Not sure where to begin here, so I'll begin by asking "What are your thoughts on writing workshops?"
First, let me say that I think workshops (and you can substitute the word seminar or writing group here) are helpful, esp. to begining writers. They provide a sense of community, they offer critique, and they provide an impetus for writing.
But they can also be confusing (what to do with all that critique), incestuous (same people in every class, same thoughts, same weird dynamics), and static (notoriously adverse to experimentation or difference).
Those are my general thoughts...so, what do you think about writing workshops? Do you like them (and yes, please explain why)? Hate them (again, please explain why)? Why do you attend them? What was your experience like? If you teach workshops, what are those experiences like?
The last writing workshop I attended was many years ago; in high school. I'm sure things have changed. What I liked about the workshops were the quick free writing exercises, 5 minutes of anything. We didn't have to share, it was just for ourselves. There was no one to impress; finding a new word for sad. But,there was always a couple of people with a million "what if" scenarios which I found absolutely annoying because all they had to do was answer their own hypothetical questions - it was a creative writing workshop.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say this is a great idea for a blog topic! I am looking forward to reading other's responses.
ReplyDeleteTo answer a few of your questions, yes, I like workshops, most of the time. It's nice to get feedback from educated like-minded people. I also enjoy reading other's poems, I learn so much from reading/hearing poetry. Even if you don't use ALL the feedback, it's nice to know people care enough to comment on your work.
Why do I attend? I like community, constructive criticism, I like to learn, I like 'belonging' to various groups.
Sometimes, I have so many things pulling me, from so many different directions of creativity, busy family activities, I enjoy workshops to pull me back in to writing. I like to create a niche' of time for myself to write and to discuss writing.
To close, I'll share one of my favorite quotes on creativity: A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. Abraham Maslow
@Raven: I'm curious about your comment on people offering "what if" scenarios. Are you talking about people who say things like, "What if the main character was a plumber instead of a doctor?" or "What if the action took place in the Bahamas instead of London?"
ReplyDeleteBoth. These people would hound our instructors constantly asking their opinions with variations of their MC or storyline. I know it can be hard to start writing and learn to "find your voice" but I think these kids were too caught up in trying to write something cool. I never start writing something hoping it will be a best seller. I just write the stuff I'd like to read.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is without workshops I wouldn't be the writer I am today. People who havn't experienced a workshop, I feel, are confined in their own ideas. Fragile ideas. Workshops not only teach, but they help develop thick skin for writers. Also, they're networks for writers. A musician must learn to play with other musicians as a poet must learn to write and critique with other poets. With that said, I think interacting with other people who practice the same medium as you will only help you improve.
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