Making the Most of Creative Writing Workshops
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
By Mary Kole
Creative writing workshops are a great way for writers to develop their craft and hone their skills. They will, ideally, provide an opportunity to receive writing feedback from peers, which can be invaluable in helping to improve your writing. The immediacy of the feedback is also a great benefit, as it allows you to make changes to a manuscript as you’re drafting it. Dig in to learn why creative writing workshops might benefit your craft.
Why Should I Try Creative Writing Workshops?
The group aspect of creative writing workshops is extremely beneficial. You might be toiling alone to write your manuscript, but then you have to open yourself up to outside sources of feedback, like you will when you want an audience to experience your work. Writers can form relationships with other members of the group, share advice and encouragement, and watch each other's writing projects evolve over time. This can be especially helpful for writers who are just starting out, as it can provide a sense of community and support.
When participating in creative writing workshops, it is important to be generous when providing feedback to others. It is also important to be honest and provide constructive criticism (more here on how to give constructive criticism) where necessary. This will help to develop your critical reading skills, which can be beneficial when it comes to improving your own writing. (It can be frustrating that the knowledge can be slower to trickle down to your own work, but that’s the way it generally is.)
It is also important to remember that perfection is not always possible. As Sylvia Plath said in her book, Letters Home: Correspondence 1950–1963, "Perfection is elusive." A more modern take might be, “Progress, not perfection.” It is important to keep this in mind when participating in creative writing workshops, as it can help to reduce the fear of failure. Everyone there is in attendance to get better and to learn, and there’s a very level playing field involved.
How to Make the Most out of Creative Writing Workshops
Finally, there are some tips that can help writers make the most of their creative writing workshops. First, it is important to study storytelling craft and learn from the best, but not to copy them. Second, it is important to set goals and be consistent. Third, it is important to find an environment that encourages creative flow. Fourth, it is important to try freewriting, and other disciplines like journaling. And finally, it is crucial to get a second opinion from a third party about your own work, and to stay passionate about writing.
Overall, creative writing workshops can be a great way for writers to develop their skills and improve their writing. By following the tips outlined above, writers can make the most of their workshop feedback experience, and become better writers.
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