How I Improved My Writing Skills at Workshops

One of the biggest challenges faced by many writer's (probably every writer...) is self doubt.

On so many occasions, especially when I started my Creative Writing degree, the thought of improving my writing felt overwhelming. I knew I wanted guidance and support from others on the same journey, but let's be honest with ourselves – it's hard to break the ice sometimes. But as soon as I attended my first writer's workshop, my perspective shifted. These workshops changed my writing and opened doors for new opportunities. I'd actually argue that this is the BEST way to improve your writing.

The Power of Community

One of the best aspects of writer's workshops is the strong sense of community they create. Being around fellow writers who share your enthusiasm can be incredibly inspiring.

In the workshops I've attended (which usually take place one a month and can have around 1 -6 people in each one), I felt comfortable sharing my work without the fear of harsh judgment. They can also help you block out that dreaded 'imposter syndrome', such as recently, when my peers encouraged me to keep developing some characters I've been writing for an adult novel, after being told they were flat and one-dimensional. Physically listening to other people praise and provide you with constructive feedback is a great way to advance your skills, and support positive mental health.

A cozy workshop space filled with books and writing materials.

Structured Feedback Sessions

Feedback is an essential part of the writing process (duh!), and workshops provide a structured way to receive it. As long as you are surrounded by voices you trust, and know that they provide decent constructive recommendations, then you're in good hands.

In most workshops, we would read our work aloud (even if it's just a small snippet), followed by a round of feedback from different students. Sometimes this can evolve into a discussion, but nothing too formal. This structured environment not only strengthened my writing but also improved my skills in giving valuable feedback. By learning to approach critiques openly, I became more receptive to suggestions, enhancing my work's overall quality. And of course reading a range of different genres and formats in different voices and styles, is always beneficial toward your own work. So the next time you go to a writer's workshop, make sure to make a mental note of the language people use to feedback work; of how they structure the positives and 'negatives', and what specific areas they focus on. I like to think that everyone has a different set of editing skills under their belt – so it helps to have a range of different writers in the workshop. Maybe some who write prose, others who write poetry, and even screenwriters. All these skills, albeit different, have crossovers.

Sometimes, when a group of us arrange to hold writer's workshops frequently, we see extracts from a growing collection of short stories or even a novel – so then there's this excitement and anticipation built around 'waiting for the next instalment', which is always fantastic.

A stack of notebooks and pens on a wooden table.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Workshops

Now that you know the benefits, here are some practical steps to get the most out of your workshop experience:

1. Be Open to Feedback

Stay receptive to suggestions. Constructive criticism can sharpen your writing and help you grow.

2. Participate Actively

Engage fully. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and read your work aloud. The more involved you are, the more you will gain from the workshop.

3. Ask Questions

Before attending, take some time to jot down any questions you may have for other people in the workshop. This will help them to revise your work in a specific area that you need a second pair of eyes on.

4. Network

Use the time to connect with fellow participants and instructors. Keep in touch; these relationships can lead to future collaborations.

5. Experiment

Step outside your comfort zone. Try new genres or writing styles in response to the workshop experience to discover new facets of your creativity.

6. Follow Up

After the workshop, review the feedback you received. Apply it to your writing and consider sharing updates with your workshop peers to remain accountable.

Final Thoughts

Attending writer's workshops has profoundly shaped my writing journey, and I believe it can significantly benefit you too. The community, expert guidance, and structured feedback can help you grow as a writer. By actively participating and embracing the unique opportunities these workshops provide, you can develop your skills and move closer to realising your writing dreams. If you're an aspiring writer seeking to improve your craft, I encourage you to explore a writing workshop in your area – or one that frequently runs online. You might be surprised at the impact it will have on your journey!

A serene writing nook with a window and plants.