For the fiction writers out there: writer's workshop?

Question

Have any of you writers done a thorough investigation of the various fiction-writing university workshops available? (I know University of Iowa has a very highly regarded program--is their summer workshop good?)

Better yet, anyone attended a workshop recently? Feedback?

Answer 1

I went to the summer workshop at University of Iowa last year and had a blast. Getting to spend a week away from the world in a situation where nearly everyone I encountered was a fellow writer, was wonderful.

Iowa City has a very nice pedestrian area just across from the main part of campus. You will find no shortage of places to eat or grab a cup of coffee there - not to mention all the bookstores.

The workshops are set up so you have your mornings and evenings free to socialize and do homework. I found myself doing most of that downtown. I'm normally a pretty reserved person, but I found I was usually only in my room to sleep.

The summer workshop is run through the university's continuing education program, so it's not exactly an M.F.A. program. Bost of the instructors ARE Iowa Writing Workshop graduates. Some are good teachers. Some are probably better writers. I picked mine out of the catalog just because I liked his course description and wasn't disappointed. He was fun and laid back, but really knew his stuff too. He was full of suggestions of books to read and things to try in our manuscripts, but always kept it clear that we were the authors of our works and we were the ones who had the final say.

The only caution I have is that the program is expensive (that's the reason I'm not going again this year.) If you're willing to shell out $1,000 for a week of "writer camp," then it's worth it. If you're looking for a place to sell your book, you're likely out of luck. The emphasis is on the art and craft of writing, not the ins and outs of the publishing industry (although there's a little of that too.)

If you go to Iowa, wear your walking shoes and bring plenty of summer clothes because it gets HOT!

Answer 2

Have you tried online workshops? I've tried one at Gotham Writers. Our instructor was a literary agent actively acquiring clients, so if you like the insider's view.

And if you write short stories, Zoetrope:All Story teamed up with Gotham Writers and their faculty is supposedly teaching the class. Your work gets read by an editor from the mag too, so if they like it, it gets published.

Best,

Shalla

Answer 3

I don't think writing workshops are the way to go if you want to maintain originality. I don't think anyone can teach you "how" to write. It's something you are born with. They may be able to point out misspelled words and they might point out grammatical errors, but when it comes down to writing, just remember that you need an idea, and then you need to create conflict and a final resolution. How? what? when? where? and why? are the questions to answer. Just sit down and start writing. Get into the flow. It'll come naturally.

Answer 4

I participate in a local workshop, and somehow I don't think that will be of any help to you, but, you are correct in regards to U. of I.'s journalism and overall writing programs. I went to school on the West Coast and my journalism professor had graduated fron U. of I. and he was very good, and spoke very highly of the school.
That could've been bias but he had the "chops" and pedigree. I'd say check this link for further info:
Phone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
URL: http://www.uiowa.edu/~iswfest

Answer 5

I was riding in a taxicab this morning and there was a female dispatcher on the two-way radio. She was dispatching the cabs to various addresses and the usual dispatch chatter was going on. Suddenly, the dispatcher asked?... Michael Hunt, are you out there... Mike? Do you read me?... Mike Hunt, Mike Hunt... Come in, ... Come In... Come in Mike Hunt. I don't know why this seem so funny to me- it's just a persons name.

I couldn't stop laughing. I think something shot out of my nose!

Answer 6

nop