"All
men who have turned out worth anything
have had the chief hand in their own education."
have had the chief hand in their own education."
Sir
Walter Scott
What does it mean to have a "chief hand" in one's education?
Can it mean:
- Reading?
- Polishing skills?
- Joining a support group?
- Having a heart open to learning?
- Or all of the above?
As children, we don't have as much say in how we are educated. But as we get older we slide into the driver's seat. And away we go. Gripping the steering wheel with those chief hands.
This principle struck me recently as I reviewed an assignment from one of my teen students. How many things have I learned or brushed up on since graduation? Some out of necessity, others just because...
From the small (what's the difference between a homophone, a homonym, and a homograph?) to the large (creating memorable characters for the work in progress) there's been much to learn, and more to learn. Always.
What Tools are Available?
With today's technology, the sky's the limit for any topic. Well, almost. Sometimes finances, or lack of, hinder us. Never fear, though, for there are options.
For instance, much can be gained from:
- Blogs
- Trade publications
- Support or critique groups
- Lectures, workshops, and conferences
- Budget friendly options, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Free Open Courseware
A little effort, ingenuity, and divine intervention, aka the "chief hand", can make a big impact on all we do. :)
Do you agree with Sir Scott? How is this idea reflected in your writing? In your life?
Happy writing,
