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 AWA Writing groups differ from most writing workshops where students write alone, outside of class, and bring in manuscripts for intensive scrutiny. With the AWA method, we write during the evening and read our new-born drafts out loud only if we choose to.
We receive all writing as fiction—that is, we keep a safe boundary between the voice in the writing and the writer's life. For example, we use the phrase “the narrator” instead of “you” when responding to first–person work; “the grandfather” rather than “your grandfather.”
We only respond to what we like and what we remember. These writings are fresh, first drafts and do not benefit from criticism. If the writer knows what's working, he or she can develop the work into manuscript form and choose to present it to the group at a later time for critical feedback, balanced with praise.
We do not discuss each other's work outside of the writing room to build safety within the group. WORKSHOP FORMAT
Workshop members gather at the start of each meeting while the workshop leader gives an optional writing exercise. If you already have something in mind to write, you are free to ignore the exercise. The workshop meets in a comfortable, quiet setting where members can spread out to find private places to write. We devote half of each meeting to quiet writing time. We spend the second half reading aloud and responding. We make time to discuss written, revised manuscripts of workshop members as the need arises. READING ALOUD
Midway through the workshop everyone gathers together again. Participants are encouraged, but not pressured, to read aloud what they have just written. We consider all writing done during the workshop as fictional unless the author volunteers that it is autobiographical.
RESPONDING
Participants learn to listen well to each writer and to respond with what they liked, and what stays with them. Listeners are not allowed to criticize or correct work read aloud that has just been written. In an atmosphere of safety and support, each writer learns to hear and strengthen her or his own voice.
MANUSCRIPTS
Workshop members are encouraged though at no time required to bring in and hand out copies of written, revised manuscripts when they have something ready. A week later, after everyone has had a chance to read and write down comments, part of the workshop time is spent discussing the work. Members make comments of appreciation and suggestions for change. The aim is to find a balance between each manuscript's strengths and the places it needs improvement.
THE WORKSHOP LEADER'S ROLE
The workshop leader writes along with the workshop members in every writing time, reads her own work aloud for response from workshop members, and responds to workshop members' writing. She makes the workshop members her writing peers. This increases the amount that everyone learns from one another in the workshop. | | |
