The Word Cellar Writing Workshops: May Session

I currently have one open spot in am upcoming session of The Word Cellar Writing Workshops. This session will start in a few weeks, probably around May 20, and will run for six weeks. The schedule is flexible and will be based on the participants' availability, so if you're at all interested, please let me know now so I can include you in the planning.

Each workshop is limited to four participants, so this is an intimate, intensive group that will help you take your writing to the next level. You don't need to have former workshopping experience, but you do need to have at least 10 pages of work that you want to share for feedback. (You can submit 10-30 pages of your writing.)

Full details about the workshop are over here, but here's an overview of what you get: 

• Respectful feedback on your writing from me and the other workshop participants
• Five group calls (at least 1 hour per call), with one call dedicated to you discussing your writing
• One 50-minute private coaching session with me to discuss your writing and creative life
• Private group blog to share feedback and support with workshops participants
• Personalized recommendations for reading, writing, and creativity practices throughout the workshop experience
• Workshopping tutorial on how to create and participate in a useful, respectful workshop (including group guidelines, goals, and privacy expectations)

And the big questions: Why workshop? Why get feedback on your work?

First of all, it's not about changing your creative vision based on everyone else's opinions. Getting feedback on your work helps you to see your blindspots. Sometimes you'll get conflicting feedback, and this is a gift! It helps you to clarify your own creative vision. (I've written about my own experience with this over here.)

Writing is a tricky business because it forces two competing elements of language to co-exist. On one hand there's the useful side of everyday communication. On the other is the artistic use of language. When the overly useful invades the artistic, things can feel flat on the page. When the creative overtakes clarity, readers may be confused. Having "test" readers helps you to find out if either of these is happening so you can recalibrate.

Plus, getting feedback from people you can trust is a good exercise in courage. It can be frightening to share our work for the first time. Practicing it in small group is a good way to start.

The tuition for this workshop is $450, which gives you a workshopping tutorial, written feedback from all participants and me, a group phone call to discuss your work, a private coaching call, resources, suggestions, encouragement, writing community, and a private blog space. 

Any questions at all? Please email me or ask in the comments. I'm happy to help you decide if this is the right kind of group for you right now.