Choosing Writers Workshops
How to Evaluate Writing Needs and Find the Right Learning Enviroment
With writers programs booming, writers have more choices than ever. Find out how to choose between summer writing workshops, online workshops, and local writers groups.
Generally speaking, writers workshops are groups which review and provide critical commentary on each other's submitted work.
A writer's workshops can be formal and class-like, run by an experienced writer or editor at a hosted summer workshop, often on a college campus. It can be a true class, through a local college or an online program. It can also be an informal writer's group that meets or communicates on a regular basis, either online, through email, or in person, and is led by a member who functions as a moderator. In addition, the group might review any types of writing (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) or only allow one type, and within that broad area (for example, fiction) may then focus on one genre (for example, mysteries).
Choosing the Right Workshop
Category and genre: An essayist needs different feedback than a novelist; a novelist, different feedback than a fantasy short story writer. Whether it's a once-a-month group or a summer weekend conference, writers need to find a workshop that's appropriate for their particular style of writing, or their particular genre. If the group does not specify, it's best to check that submitting genre fiction is acceptable.
Experience: Most workshop classes are tiered to address the skills of the writer, and many summer writing workshops ask for a sample piece in the application process. Writer's groups vary widely in the skill-level or experience of members. Some accept experienced writers only, but most are open to anyone willing to put in the time to give strong feedback.
Time: Time is always an issue for writers, particularly those who also have a day job. Writer's groups require a time commitment every week or every month, depending on how often they meet and how many stories are reviewed per meeting. This provides a constant source of review and feedback for a writer, as well as the chance to get to know the other members of the group. Summer writing workshops are usually intensive, but only for the days spent within the program. Online classes or writer's groups are the most flexible in as much as students/members can do the work at any time of day. However, these still require turning in assignments (or reviews) within a certain period of time.
Money: Writer's groups are generally free or require just a nominal membership fee. Class tuition varies widely, depending on many factors (such as geography for in-person classes). Summer writing workshops are the most expensive option, with tuition, lodging, and travel fees involved.
Writing workshops are not "one size fits all" and the variety of programs and classes available shows it. Writers must balance these factors in finding a workshop appropriate to them. Also, as writers develop in craft, or as daily time changes, what consistutes a good workshop changes. For example, someone who's worked only with a local writer's group may attend a summer writing workshop for the experience and challenge of working with a professional, not to mention a more diverse group of writers (and readers).
Where to find them
The easiest place is on the internet, however it is difficult to judge good workshops from bad, mediocre classes from quality ones. Also, a search that's too generic will generate hits from sites that cater to a different type of writing. Writers need to use keyword search with their specific needs, such as "Science Fiction writer's workshop" or "online poetry classes". Other sources:
Summer writing workshops: Check with nearby universities and colleges. Also, the AWP Official Guide to Writing Programs lists conferences, retreats, and university programs for writers.
Classes: Check local community colleges for their class offerings, both credit and non-credit. An internet search will bring up many offerings. There are many good online classes, however, writers need to do their research to find a good one that fits their needs.
Writer's Groups: Check the community section of the local newspaper or weekly. Again, as classifieds don't allow much information, research is needed. Writers should interview the prospective group to very it fits their needs. Writers might also create their own group.
Other considerations
Most publishers consider a work published if it has appeared on the web in any form that the public can read or access. Writers interested in publication who are looking at internet groups or classes should seek out groups that have private, members-only forums or work through email rather than posting on the web.
