Unit 1 - Lesson 4: Running a Workshop
An Introduction
Craft:
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For this first part of the lesson, we'll be learning about how creative writing workshops work, and what benefits they can have on you and your work as a writer! This is an article written by the website, Writing Mastery. Have fun reading!
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The article is linked to the right of this text.
Connect:
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Now we'll be talking about what you just read and adding on some new knowledge!
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A good way to run a workshop is make sure that everyone is in small groups. This allows the workshop to run smoother and quicker. You can then establish an order and go around the workshop, sharing pieces on day and giving critiques to the writer the next. You can repeat this until you feel ready to stop.
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Before giving the critiques to the writer, a good practice is to have an in-person discussion about the piece, focusing on both the good and bad equally. You can draw from your notes or critique, and always make sure to end on a positive note with the end of a discussion! This will ensure the writer feels open to working on and revising their piece!
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Create:
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This is the final step in this lesson. Now you get to put what you learned into practice!
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Get into a small group of people and review a short amount of work from one person. This could be a poem or a page or two of other writing. Take a couple minutes to review and critique the piece. The writer of the piece should not be present near the group during the critiquing process.
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After time is up, have a quick discussion about everyone's thoughts. Make sure everybody contributes and end on a positive note. Give the critiques to the writer and repeat the process if desired. Have fun with workshops!