Writing Excuses

19.33: Workshops and Retreats

Aug 18, 2024

Discover the transformative power of writing workshops and retreats! Explore the key differences between structured workshops and creative retreats, and learn how to prepare for these enriching experiences. Hear personal stories that illustrate the bonds formed and motivation gained. Dive into strategies for overcoming post-retreat blues and sustaining inspiration. Plus, uncover the rise of solo RPGs as innovative creative tools for writers, offering unique prompts and randomization techniques. It's a treasure trove for aspiring and seasoned writers alike!

29:55

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Quick takeaways

Workshops focus on structured learning to enhance specific skills, while retreats promote personal creativity through self-guided exploration in a relaxed environment.

Community support in both workshops and retreats fosters collaboration and motivation, significantly enhancing the creative process for participants.

Deep dives

Understanding Workshops vs. Retreats

Workshops and retreats serve different purposes for creative individuals. Workshops typically focus on structured learning, with a curriculum that guides participants toward specific educational outcomes, whether that be skill enhancement or workshopping their writing. In contrast, retreats emphasize personal creativity and self-guided exploration, providing participants an opportunity to work at their own pace in a relaxed environment. While both involve community interaction, retreats provide a more informal setting where attendees can connect without the pressure of a formal curriculum.

Intro

2min

Workshops vs. Retreats: Understanding the Differences

11min

Navigating Post-Retreat Writer's Blues

2min

Streamlining Hiring and the Rise of Solo RPGs

2min

Mastering Retreat Organization

12min

Navigating the Challenges of Planning Workshops and Retreats

3min

Today we’re taking a break from our Close Reading Series to discuss writing workshops and retreats! We dive into how to find and prepare to attend a workshop or a retreat and what to think about for organizing your own.

Thing of the Week: Solo RPGs! (Strider Mode, Star Trek Adventures, Mythic Game Master)

Homework: Go find 3 writing retreats you are interested in attending. 1 retreat-focused, 1 workshop-focused and 1 combination. Then think about what your expectations would be for each one.

Close Reading Series: Texts & Timeline

Next up is Tension! Starting September 1, we’ll be diving into Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark. Please note, this novella uses tools from the horror genre to add tension, and this can be intense for some readers!

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Sandra Tayler, and Sarah Sward. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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