Globe and Mail confirms the futility of writing courses

Russel Smith pointed out that there are fewer books of fiction being read than ever before and at the same time there are more people wanting to write them.  Some of this is snobbery.  I've already quoted Atwood on this and it's a good quote, but there's a feeling amongst those who've been published that there is far too much democratization of art.  If they were forced to say it, they'd say that not everyone can be a literary artist.  I'm sure they're right.  In any case, what must be avoided and the good writing books point this out at the same time as they contradict themselves by offering advice is advice to writers that will impose rules. There are no rules in art, both Gardner and Prose agree.  Learn from the great works of literary art, especially those outside of one's genre.  What are you reading?