A writing workshop provides general or genre-specific information to help young authors improve writing skills. Properly selected, a workshop also will provide the needed inspiration and networking for a writer to develop short- and long-term goals to set. Such events won’t make writers prolific. However, workshops often challenge attendees to write, market and publish their materials. That, in turn, will hopefully increase productivity.

Sources for Writing Education After School

There are a plethora of workshops available for young writers. Here’s how you can find the right one to spark your child’s creativity. As you search for events consider the following sources:

Teacher recommendations. If your child is already taking journalism or creative writing, ask the related teacher for a recommendation or workshop advice for teenagers.
  • If that doesn’t help, consider calling local elementary and high schools or colleges and universities for advice.
Writers’ organizations and groups. Such groups are a wealth of information. Call those in your area and ask for recommendations.
  • Tip: Adults comprise many of these. Furnish your child’s age and area of interest to ensure you receive relevant, appropriate workshop information.
Local newspapers. Your local newspaper offers two sources for information.
  • First, staff journalists may be able to offer suggestions.
  • Second, the advertising section may include workshop listings.
Internet search. The information highway is jammed with great writing resources. To narrow your search, look for “writing workshops,” “writing schools,” “young writers,” or “writing resources.” Try also genre-specific searches, such as “workshops for poets,” “novel writing” or “writing fantasy.”
  • As you surf, remember to request free information on any workshop that looks promising.
Yellow Pages. Check your telephone directory for local organizations that host writing events.
  • Local colleges and universities, for example, sponsor writing workshops. Call for upcoming schedules and brochures.
Writing Market guides and other writing books. Many market guides include information on writing workshops and more extensive conferences.
  • These include: "Writers Markets," "The Young Writer’s Guide to Getting Published," and "Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide." 

Find Workshops That Encourage Writing Goal Setting and Success

Once you begin delving into a workshop search, you may be surprised by the diversity of workshops that exist and the scope of the course offerings. And it will quickly become evident that no two workshops are exactly alike. Following are some criteria for selecting the best workshop for budding writers. 

Content/course description. Some workshops are offered on single topics, while others offer a multi-topic format. Across the country, workshops are held on such topics as poetry, memoirs, novels, scriptwriting and essays—and nearly everything else imaginable.
  • Even if the workshop is free, it won’t be worth the investment of time if the subjects covered don’t pique your child’s interests. Pick a workshop that meets a writer’s current or future goals.
Age requirement. Some workshops are designed for non-published writers, including those who are just awakening to their muse. Others are only open to published writers and require proof of publication.
  • When youngsters are in the correct workshop, they are less likely to be intimidated by the accomplishments of older or more advanced writers.
Faculty. In addition to the diversity of subjects offered, workshops provide one-on-one opportunities to network with established authors and other writers. You may be surprised to find who is teaching sessions. Some workshops feature local writing professors, journalists or industry leaders. Renowned freelancers and novelists teach others. Check out the faculty listing for workshop leaders’ skills and expertise.
  • Caution: Don’t pick a workshop simply based on the staff roster. Instead, select one that covers your child’s preferred interests/genres. Following this advice will protect against disappointment while ensuring that you receive your “money’s worth.”
Price. Price, obviously, is a big factor in whether or not your child can attend a workshop. Prices vary depending on many factors, including the scope of the workshop, the prestige of the presenters and the sponsoring organization. Know that some workshops require additional fees for course books, so factor that extra money into the overall affordability of the workshop for your family.
  • But before you write off a workshop due to price, check to see whether the sponsoring organization offers full or partial scholarships. Another idea: Give the workshop as a present for a birthday, academic achievement or special holiday (Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, etc.) and invite other family and friends to donate a portion of the workshop price.
Locale. Where a workshop is held is often as important as price, especially when it comes to writers under age 18. One option is to select a workshop close to home, say at a local college, community center or other reputable organization.
  • By the way, if your child has special mobility needs, ask about handicap accommodations. Another option is to choose an online workshop. Criteria for selecting an online workshop are the same as for one in a traditional setting. Some organizations that sponsor online workshops include Writer’s Digest and Painted Rock.
Duration. Some workshops for youth writers are held for half to full days, and often on Saturdays or Sundays. Others are held for a week or more. Generally, the longer ones are held when school-aged children are on break. Some are even designed as alternative summer camps.
  • Whether a shorter or longer workshop is ideal will depend on your child’s level of interest in writing. A dabbler, for example, may consider it a “waste” spending a week learning more about the craft. When in doubt, ask your scribe how much time he or she believes is ideal.
Dress Code. Generally, casual attire is appropriate for workshops, but check the workshop materials. Regardless of the requirement, comfort is key, especially for footwear.
  • But keep in mind the dynamics of the workshop. A workshop on scriptwriting, for example, may necessitate acting. Guys and girls alike will need to move freely, without the restrictions of clothing that is too tight or revealing.

Getting the Most Out of Writing Tutoring at Workshops

The opportunity to attend a writing workshop doesn’t come along often. Youngsters have school and other obligations that require their attention. But should desire and opportunity meet, encourage your child to take the leap of faith to attend a workshop. And if your child attends a workshop, help him or her transition back into “real life.” Follow up with appropriate thank you notes/cards to the sponsoring organization or memorable faculty members. If friends and family members helped sponsor the workshop, have your child pen notes to them explaining the pros and cons of the event. Finally, encourage your child to use newly acquired skills to complete at least one manuscript and submit it for publication. 


 

Lisa Crayton is an award-winning, internationally published freelance writer. She is also the editor of Spirit-Led Writer, an online magazine for Christian writers. Her articles and columns on writing have appeared in numerous print and online markets.