Writing Workshops: Advice From the Trenches

I’m a veteran of a number of online writing workshops, starting in 2000. I will be the first one to say I was incredibly lucky, in that the first workshop in which I participated was replete with helpful, talented people who were generous and giving. That set the bar, and I have been subsequently lucky since.

I didn’t know much then; I certainly didn’t realize how a good online writer’s workshop can make or break you. Shop carefully, just as you would for any kind of new equipment, because a writer’s workshop or critique group – the right one — is a valuable tool for the beginning or veteran writer.

What you should know about writer’s workshops:

First and foremost: Leave your ego at the door. This is critical – a writer must have a thick skin, or you might as well pack it up right now, cowboy. Putting your work of art on the table for dissection isn’t fun. As perfect as you may think your prose may be, the truth is you won’t see the errors for the trees. That’s completely normal. As I covered in Opening the Vein, your first draft is gonna be ugly. A second draft will be better, but there’s still pimples and blackheads. The whole purpose of a workshop is for an unbiased set of eyes to take a good look and tell you what is or isn’t working. You want this. Your story needs this.

Don’t take a critique as a personal attack. I know this is sometimes much easier said than done, especially since you’ve poured your heart and soul into your latest masterpiece. In a good workshop, critiques will be helpful, illuminating, and will give you an insight to the story you don’t have, as a creator. Your goal is to improve – but keep in mind it is still your story, and you have the ultimate power whether or not to implement the changes suggested.

Participate! Some workshops require you to give as many critiques as you get. Write more than that. You will learn as much critiquing other’s work as you will receiving them. You may not feel “qualified” as a writer to give a good crit, but that’s okay. Approach it from the point of view as a reader – what worked for you in the story, and what didn’t? This bit of insight is quite valuable to a writer. Don’t just say, “Good story, liked it, thumbs up.” That tells the writer absolutely nothing.

Prepare for a time investment. Like of much of life’s endeavors, you get out what you put in. Be aware there will be a time investment, and you’re making a commitment when you sign up for a workshop. Make sure you can comply with the requirements (if any) and if you can’t, don’t waste your time or the time of others.

When you start looking for an online writer’s workshop, take your time. Check the place out; what kind of material is on the site? Visit periodically over the space of a week or so. What do the crits look like? Are a few doing the work of many? It’s not unusual to see a core of serious writers doing a lot of the commenting and critiquing, but the more participating, the better.

Are the critiques the kind you’re looking for? Some workshops focus on story, plot, or theme. Some are more concerned with actual structure, such as grammar, punctuation, or style. It’s great if you can get the best of both worlds. Does this workshop or group specialize in fiction, non-fiction, poetry? What genre seems to be prevalent? You want to find a good fit and the right audience for your work.

I prefer the intimacy and support of a smaller type of workshop, but you might be more comfortable in something much bigger. It all depends on what you’re looking for from a workshop or critique group. Knowing this ahead of time will help you make your ultimate decision.

Consider the format, also. Is it a venue in which you’ll feel comfortable? Some workshops are set up like bulletin boards or membership forums, but there are also email groups. Become familiar with their rules and terms of service. This is a big investment of your time (and theirs) and it pays to do your research before you jump right in. Always remember — opinions, critiques, and advice are all optional to implement. Including the advice in this article.

These are just a few things you should consider when looking for online support in your writing endeavors. Choose carefully, and the value you receive is more than worth the time invested.

§ Member of For The Love Of Writing 2000 – 2002

§ Member of For Writers, By Writers, Writer Here Write Now, and Heavy Glow 2002 – 2006

§ Member of Critical Ms 2004

§ Member of Pam Castro’s Flash Fiction Workshop 2006 – 2007

§ Owner and admin of The Story Board 2006 – present