I Survived Workshop

I was so worried going into it

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For those unfamiliar, writing workshops are a way for writers to receive feedback on their work. There’s a group of people and each individual reads the others’ manuscripts and provides a critique.

I applied and was accepted to a workshop that took place last week. Going in, I was very anxious about the whole endeavor. I thought it was my second fiction workshop, but it was my third and first in-person rather than online. Unlike the poetry workshops I was in at MFA school, where I was more familiar with the genre, I feel awkward in fiction workshops because I feel I never have anything important to say. Sometimes I get tongue-tied when I talk, which doesn’t help.

Luckily, the critique format we used helped because instead of merely commenting, we were asked questions by the writer whose turn it was to be workshopped, which facilitated discussion. We were also allowed to ask questions of the writer. It used to be that the writer remained silent while everyone else discussed their manuscript. Like they weren’t even in the room.

The Sunday night before the workshop began, there was a meet-and-greet, and I forced myself to go. I’m so awkward in social situations, especially when it involves new people. I get anxious because I wear hearing aids and while I can hear, I can’t always understand what’s being said. It’s embarrassing to have to ask people to repeat themselves.

But it went well! Everyone was friendly and warm, and I’m glad I had a chance to meet the people in my group beforehand. Later in the week, two of the writers who shared an Airbnb invited us over for pizza, and I went! My default is not to go. Then on Friday, the last day, the whole group went out for lunch.

As for the workshop itself, it went smoothly for me. I submitted two short stories to be workshopped and got some great feedback. I spoke up during the discussions of other people’s work. I was anxious, but I did it.

The biggest takeaway for me, besides the awesome critiques and getting to meet some really great writers, was learning that I can do things outside my comfort zone. This definitely wasn’t in my comfort zone! I was able to stretch myself and try something I’m still new at, and successfully. It was particularly hard because I have a routine (which is good for my mental health) and this entire week disrupted it. I managed because I’d prepared myself mentally months in advance. I knew what was coming and was able to make adjustments.