Scratch Paper, Episode 17: How to run a writing workshop in person or via email

Want someone else to read your work?

Writing workshops, whether in person or online, are incredibly valuable in getting your work done and polished. I would not have finished the first draft of Finding Lucy, my first novel out on submission, without an email writing exchange that I did with a woman I met through a writing meet-up. Writing workshops were also my favorite part of earning my MFA–though occasionally terrifying, having other people read my work was validating and inspiring. It made me feel like a real writer.

In this episode of Scratch Paper, I share the guidelines to my favorite type of workshop and to the email exchange that helped me finish my manuscript. You can take these ideas to your writing group, a local meet-up, or a writing friend who lives far away and use them to exchange work and feedback.

To listen, scroll down (if you’re reading this in email, click here or on the image below). You can also subscribe to Scratch Paper in iTunes or on Stitcher.

Show notes:

• Writing update: I’m on page 60 of my new, yet unnamed and un-described novel.
• Reading update: Currently reading and thoroughly enjoying The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
• I went to the MFA program at UNH, which is where I got the structure for the workshops that I’m talking about

Do you have a writing group? How do you run it? What works best for you? Please share in the comments!

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