Quebec Writers' Federation Workshops

Fall Session 2010

This workshop is designed for the beginning writer or anyone looking for the stimulation of a fresh start. In it, we will explore, in a supportive environment, the possibilities of emerging as writers.

The first part of each session will be devoted to the mechanics of story. Some of the elements we will consider include character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, pacing, voice, and theme. Other aspects that may also be of interest include the generating of ideas (also known as mining your obsessions), the perils of writing it "just like it happened," why "it's not writing, it's rewriting!", and seeing your work through to publication. These and other concepts may be illustrated by additional readings and writing exercises.

Starting in week 2, the second part of each session will be devoted to offering constructive feedback on each others' work (so it would be helpful if each participant has at least one short story already in hand). What is the basis of effective critiquing? In this workshop, as in much of life, it's The Golden Rule: trying to understand what the author is getting at, and letting her/him know what is effective and what isn't quite there, yet. Reading, writing—and workshopping—as acts of empathy.

Ideally, we will look at 3 stories each session and, with a little luck, everyone will have two opportunities for their work to be looked at by the group (this can be the same story after a rewrite).

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