10 places to find a writers' workshop
Where to find your writing tribe, or at least a writers' workshop
In the past few weeks, we’ve discussed the benefits of a writing workshop and the benefits to the person giving feedback. Today, just a quick and dirty list of places to look for writers’ groups and workshops in your area.
When I teach at a local college (I’m doing a lot of online teaching at the moment), I require attendance at workshops or readings because the sooner they get engaged with a writing community, the further and faster their writing will grow. This is my process for them. Challenge yourself to each of these things.
Share in a small group. For my students, first I have them share their work in the classroom. Think of that like sharing your work with your family or friends.
Go to a reading/writing activity on campus (or in your neighborhood). It’s like a safe place to observe.
Visit a community writing event. The idea with this is that once you’ve done the small group, the more local group, and then the large group, you have a sense for where you will most likely grow your writing and your writing network.
Take a look at the list below the image for suggestions of where to find writers’ groups.
Local Writing Organizations: Check if there are any writing organizations or associations in your area. These groups often organize workshops and writing events. Look for their websites or social media pages to find information about upcoming workshops. I’ve worked with several writing organizations, and they always welcome new members.
Community Centers and Libraries: Many community centers, public libraries, or literary centers offer writing workshops for aspiring writers. Visit their websites or inquire in person to learn about their workshop schedules and registration processes. I worked for several years at the local library and ran both book clubs and writers’ groups. They’re always a good time and a great way to meet writers in your local community.
Colleges and Universities: If you're a student or have access to a college or university campus, check if they offer writing workshops. Many English or Creative Writing departments host workshops that are open to the public or offer non-credit community education courses. The community college where I worked had an open-mic night (well, day) where anyone could read/share their work. No student ID required!
Online Writing Platforms: Explore online platforms dedicated to writing and creative communities. These change with the times, but if you look at the writing resources on my website, I list several.
Writing Conferences and Festivals: Attend writing conferences, literary festivals, or book fairs in your region. These events frequently include workshops conducted by experienced writers and professionals. Look for their websites or promotional materials to find workshop schedules and registration details. As a newer writer, I tried to attend one large conference a year. When I was actively presenting, I did several conferences a year. It depends on your goals and your budget.
Writing Retreats and Residencies: These are like little pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Consider attending writing retreats or applying for writing residencies. These programs often incorporate workshops as part of their offerings. Research reputable retreats or residencies that align with your writing goals and explore their workshop options. Again, if you look at the residency resources on my website, I list several.
Writing Meetup Groups: Join writing meetup groups in your area. When I first moved back to Colorado, I used Meetup to grow my social group, but never even thought about using them for writing. These groups usually organize regular meetups where writers gather to share their work and provide feedback. Try Meetup.com or other community resources.
Online Writing Courses: Many platforms offer online writing courses, some of which include workshop components. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass feature writing courses taught by established authors and industry professionals. I love MasterClass, and learned a lot in the year I had my subscription, and now I just seek out interesting teachers and courses, some of which include opportunities for feedback and peer review.
Writers' Associations and Guilds: Look for national or regional writers' associations or guilds. There are more than I could possibly list, often divided by genre (ie romance, mystery, sff, thriller, poetry, etc). These organizations often provide resources and workshops for their members. Explore their websites or reach out to them to inquire about available workshops.
Social Media and Writing Forums: Social Media can be a time suck that steals your writing hours and gives nothing in return, but what I’m advocating here is something more intentional than a doom scroll through Instagram. Engage with writing communities on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit. Follow writing-related hashtags or join writing groups to connect with other writers. These platforms often provide opportunities for virtual workshops or recommendations for in-person workshops.
Remember to research the reputation and credibility of any workshop or organization before attending. Writer Beware® is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association and offers an incredible database of places to avoid or how to recognize scams. Read reviews or seek recommendations from fellow writers to ensure you invest your time and resources in a valuable workshop experience.
Make it great week!
Cindy Skaggs is a writer, public speaker, and military veteran who holds an MFA from Pacific Lutheran University and an MA in Creative Writing from Regis University. She is an advocate for military and veteran issues, mom to two humans, and a reluctant wrangler of too many critters. She is a native of Colorado where she teaches graduate and undergraduate creative writing.
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