How to start a writing workshop
Most often, we access writing and literature in a school setting. But, it seldom had to do with experience, pleasure, expression and creativity. When all kinds of people started writing workshops, they changed that: we can write without shame, without being at fault. We can write for pleasure, without wanting to make a profession of it. We can meet people who read and write, where we can be actors. And it is not even that hard. Here are some tips on how to start a writing workshop.
1) Start a writing workshop: establish your settings
Before you start a writing workshop, define the size of the group. Ideally, a group of 8 to 12 people is best; beyond that, it will be more difficult to give everyone space to express themselves. Define the length of the session in advance. Under 1.5 hours, you may run out of time. Over 3 hours, few people will be able to spare the time to come. Find a location. If there is enough room in your home to accommodate a group, great! If not, perhaps City Hall has some places to lend.
2) Take advantage of group work
Each workshop has its own approach and its own audience. But, all of them propose group work. Being together to learn how to write alone, experiencing the pleasure of playing with words: these are the first challenges of a workshop. Group work can encourage and support a participant’s progress, if the main objective of the workshop is clearly stated from the start.
3) A real democracy
When you are considering starting a writing workshop, the principle is to take advantage of everyone’s views and experience to improve the quality of one’s writing style. This is easier since all the participants, except the moderator, are on an equal footing. Contributions are by nature free, even if they must, in general, respect the framework imposed by the exercises provided by the moderator.
4) Start a writing workshop: exercise your brains out
Propose many exercises: write non-stop for 3 minutes, write to your inner child, write a grocery list. Any exercise that sparks the imagination.
When you want to start a writing workshop, the tasks seem endless. The moderator is nourished by his or her readings, encounters, experiences, and also by his or her questions, but above all by writing.