What is an online writing workshop?
TheNextBigWriter is an online writing workshop but what does that mean? At its essence, a writing workshop is where writers get together to provide each other with constructive feedback on their draft work. The goal is help a writer understand what works in their creation and what can be improved.
An online writing workshop is an online version of this, where writers from all over the world, of all abilities interact in a virtual community, reading each other’s work and providing feedback on it.
An online writing workshop runs based on reciprocity - you provide feedback to me and I will provide feedback to you. Members benefit not only from receiving feedback on their work, but from reading, analyzing, and articulating feedback on the work of others.
In fact, members of TheNextBigWriter have told us that the act of reviewing other writers has significantly improved their own writing abilities.
Getting Started
The first step in participating in an online workshop is to either post your writing, or to read and review the work of another member.
Posting your writing
Some new members are nervous posting their writing to be read. They fear a negative reaction from other members or just don’t feel they are ready. This is normal. There is no pressure. If you are not ready, try reading and reviewing other members of the site and seeing how others do it. Over time, you will work up the confidence to post.
Reviewing the writing of others
New members are also often nervous about providing a review. “I don’t know how to review someone...I am not an expert or a professional...I don’t know what to say.” These are common statements we hear from new members.
Don’t worry.
As long as you can read and say what you like about the work, you are okay. Writers are happy to hear from you and any piece of feedback you can give as a reader is valuable. If you can provide in-depth editing suggestions, even better, but it is not necessary.
Books are written for readers not editors, so providing this perspective is the most valuable thing you can do. Below is a link to an article with some basic tips on reviewing:
http://www.thenextbigwriter.com/member/ … eview-tips
Posting and Reviewing
Posting and reviewing are the heart and soul of an online writing workshop. Give it a try and you will find that you will not only receive valuable feedback on your writing, but you will make friends and become part of a dynamic community of literary world builders.
Welcome!
. Do you mean switching from one character's point of view to another's?
