How to get through a writer’s workshop without throwing up
Posted: October 6th, 2010, 12:59 pm
The worst possible way to kick off your first writer’s workshop is to toss your cookies in the car on the way there. I know, because I did. (A combination of Nervous Stomach Disease and a poorly timed trip to Burger King did me in.) But! I recovered, got through it, and lived to write another day.
Since then I’ve come up with a few strategies for new writers to work through the jitters of sharing their work for the first time. Because there’s nothing in this world scarier than a roomful of writers. Except maybe a roomful of snakes. Or Justin Beiber fans.
Strategy 1: Put your best work forward
Control what you can: Your writing. If there are scenes you’re not sure about, or sentences you’re not happy with, or characters who haven’t quite filled out, that’s okay. Getting feedback from your peers helps. But commentary on a half-assed draft won’t be as construcive as commentary on a draft you feel proud of.
Strategy 2: Be academic about it
Will there be criticism of your work? Of course! That’s the point, after all. Try to see your writing objectively, and even harsh comments or opinions can be useful, if only to shed light on areas you could strengthen. Gird your loins.
Strategy 3: Listen to everything
My writing is my baby, and when somebody points out the flaws, I go directly to Defense Mode, which can only be resolved in a cage match. I’ve learned, though, to put the kibosh on Hulk-like transmogrification and instead focus on what’s being said. If you don’t listen, you can’t A) Justify your writerly choices, or B) See where your writing is weak.
Strategy 4: Leave your internal Gollum voice at home
Most peer readers are not out to get you. Unless you pantsed them in sixth grade gym class, in which case they probably are out to get you. I’d wager a guess that the majority of writers experience anxiety sending their work out into the world and will temper their criticisms with comeraderie. Oh, and you’ll probably get more positive comments than you’d expect.
Strategy 5: Accept the people you cannot change
Are there some Grumpy Guses or Gladyses out there who revel in negativity? Yes. For sure. Just remember that most people want to help each other out.
Since then I’ve come up with a few strategies for new writers to work through the jitters of sharing their work for the first time. Because there’s nothing in this world scarier than a roomful of writers. Except maybe a roomful of snakes. Or Justin Beiber fans.
Strategy 1: Put your best work forward
Control what you can: Your writing. If there are scenes you’re not sure about, or sentences you’re not happy with, or characters who haven’t quite filled out, that’s okay. Getting feedback from your peers helps. But commentary on a half-assed draft won’t be as construcive as commentary on a draft you feel proud of.
Strategy 2: Be academic about it
Will there be criticism of your work? Of course! That’s the point, after all. Try to see your writing objectively, and even harsh comments or opinions can be useful, if only to shed light on areas you could strengthen. Gird your loins.
Strategy 3: Listen to everything
My writing is my baby, and when somebody points out the flaws, I go directly to Defense Mode, which can only be resolved in a cage match. I’ve learned, though, to put the kibosh on Hulk-like transmogrification and instead focus on what’s being said. If you don’t listen, you can’t A) Justify your writerly choices, or B) See where your writing is weak.
Strategy 4: Leave your internal Gollum voice at home
Most peer readers are not out to get you. Unless you pantsed them in sixth grade gym class, in which case they probably are out to get you. I’d wager a guess that the majority of writers experience anxiety sending their work out into the world and will temper their criticisms with comeraderie. Oh, and you’ll probably get more positive comments than you’d expect.
Strategy 5: Accept the people you cannot change
Are there some Grumpy Guses or Gladyses out there who revel in negativity? Yes. For sure. Just remember that most people want to help each other out.