Can SF/F be taught?

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This is a very old panel from LTUE. Might be during the 80s or 90s. Much of the information is still relevant. The panelists are several BYU professors. Marian K Smith was the moderator. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

  • Teacher can tell students by comments such as the following. I can see what you are trying to do and recommend ‘ author’ who does what they’re trying to do successfully.
  • Techer can point out that you may be ampered about knowing enough about the English language
  • You’re trying to make me feel about something but you’re using abstract nouns and verbs.
  • Teaches may tell students, I think this are the reasons why such and such may not work
  • Teacher can prod a student who writes boring material to look into themselves to give them insight.
  • There has to a sense of order and logic in writing and exposition
  • Teach a student to have a purposeful control over their fiction.
  • Your writing ability can be influenced by the books you read.
  • Writers don’t’ have objectivity over their own fiction. A teacher/friend can provide an outside prospective and tell what works and what does not.
  • You read so you don’t duplicate the same stories ideas.
  • Ben Bova: creativity can’t be taught. Craftsmanship can be taught
  • Scott card: We can’t choose to believe. Belief happens through circumstances you experience (paraphrase)
  • If a story does not sound with a real voice that occurs in a real situation the reader won’t care.
  • Teachers need to not accept low quality. Make your student stretch so that they become better or as good as you.
  • Some can start with a formula story concept ant then intentionally alter it.
  • You can get a nucleus of a story can come from experiences of your life.
  • The story needs to have an action.
  • Word processors let you write father. Don’t have to retype and you can alter text.

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