to learn? I believe that completely.
    No how much we know, there is always something we can do to improve.The day we stop being open to learning is the day we grow stagnant. I never want that to happen!

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  5. Because the art of writing is totally creative, we will never learn it all. I too recently checked into some local classes. Because I recognize the fact that I want to continue to grow and get better. We can’t keep doing the same things over and over again and expect different results. I’d actually like to be able to make a living writing. Thanks for this thoughtful question, Harmony!

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  8. ‘The more we learn, the more we realise there is yet to discover’ was a quote frequently banded about when I first started writing and I have always kept the sense of eternal curiosity that makes life a journey of growth, learning and gratitude. There are so many free resources, online libraries, walk-in libraries and museums out there that make it easy to research topics of interest without breaking the bank as well. To answer your question, I would always want to remain open to learning something new as our understanding and knowledge in general is constantly evolving.

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  9. I agree. How sad that person thinks he knows everything. I’d be devastated if someone told me I’d never learn another new thing. That wouldn’t give me a feeling of accomplishment; rather, disappointment—there would be nothing to look forward to.

    I buy industry books all the time. I occasionally register for webinars or classes, but I’ve cut way back on those, as they all seem to be insanely expensive. I’d rather read a cheap book and have it for reference than take an expensive class and forget most of it. And, of course, I read expert bloggers. And I doubt I’ll ever stop.

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  10. I’ve mentioned before that writing is an exercise in personal improvement for me. There is always something we can learn, or a way to improve what we already do. Unlike others, I look back at my older publications and don’t cringe. I smile, because I can see the improvements I’ve made since then. Hopefully, my future works we be crafted even better. I learn from the rest of my SE group, and I still read the occasional craft book.

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    • Excellent point, Craig, about not cringing. I sometimes think about going back and editing my earliest works, but as with the likes of Stephen King, it shows you’ve honed your craft. I love reading his early stuff versus his recent books and seeing the differences. So, my books stay as they are. And, like you, it’s nice to see how I’ve improved over the years. Have a lovely weekend 🙂

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  11. I agree I don’t think we ever stop learning. Those who think they do have sad misconceptions about life. As you probably know, I work in the medical field. doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc. all have to maintain a number of continuing education hours in order to keep their licenses. Why should writers think there aren’t other things to learn.

    Like you, I recently purchased some books on writing. Why? Because I want to learn more and perfect what I do. Good question, Harmony!

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