How to Run a Writers' Workshop

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 1. Distribute the work beforehand </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 2. Put seats in a circle </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 3. Author reads short excerpt (15 mins), no explanations </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 4. Pretend the author's not there. Author steps out, listens carefully. </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 5. Group summarizes what they heard. (Don't address the author.) </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 6. Suggestions for improvement. Help make the piece more of what it is. </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 7. Author rejoins group, asks for clarifications </span></p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> 8. Thank author [optional ritual before addressing next work] </span></p>

<p class="default">&nbsp;</p>

<p class="default"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> All participants have to be authors/peers. </span></p>