Unlock Your Creativity with a Creative Writing Workshop
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
By Mary Kole
If you’re struggling to write, a creative writing workshop could be just the thing to kick you back into gear (while also being fun). Perhaps your creative juices have run dry and you’re feeling stuck in a rut. Or maybe you’ve never written before, but you’re eager to learn how—in a positive and supportive environment. Maybe you’ve caught a bad case of writer’s block (which we don’t personally believe in, around here). If any of this sounds like you, then consider attending a creative writing workshop. Creative writing workshops, critique groups (LINK: https://goodstorycompany.com/blog/critique-group), and writing classes are designed to help writers of all levels unlock their creativity and discover new ways of expressing themselves through the written word. Let’s explore why a creative writing workshop might be just the thing to get your writing career off the ground … or back on track.
Learning from an Expert Instructor in a Creative Writing Workshop
When you attend a creative writing workshop, you will be learning from an expert instructor who can guide you through the process of writing your own stories, poems, or essays (most workshops will have a specific focus, whether it’s a genre or a craft element). You'll receive instruction on how to structure your ideas, craft believable characters, develop meaningful plot arcs, and create vivid settings that bring your stories to life. But it isn't simply about learning the technical aspects of writing; it's also about discovering what inspires you as an individual writer and connecting with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about the same things as you.
Developing Your Own Voice in a Creative Writing Workshop
By attending a creative writing workshop, you will also have the opportunity to develop your own unique writing voice. Through practice and experimentation with different techniques and styles of writing, you can find out what works best for you while staying true to yourself. This self-discovery process is a major part of growing and maturing as a creative writer. Writing workshops are often conducted in small groups so that everyone has time to share their stories and receive feedback from their peers—allowing them to gain valuable insights into their own work while also getting inspired by what others are doing. Plus, with group discussions and creative writing critiques built into each session, everyone gets an opportunity to express their opinions and learn from one another in an open environment full of constructive criticism and support.
Breaking Through Writer's Block
Finally, by attending a creative writing workshop can help break through any writer’s block that may be preventing you from putting pen (or keyboard!) to paper. By working through exercises geared towards sparking creativity and discussing strategies for overcoming roadblocks in your writing process, you will find yourself more motivated than ever before—you'll also walk away with new ideas for future writing projects. You’ll also see that fellow writers struggle with the same issues. This might not magically help you get yourself on the right track, but it very well could make the writing journey easier.
Creative writing workshops provide writers of all levels with valuable instruction on how to improve their storytelling craft while developing their own unique voices, styles, and storytelling approaches. With helpful exercises designed to spark creativity and insightful discussions on how best tackle any writer’s block that may come up along the way. Look for a creative writing workshop at your local college, library, or literary center. Sometimes independent bookstores will run them, too. In this post-pandemic world, there’s also a wealth of writing instruction online, that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Want writing guidance, feedback, and accountability?
Self-guided writing study is great, but can only take you so far. Apply to Story Mastermind—a small group workshop intensive for your novel, memoir, outline, or picture book idea. Achieve a robust outline or draft, or a portfolio of picture books, in a rigorous but supportive environment. Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating in Story Mastermind.