I'll Do It Myself

[rynling]

Writing Workshops Suck, and Other Tales of Woe
https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/14429.html

The aspiring author took this to a writing workshop, where -- inevitably -- the other participants tore it to shreds, and did so in such a way that by the time she got back from the writing workshop, she'd lost all confidence in the project and has never been able to finish it.

This isn't the first time I've heard this kind of story. It's not even the hundred and first. I know, and know of, way too many people who could have become successful writers, but fell victim to one or another of the bloodstained traps that lie in wait for aspiring authors these days, and will probably never manage to haul themselves out again, bind their wounds, and find their way into print. Some of those traps are internal, personal issues -- but some of them are not.

I suppose in theory that it's possible to benefit from the kind of writing workshops where a circle of aspiring writers sit around and critique each other's work. I've never met anyone who did.

I randomly found this Dreamwidth post on Google while searching for something else, but the title caught my attention and it ended up resonating with me on a deep level. I think about universal basic income a lot, and I like to daydream about what I would do if I lived in a society that had such a system. Sometimes I take these fantasies too far and consider applying for an MFA program in Creative Writing, but then I'm like... nah.

Comments

[drmarcus]

I've been asked a number of times whether I'm in any writing workshops with other (aspiring) writers, and usually also "why not?" when I say no. Partly it's because I'm lazy and selfish and have no interest in critiquing someone else's manuscript, but partly it's because I'm not convinced it's necessarily useful. Having written a manuscript of some sort doesn't necessarily mean you're a good writer, and being a good writer doesn't necessarily mean that you're a good editor, or good at giving constructive criticism.

Because I also have the luxury of a well-paying day(/night) job, I paid a professional editor to give "developmental feedback" on a novel manuscript. It was fantastic, and worth every penny. She pointed out a bunch of major weaknesses, explained tactfully but clearly why they were weaknesses, and gave specific suggestions for how to fix them (and her suggestions were great--some of them so obviously improved the manuscript that I wondered how I had failed to think of them myself over the course of five full-manuscript revisions, but hey, I hope I'm learning). As a bonus she also pointed out the things that were good about the manuscript, which is nice not only because I desperately need reassurance but also because it's helpful to know what I already do well (but mostly because I desperately need reassurance, who am I kidding).

[rynling]

I'm lazy and selfish and have no interest in critiquing someone else's manuscript

SAME. Same same same same same.

and being a good writer doesn't necessarily mean that you're a good editor, or good at giving constructive criticism.

Oh Lord this is so true! I'm still trying to develop these skills myself, but... *gross sobbing*

I paid a professional editor to give "developmental feedback" on a novel manuscript.

This is such a good idea, and I'm leaning in this direction. I want to have a solid professional relationship with someone I'm compensating for their time and expertise, and I want them to be invested in my success. I may get in touch with you about this over the summer, if that's okay.

But also fucking like HOLY CRAP YOU HAVE A NOVEL MANUSCRIPT oh man it's a good time to be alive in this world. I am excite!!

[drmarcus]

Aw thank you for the excitement! *^O^* I'll let you know if it ever sees the light of day and gets published.

"Solid professional relationships" are probably my favorite type of relationship. Seriously it's awesome.

You're of course super welcome to get in touch!

[runicmagitek]

I went to one (1) writing workshop around around 5 years ago that lasted only a day and hated it. Most of that stems from the fact I helped the coordinator with it, so it's most of the behind the scenes bullshit that still leaves a bad taste in my mouth (short version, she started it as part writing workshop and part yoga practice to help establish a healthy writing practice, but she canceled it all after one session because she didn't like any of the people who attended due to them being "amateurs" and unable to help her with her own manuscripts. Fuck her). So while I don't exactly have much in terms of experience with writing workshops, I do know I'm not... really interested in them. I'd rather get feedback A) from people I already respect as writers and/or editors or B) from a damn professional, like what drmarcus mentioned above. Plus I don't have the energy to give an unfiltered critique to an absolute stranger. I beta for my friends, people I've gotten to know and feel comfortable with helping out. Hell, I spent five years in art school doing weekly, if not daily, critiques of my peers' works along with receiving it from them. A writing workshop, however, feels like some place where I'd need to constantly be prepared to defend my feedback the second someone lashes back in disagreement or even cries for... some reason, I dunno. Regardless, I don't have time for that. Nor do I blame anyone else skipping that entirely.