S11 E04 Rufi Thorpe and I Talk About How, Why, and What We Teach (Part 1)

If you've ever wondered whether creative writing can actually be taught—or felt discouraged by a workshop, MFA program, or critique group—this conversation is for you.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Mary Adkins sits down with bestselling novelist and Book Incubator instructor Rufi Thorpe to unpack the writing education they wish they'd had. They discuss why traditional workshop models often fall short, what makes great writing instruction, and why no teacher can tell you whether you "have what it takes" to become a writer.

Whether you're just starting your first novel or deep into revisions, this episode offers an honest look at what actually helps writers grow.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why many creative writing workshops fail to teach craft• How teaching has made both Mary and Rufi better novelists• Why talent is overrated—and persistence matters more• How to identify what makes your writing uniquely yours• Why commercial and literary fiction have more in common than most people think

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where Mary and Rufi discuss what *can't* be taught about writing, the biggest fears they have as writing teachers, their favorite writing advice, and why revision isn't what most writers think it is.

Rufi Thorpe is the author of the novels The Knockout Queen (Pen/Faulkner Finalist); Dear Fang, With Love; The Girls from Corona Del Mar (long listed for Dylan Thomas Prize & First Novel Prize); and Margo’s Got Money Troubles (finalist for the 2024 Kirkus Prize for Fiction, winner of the Clark Fiction Prize, and now an AppleTV mini-series). She's also the revision instructor inside The Book Incubator. Come learn from Rufi! thebookincubator.com

Love the show? Share it with a fellow writer or leave a review! For more resources, visit thebookincubator.com.

Want to watch the video episodes? Visit https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins

Let's connect! Come say hi on Instagram: @book.incubator

Happy writing! — Mary

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