I was going to write a few lines about choosing a writing workshop but as I'm feeling rather lazy this morning I'll point you in this direction instead - with apologies to James Burt for stealing his title.
It's a bit too American. I don't think our workshops here are exactly like theirs. I do agree, however, that novices shouldn't be allowed to comment on the work of other novices unless there's a strong leader there who will make sure that criticism is fair and constructive. My first experience of a workshop was bad. Personality clashes, envy, and lots of destructive criticism. Now, when I run a workshop, I don't allow any of that sort of behaviour. Let anyone try it and they'll be standing in the corner with a bag over their head.
I've attended some great workshops but I've only tutored a couple myself and to be honest I dont think I'm cut out for it.
I'm grateful (and surprised!) I've been so successful in the womag market but that doesn't make me a teacher - that takes special skills I don't have.
Talking of the naughty step - I was once doing a workshop where a woman walked out because apart from not wanting to take part in any writing exercises, she didn't like my co-tutor's Geordie accent.
2 comments:
It's a bit too American. I don't think our workshops here are exactly like theirs.
I do agree, however, that novices shouldn't be allowed to comment on the work of other novices unless there's a strong leader there who will make sure that criticism is fair and constructive.
My first experience of a workshop was bad. Personality clashes, envy, and lots of destructive criticism. Now, when I run a workshop, I don't allow any of that sort of behaviour. Let anyone try it and they'll be standing in the corner with a bag over their head.
I've attended some great workshops but I've only tutored a couple myself and to be honest I dont think I'm cut out for it.
I'm grateful (and surprised!) I've been so successful in the womag market but that doesn't make me a teacher - that takes special skills I don't have.
Talking of the naughty step - I was once doing a workshop where a woman walked out because apart from not wanting to take part in any writing exercises, she didn't like my co-tutor's Geordie accent.
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