Why do people come to writing workshops?

Many people assume there can only be one reason for coming to writing workshops, and that’s in order to become a published author. I find this assumption strange.

It would be like saying the only reason a person might take piano lessons would be to become a concert pianist or piano teacher, and the only reason for joining a football team would be if you want to be a pro footballer.

My observation as a workshop provider is that it’s a rare participant who signs up because they want a new career. Of course that may be something that develops down the line, just as learning to play the piano or football might eventually lead to career opportunities if you find that you love it enough to want to practise and practise – but in the first instance, it’s all about pleasure.

Looe Festival of Words, September 2024. Pure pleasure.

Most people come to workshops because they want to see if they’ll enjoy it and, if they do enjoy it, then they’ll keep on coming, in order to build their skills and confidence and so enjoy it even more.

Many are surprised to find how life-enhancing a practice of writing can be. It’s an opportunity to explore your inner world, to become more aware of everything around you, to find a voice for your thoughts and feelings. It makes life more interesting, more meaningful, more manageable and more beautiful.

Another unexpected bonus for people new to workshops is the sense of community that builds very quickly through sharing and discussing writing in a group – lots of new friendships and writing groups begin in workshop situations.

I write for publication but, like almost every published writer I’ve ever met, I did loads of writing before I ever thought of becoming an author and a lot of the writing I do today is experimental and not intended for publication.

There’s the writing, and then there’s the job of being an author. Most people in workshops are there for the writing, although it’s always a buzz when, as a consequence of building their writing confidence, they start to send work off and get things accepted for publication or placed in competitions.

I personally love going on other people’s writing workshops, not because I want to find new opportunities and ideas for publication but for the creative buzz and because it’s almost always a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Why do you go to writing workshops? Has your motivation changed since the first one you went on?

I run three different kinds of writing workshops. Some have the emphasis on creative inspiration and adventures, such as Writing in the House of Dreams (coming up in September) and my themed writing days (next up, Sunflowers and Harvest)

Others focus on craft, such as my creative non-fiction session at the Penzance litfest and more occasionally I do some geared towards publishing - writing for publication and author branding.