In the interview with literary critic D.G. Myers -- who discussed how life has changed since he was diagnosed with cancer -- the conversation steered toward the contemporary teaching of fiction.
The host, economist (and sometimes economic novelist) Russ Roberts, was once tasked with teaching economic students how to write.
He wasn't sure how.
He lamented that very few fiction classes in American universities actually teach students how to write fiction.
My mind immediately went to pro writers who teach -- and specifically Card, who offers detailed "how to" writing advice that is specific and actionable. (From what I've read in his book Characters and Viewpoint, anyway.)
So it was a little spooky when the next thing out of Robert's mouth was that the best advice he ever heard for teaching writing was from Scott Card.
When teaching writing, Card told him, don't grade students on their own writing -- grade them on their critiques of the works of other students. Myers agreed.
A student who learned to build her critiquing muscles would be able to use those same muscles in constructing a good, honest tale.
The episode is quite moving. Myers' experience is another reminder of the excellent advice in Shawshank:
quote: Get busy living, or get busy dying.
And while deeper economic issues are discussed, Roberts also quotes from poetry. Twice.
The mention of OSC happens at 53 minute mark. Check out the podcast here.Posts: 47 | Registered: Apr 2011
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
