5 Reasons to Attend a Writer's Workshop

In 27 days (and counting), I will be attending the One Year Adventure Novel Winter Workshop. This will be the 3rd writer’s workshop that I’ve been to. Workshops are what I live for so I am super excited to be going again!

I truly believe every aspiring author should go to a writer’s workshop at least once. Need convincing? Here’s 5 reasons you should go to a workshop!

{1}

Writers are an amazing community!

Going to my first workshop was scary. I was so nervous walking into a new place with new people and new ideas. But once I started talking with others and discussing our common passions, I was blown away by everyone's kindness and the warm welcome I received. I realized that I had found my people. (I remember thinking, “These are weird people. But they’re MY kind of weird!!”)

{2}

Critique groups are the perfect place to get constructive feedback in a safe environment.

Getting feedback on your writing can be frightening. Having strangers (or even people you know) read the story you wrote can be intimidating! But critique groups are filled with writers just like you who want to help you write your story in the best way possible.

{3}

You’ll find encouragement and refreshment.

Being an artist has its draw backs. When you're writing by yourself, you can often run out of ideas. Work, school, and social life can drain your creative juices. Talking to other writers who have experienced the same thing in their own writing lives can be refreshing. Knowing you're not alone can be some of the best encouragement you'll ever receive. 

{4}

New ideas and fresh perspectives abound at workshops.

Have a plot hole you can’t get yourself out of? Stuck on what to write next? Feeling burned out on your story? Talking and brainstorming out loud with other writers can bring forward new content, a different perspective, and light to problems that need to be fixed.

{5} 

Learn more about your craft and the writing process.

Writing workshops aren’t just about hanging out with like-minded people. Learning more about genres, themes, descriptive writing and even the publishing process will help your writing no matter what stage you are in. Writing exercises, prompts, and a variety classes are fun ways to stretch your writing ability without any pressure. 

!!!BONUS!!!
The friendships you make at workshops will help you throughout your writing life!
I am still in contact with a handful of writers I met all across the country. Some have read my work, others I chat about life with, and some we follow each other on Instagram. Even my roomie from the last workshop has been my brainstorming life-line! Every connection you make at writing events will help encourage and enrich you and the other writers you meet. Plus, you will make some AMAZING new memories with like-minded people! The adventures I’ve had with other writers will forever be some of my favorite memories. I’ve discovered a secret door at the top of a very tall staircase, drove across state lines just to grab a snack, and started a brotherhood in the middle of a dark forest. (Writers are the best, just sayin’.)

Going to a writer’s workshop for the first time can be a little scary but it’s TOTALLY worth it! There are so many workshops around the USA (and Canada too). So do some research, ask around, and find the right workshop for you!

Until next time!

~ K.J. Haakenson