How long does it take a writing workshop to percolate?
When you’re creating a writing workshop, how long does it take?
I was talking to a writer friend about this at the weekend, and he reckoned that it takes him between two and three weeks to create a two-hour workshop. I’d say it’s about the same time for me.
Not that I’m working on it for two weeks non-stop. But the idea for the workshop will be in my head, floating around, percolating for a good two weeks.
Bespoke writing training workshops
Sometimes people ask, “Are your writing workshops off the shelf?”
They’re not. I have some favourite writing exercises I love to use. But every workshop is unique and tailored to a specific organisation.
I’ve delivered writing training workshops for law firms, a workshop on brand language for ITV and storytelling workshops for Coca-Cola. Drawing on my experience working for charities, I’ve also given a charity storytelling workshop that shared a storytelling structure I use for fundraising appeals.
How my writing workshops percolate
So here’s how my workshops percolate, from bean to cup.
First, a meeting with my client to find out what they want. Who’s taking part in the workshop and what does the client want to get out of it?
Sometimes, it’s a workshop for people who are editing other people’s work. Sometimes it’s on interviewing skills. Often it’s on writing skills for people who aren’t employed as writers but use writing every day in their job. They might write reports, whitepapers or articles. And everyone has to know how to write concise, persuasive emails.
Writing, editing and interviewing workshops
Recently, I’ve run writing, editing and interviewing workshops for Kooth and Qwell, an organisation that offers safe, free, confidential mental health support for young people and adults through their online platforms.
The head of content asked me to create and deliver a series of workshops to improve the team’s skills in editing, writing and interviewing. I drew examples from existing content on their site and put together workshops to help them build on their existing skills.
Writing workshop: 5 essential stages of writing
The writing workshop focused on the five essential stages for writing articles that capture your audience’s attention:
- Prepare – how to maintain a tight focus on your readers and create a succinct main message, without getting distracted.
- Research – the five main elements of research that will lend interest and give your article authority.
- Structure – how to structure your article so it attracts and retains the reader’s attention.
- Write – how to get over the tyranny of the blank page and use literary devices to add sparkle to your copy.
- Edit – how to hone your copy by checking for 17 common writing mistakes.
Gathering information to fill the metaphorical coffee pot
Once the client has briefed me on what they’re looking for from the writing workshop, I start to gather information. I fill up my metaphorical macchinetta with examples of participants’ writing, writing that the organisation is proud of, and best practice from around the client’s sector or industry.
Creating an outline of the writing workshop
Now percolation starts, with much bubbling and the occasional blast of steam.
I create an outline of the workshop, divided into sections with examples and exercises. As mentioned above, it might be a structure that runs through the writing process – prepare, research, structure, write and edit.
Once my client has approved / tweaked the structure, I’ll set about creating the workshop.
A new pot of coffee, a refined blend
New pot of coffee on the stove. A different, more refined blend. Turn up the heat and wait for the ideas to percolate through.
I get to work putting the workshop together, using writing examples from the organisation and exercises tailored to participants’ daily writing tasks.
The workshop is ready
As the final cascade of coffee fountains into the top of the machine, the air is filled with the fabulous aroma of espresso.
Now, like the famous waiter illustrated on the Moka Bialetti coffee maker, I’m ready. If you know the brand, you’ll recognise the image of ‘the little man with the moustache’. He proudly holds the coffee aloft, high above his head. I imagine he’s about to rush across a Neapolitan cafe to deliver the precious liquid to a waiting customer.
I’ve never yet started a workshop with my laptop held aloft like the Moka waiter, but there’s a first time for everything.
More
Discover more about:
- My writing training workshops
- My charity storytelling workshop
- A harp and writing workshop for the East End WI