I was looking into taking a writing workshop and was wondering what you guys would recommend? I was currently looking at Gotham Writers.
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Writing Workshops Question
- Thread starter Delvianna01
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I've heard good things about Gotham, but it really will depend on what you put into it and what you are open to learning.
It could be a great place to make some connections and meet some beta-readers, writing group potentials.
It could be a great place to make some connections and meet some beta-readers, writing group potentials.
Ii am currently taking one of Margie Lawson's courses and enjoying it. In just a few days I feel like I've learned a lot and will take another after this one.
Will look into Gotham Writers. Hadn't heard of those.
Will look into Gotham Writers. Hadn't heard of those.
@crasterbabies That's true with anything, I wanted to know what others have taken and what they recommend as prosperous. Some places might not be so worth while. So I wanted to know what places you would recommend because you liked the experience.
@Lizbethdylan Thanks I've never heard of them so I'll look into it.
@Lizbethdylan Thanks I've never heard of them so I'll look into it.
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I've heard very good things about Gotham Writers. If you write sf/f/h, my personal favorites are Critters and SFF/OWW. I've also had some good experience with Critique Circle, which is open to a wide range of genres.
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Gotham Writers has a good reputation. If they're local and within your price range, I'd say it's a good fit. 
Gotham does enjoy a good reputation, but man, they're expensive compared to what I can get locally.
Are you considering an online course or an in-person one? If you're looking at online, I'd seek low-cost and no-cost options first.
Maryn, lucky to have Writers & Books
Are you considering an online course or an in-person one? If you're looking at online, I'd seek low-cost and no-cost options first.
Maryn, lucky to have Writers & Books
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I took a few at Gotham Writer's (at their building in NYC, not online) and it was a great experience. They are pricey, but I got a lot for my money. No idea how their online workshops are.
If you're looking for online programs, Barbara Rogan (who is also a member here at AW) offers some very good ones.
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1)What genre do you write?
2) What is your goal/objective in attending a workshop?
I've found some great workshops at my local RWA writers' conference. You can attend even if you are not a member of RWA. Texas has a lot of RWA chapters, so likely you can find one near you, if you are willing to join RWA National and your local chapter.
You can usually find a writers' workshop in conjunction with SFF cons, too. The ones out here are usually under $75 to attend. Or you can look into some of the longer, more expensive options like Viable Paradise or Clarion. Everyone I know who has attended one of these workshops says it has really helped them.
2) What is your goal/objective in attending a workshop?
I've found some great workshops at my local RWA writers' conference. You can attend even if you are not a member of RWA. Texas has a lot of RWA chapters, so likely you can find one near you, if you are willing to join RWA National and your local chapter.
You can usually find a writers' workshop in conjunction with SFF cons, too. The ones out here are usually under $75 to attend. Or you can look into some of the longer, more expensive options like Viable Paradise or Clarion. Everyone I know who has attended one of these workshops says it has really helped them.
I'm part of a regional writer's association that hosts workshops every weekend. I've actually gotten more out of some of those workshops that I have in a more formal setting. So, I second local groups as well. Most of the workshops cost around $30 for 4-6 hours. I'm in a film-writing workshop that cost $200 for 8 weeks. Amazing stuff. Learning more about my fiction writing than I thought I would (and learning the film-writing material as well).
I think I'm a workshop Grinch.
I went to an introductory session at Gotham Writers here in New York City a couple of years ago. I was monumentally unimpressed. They put us in a classroom and gave us a sample class, and IMHO it was at level K--as in kindergarten. Maybe they were appealing to the lowest common denominator, not knowing who we were. I also spoke to one of the leaders about my WIP--no specifics, just that it was a mystery--and got a response that convinced me I would not benefit from this workshop.
Of course, that's just my experience. Others differ.
I went to an introductory session at Gotham Writers here in New York City a couple of years ago. I was monumentally unimpressed. They put us in a classroom and gave us a sample class, and IMHO it was at level K--as in kindergarten. Maybe they were appealing to the lowest common denominator, not knowing who we were. I also spoke to one of the leaders about my WIP--no specifics, just that it was a mystery--and got a response that convinced me I would not benefit from this workshop.
Of course, that's just my experience. Others differ.
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