How to Lead a Writing Workshop
Writing workshops can be a wonderful way for people to share and receive feedback about their writing. They also are excellent ways of cultivating contacts and writing relationships that can be used for future projects. These steps can help you learn how to lead a successful writing workshop.
Instructions
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Set a few rules. An important aspect of a writing workshop is trust. No matter the skill level of the participants, many writers find it difficult to share their work, and they should not be forced to undergo abuse or harsh criticism. Inform participants that insults will not be tolerated, and review the notion of "constructive criticism."
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Arrange the room so that everyone is facing each other, sitting in a circle or around a large table. This arrangement is conducive to discussion, which is what you want in a writing workshop.
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Use writing exercises to get the group going. Use the writing exercises to get the creative juices flowing, and then ask participants to share what they have written.
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Devise a schedule of when participants will share their work. Each participant should bring enough copies of his work for the rest of the class to review. You should try to arrange the workshop so that every participant can have his work reviewed at least once.
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After receiving a copy of a participant's work, read the piece carefully. Make comments on the paper, and write any questions you have for the author. Encourage others do the same.
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At the next class, have the author of the piece read aloud a section of his choosing. Ask that workshop participants hold their questions until the discussion begins.
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Lead off the discussion by telling the writer what you liked and what you thought needed improvement.
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Ask each person to also say what he liked about the piece and what he thought needed improvement. If necessary, go around the group in a circle.
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Return the marked-up manuscript to the author. She will be able to review the notes you and the rest of the class have made.
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At the end of the workshop, encourage students to exchange telephone numbers and email addresses so they may continue their writing relationships.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't make it mandatory for participants to share their writing, but do offer encouragement. You may find that participants who are initially hesitant will open up to the group by the end of the sessions.
