How does the AWA method workshop differ from the Manuscript Review workshop? Orlando Writers' AWA Workshops are inspiration-driven, in that the workshop facilitator provides everyone with exercises stemming from fiction, poetry and memoir. These exercises loosen us up, help us remember, make us use sensory detail, create characters, write dialogue, and draft poems. We set aside 15-20 minutes to write several times during the session, and then if you choose to, you can read your work aloud. There is no homework and no supplies are necessary except for a pen and a notebook, or whatever writing materials you like to use.
If a writer chooses to read his or her work aloud, the group responds with positive feedback that focuses on what stayed with us about the piece and what struck us as strong. We do not give critical feedback as these writings are fresh, first drafts and from our experience, writers do not benefit from criticism at this stage. If the writer knows what's working, he or she can work on that manuscript later and present it to the group for critical feedback at a later date--if he or she chooses to do so. That is the only time the writer will receive critical feedback balanced with praise--a "what's working, what's not" discussion of craft. In our experience, this builds trust and confidence, and we have seen writers grow enormously from this. It works.
Looking back, I imagine I was always writing. Twaddle it was too. But better far write twaddle or anything, anything, than nothing at all.
~Katherine Mansfield
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury
Call 321-274-4329 to speak with Vanessa Blakeslee
Orlando Writers' Workshops Salon
