People sometimes ask me for writing workshop recommendations.
I’ve learned that you will evolve as a writer. When you first start writing, you might not be able to learn certain things yet and you might not be ready to hear criticism of your work. As you evolve, what you need from a workshop changes. And always, the more you know about writing, the more you’re able to absorb.
Not all workshops are created equal, and quality doesn’t depend on whether they are online or in-person.
I can recommend without reservation Odyssey Writing Workshop’s Online Classes.
I’ve taken quite a few:
The Heart of the Matter: Bringing Emotional Resonance to Your Storytelling with Barbara Ashford
“Showing vs Telling in Fantastic Fiction” with Jeanne Cavelos
“Three Act Structure in Fantastic Fiction” with Jeanne Cavelos
Point of View: The Intersection of Character and Plot with David Coe
Powerful Dialogue in Fantastic Fiction with Jeanne Cavelos
All were great, and I learned a lot.
Odyssey Online Classes are six weeks long, held in in January and March every year. They’re intense with lots of work, as if you were taking a college class. They have quite a bit of required homework, exercises, and reading, so you’ll need to minimize other personal commitments during the six weeks.
If you’re looking for a good workshop, think about applying. Applications are typically accepted in November and December. Mark your calendar now. Who knows, maybe we’ll be classmates?
