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| "It opened my eyes, guided my concentration, and trained my hand."
-G. M., freelance writer & playwright
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| "It delivered practical, in-the- trenches information by a seasoned writer and editor."
-L. T., Marketing Consultant
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How Do Online Workshops Compare To Live Workshops?
Our online writing workshops are very similar to the classes GWW offers in New York City. The course lasts ten weeks. Class size is limited. A professional writer on the school's faculty teaches the class. Every course utilizes a similar engaging mix of lectures, discussions, exercises, in-depth critique and extensive student/teacher interaction. And, as always, the focus is on the craft of writing.
The big difference is that all the elements that are offered in each three hour class meeting of a live class are instead available for an entire week online. Our classes are asynchronous, which simply means that you do not have to be present at the exact moment your teacher is posing a question to participate, just as you need not be present at the exact moment one of your classmates is making a comment. For instance, in a live class meeting a teacher gives a lecture, assigns an in-class exercise, and the class critiques work written by one or more of the students. But in an asynchronous online class, you can read the teacher's lecture complete the writing exercise, and read and critique your classmates' work at any time during the week that it is convenient for you.
How will the workshop get me writing?
Along with a lecture every week on an element of the craft, you will also be assigned a writing exercise as "homework" which will be related to the lecture. So, for instance, if the lecture is on character development, then the exercise might be to describe in vivid detail for a page or two the most memorable person in your life. In this way, you learn about the craft through a lecture and then put that learning into practice.
You will use what you have learned in the lectures and writing exercises and put that knowledge to use in the greatest exercise of all - putting your own thoughts on paper. The idea is that you learn by doing. There is no better way to learn how to write than to study the craft, exercise your writing muscles through directed assignments, and to put it all together in your own work.
What are the goals of Gotham Writers' Workshop classes?
There are two goals: One is to get you writing through weekly writing exercises and by setting deadlines for your projects. The other is to provide you with the tools necessary to keep you writing after the class is over. These tools include all the elements of craft. The idea is to not only get you writing, but also to make sure you understand the important concepts of the craft so that you can keep writing for the rest of your life.
Who teaches the classes?
All the classes are taught by professional writers who are also professional teachers. Teaching is an art every bit as much as writing is an art. All of our teachers are experts at conveying the major concepts and nuances of creative writing. And they don't just explain the craft; they get you writing.
How will I submit my work?
First, create your work in your favorite word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc.). Then, when you are ready to submit your work, you simply copy it and paste it into a text box on a web page or email it. You'll have step-by-step instructions to guide you through this process.
How can I get technical help?
Just email us at help@write.org, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.