How to Take a Non-Fiction Writing Workshop

Participating in a non-fiction writing workshop can teach you new non-fiction writing skills and polish your existing skills. Register for a non-fiction workshop, participate in classes and turn in written exercises to become a solid writer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find non-fiction writing workshops. Start at your local colleges and see if they offer non-fiction workshops as part of their continuing education program. Conduct an Internet search to find workshops located in your city or visit institutions of higher learning to check the English department's bulletin boards for workshop advertisements. Ask other writers for references. Be open to taking a workshop online.

2. Decide on a non-fiction workshop. Non-fiction writing workshops emphasize honing skills in many areas, including personal essay, memoir, article, review, profile and travel writing. Choose the workshop that closest resembles your preferred area of writing.

3. Register for the workshop. Pay all applicable fees. Buy required textbooks and reading material.

4. Read all required reading material. Instructors often assign non-fiction works so that workshop participants can learn from these examples. Read the pieces and try to pinpoint what works and what doesn't. Your instructor will likely require discussions about the reading assignments.

5. Pay attention to lectures. Important tips and techniques regarding writing logic, unity, rhythm, voice and tone can be presented during the lectures. You need an understanding of these concepts to successfully complete the workshop and its assignments.

6. Practice writing non-fiction after you've been taught the fundamentals of writing. Complete all assignments and polish works from previous classes if your instructor requires or allows it. Make sure you write something for every class.

7. Get feedback on your work from your instructor and other workshop participants. The different phases of your work may be critiqued by the instructor and other workshop participants. Learn from the criticism of written exercises.

8. Apply the tips and techniques you learned in your workshop to generate polished writing in your future work. Non-fiction workshops can teach you how to find inspiration in everyday occurrences and turn them into interesting pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel intimidated while taking a non-fiction workshop. Non-fiction workshops are taken by beginner writers as well as seasoned writers who want a refresher course.

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