Workshops

Wilgetthere

Wilgetthere

I Went to my first workshop the weekend just gone. I attended an 'inspired beginnings' workshop at the Warwick Words Festival. It was my first experience of discussing writing in a big group. There was twenty people in the workshop including me. The company was great and the amount of respect that everyone showed each other was a joy. I was vastly outnumbered: 19 women and me. The thing that struck me was the lack of confidence that would-be writers have, I am sure that any of my peers in that situation is able to write, but lacked confidence. I did not learn much about generating ideas because that has never been a problem for me. I did learn though to be more focused and looked at the argument for joining a writing group. The Warwick Words writing group was also launched. Is joining a writing group a must?

Carol

No, it's not for everyone. But if you lack confidence it can be a good way to build up your writing self esteem.
The important thing to remember is take your time finding the right group for you,there can be a big variation in the type and quality of writers groups.
Glad you had a good time at the event.

Jacey

I've been in writing groups (one was terrible!) but I'm not in one now. I did find them helpful when I was starting out though, and my confidence was certainly boosted by the feedback. But I came to realise that some groups are a bit too "cosy" in terms of critique, while others can be dominated by one or two strong characters who seem to take up a lot of time... I think it's very hard to get the balance right.

Now I find that Talkback fulfils my need to interact with other writers (daily - often several times!) I belong to the Society of Authors and Writers' Guild too, both of which organise workshops/seminars and social/networking events.

Jacey

I meant to add that I had the opposite experience on a ten week writing course once - all men and me!

niddy

I intended to go to the Warwick Words Festival but it clashed with other arrangements.  Was it any good?  I'm pleased to hear they have started a writing group because I have been looking for one to join. I don't live far away.  I have never joined a writers group before but have wanted to do so for a long time - have you any info on this group - send me a pm if you do.
Joining a group would be helpful to me, my husband died a couple of years ago so I find it a bit lonely.

Betsie

Hi Wilgetthere - I love belonging to a writers' group, I find it helps me to keep writing and to try other genres.  Over the years I've been a member of several and currently chair a weekly meeting at one near Wolverhampton. 

Patty

Talkback is my Writers' group any time of the day.

Wilgetthere

Sorry to hear about the death of your husband. The Warwick Writers Group meet 7.30-9.30pm and have 3 dates until Christmas: Wed 25 October at Unitarian Chapel, Mon 27 Nov at Roebuck Inn, Smith Street and Mon 20 Dec at the Unitarian Chapel.

Wilgetthere

Hi Betsie, I find that Talkback is great and maybe when I move up the writers' league I will possibly join a local writing group. I think I will know when the time is right for that.

niddy

Thanks Wilbethere - I'll go along and see what it's like