Summer Writing Workshops

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

This is the start of the season for writing workshops. I would hope that those of us who attend them would write about their experiences when we get back and specifically mention the instructors, the ambience, the food and living conditions, and other important issues. I, for one, am looking forward to getting away for a week and communing with a community of writers.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

We're having a seminar in September. (HRW) a group of us will get together to critique each others work. I hope to finish some work on three manuscripts and get some sixes ready. :) Have a great summer.

[Tiger]

Don't know about getting away for a seminar. I'm taking an on-line course right now (mystery writing) which is eating up my free time. My critique group hope to get away in the fall for a long weekend (Nantucket?).

[Linda]

Hey Toby, I'll be at Lesley - not sure yet who I'll be workshopping with, but will definitely give the poop. You're at Tinker Mtn?

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to a week of writing, talking about writing, breathing writing, sleeping writing...

And nest summer, maybe we can coordinate and get a bunch of sixers at the same workshop! Peace, Linda

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Hi Linda....2 of us 6-ers will be at Tinker Mountain Writers Workshop in June. I am counting the days and trying not to feel bad that my manuscript is not as tight as I would like it.

[Linda]

Yep, your escape is coming up - who's the other Sixer? Give each other hugs for me! And I am sure your m/s is tight enuf to bounce a quarter off it. Same as abna?

I gotta wait until July 25... sigh... Peace, Linda

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

That could happen but it usually doesn't in a good workshop with an experienced leader. What happens is that you understand what works in your story and why, and then what needs to be strengthened and why. I have gone into workshops with absolute dreck and come out with ideas and excitement about how to change what I've written. It's always best to use a story for workshopping that has not completely gelled in your own mind so that you are open to suggestions.

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

I came back from a workshop at Tinker Mountain (Hollins University) in Roanoke, VA and have to report that I was disappointed this year after a fabulous experience the year before. My group of 6 was in a small dorm that had no wireless internet and no hot water for the week. We showered in barely tepid water. The workshop itself was just O.K. The leader hardly participated in discussions and gave very little advice during my one-on-one. Most everyone was upset. Looking forward to hearing about other possibilities for next year.

[Kathleen Gabriel]

I'm going to a conference this year, even though I feel pretty chicken about it, I'm going! It's the Willamette Writers' Conference held August 7 - 9 in Portland, Oregon. I am chicken about it because of my hearing problem partly, and just fear of the unknown, I suppose. Is anyone else here going to it?

Yes, it's not the same thing as a workshop, but there will be plenty of learning opportunities. I'll report back.

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Don't be scared Kathleen. I've been to many different kinds of conferences and workshops and I have to say that most people there are friendly and helpful and not at all negative. You'll make a few friends for life. It's a wonderful experience, if you have an open mind and are willing to learn.