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A writing workshop
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.
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A writing workshop
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- 4. Free writing Stream ofconsciousness Whatever comes to mind Etc.
- 5. Lower your standardsand write whatever comes to mind … Get past your internal voice that says, “You stink.” Remember … shitty first drafts. Ignore the mice in the jar.
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- 8. Stop. Count your words. Andnow 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. Whatwere they REALLY writing about … ONE WORD ONLY!
- 11. Col. 1 Col.2 Col. 3 Choc. Cream pie
- 12. Dessert What it’sabout: What it’s about: Listener/reader writer Choc. Cream pie
- 13. Subject Theme: Theme: Listener/readerwriter 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. “ … theone 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.