tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912938826526390929.post5067560415536586793..comments2023-03-16T18:37:15.684+11:00Comments on Speculating about fiction: Workshopping woesTraceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932807900624163063noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912938826526390929.post-55026592166410834652007-07-28T19:22:00.000+10:002007-07-28T19:22:00.000+10:00Hi, Lisa.Yes, it's interesting to see people who a...Hi, Lisa.<BR/><BR/>Yes, it's interesting to see people who are new to workshopping have a go at it. I think we all forget that we may be new at writing/workshopping, but we *are* experienced readers. But, yes, as we gain more experience, we're able to be more precise in why things are or aren't working and how to improve them.<BR/><BR/>Yes, people who are defensive don't get nearly as much out of the experience as they otherwise would. We really do need to be thick-skinned when writing. Alligator-skinned. And, as you point out, a supportive workshopping group/class can teach you so much. I think I learnt 90% of my writing skills through workshopping.Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10932807900624163063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912938826526390929.post-17264106288294280892007-07-26T10:54:00.000+10:002007-07-26T10:54:00.000+10:00Hi TraceyI found this a real problem when I was a ...Hi Tracey<BR/><BR/>I found this a real problem when I was a student, especially when I did an online subject as we were placed in small groups for workshopping. The first group I was in had some people who barely commented on any work submitted for workshopping which was frustrating. I found the same people were defensive about their own work and took any suggestions as a personal attack.<BR/>I think workshopping can be really valuable but it does depend on the quality and effort of the critique group. As far as critiquing work myself I have always put in maximum effort, but I do know that in the beginning I was pretty hopeless at knowing what exactly was wrong (or right) with a piece. I could give my opinion on whether something was working for me or clear to me but that was about it. Of course as I gained experience I got better at it! <BR/>I guess the other issue is the size of the group and how supportive it is. When I did Novel 2 we had a small class and everyone was very supportive of each other. Most people put a lot of effort into workshopping and everyone seemed to engage in the spirit of workshopping ie no one got defensive when their work was criticised. I learnt heaps that year!Lisa66https://www.blogger.com/profile/09569945644915986227noreply@blogger.com