The document outlines the steps of a writing workshop, which includes free writing without self-criticism, counting word counts, reading work aloud, and identifying the central theme in one word. Participants then compare the themes identified by readers and writers to draw conclusions about differences and similarities in their perspectives. The workshop is meant to help writers think critically about their work and identify the true subject to best tell their story.

1. A Writing Workshop

2. MY FAVORITE DESSERT

3. Free writing

4. Free writing
Stream of consciousness
Whatever comes to mind
Etc.

5. Lower your standards and write
whatever comes to mind …
Get past your internal voice that says,
“You stink.”
Remember … shitty first drafts. Ignore
the mice in the jar.

6. Ready?

7. Start!

8. Stop.
Count your words.
And now you’ll read to one another:

9. Reading Ground Rules.
Reader: Just read. No embellishment. No apology.
Listeners: Just listen. Maybe nod your head and smile
now and then. Perhaps say, “I really like vanilla ice
cream too!”

10. Time to Focus.
What were they REALLY writing
about … ONE WORD ONLY!

11. Col. 1 Col. 2 Col. 3
Choc. Cream pie

12. Dessert What it’s about: What it’s about:
Listener/reader writer
Choc. Cream pie

13. Subject Theme: Theme:
Listener/reader writer
What observations/conclusions might you draw
about the differences or similarities between the
words in Column 2 and Column 3?
What reaction do the writers have to the themes
defined by the reader?
What reaction do the readers have to the theme
defined by the writer?

14. “ … the one ingredient that’s often left out of the whole
process is not the writing or the reporting, but the
thinking. You have to think your way through the story
and how you’re going to tell it to the readers first.”
David Maranis, PulitzerPrize-winning reporter for the
Washington Post
This is the kind of work reporters need to do … “What’s
this story REALLY about?” is a useful tool.