by Julie Glover

Having finished Act I of my current work in progress, I stared at the opening of Act II. What should happen now? It’d been a while since I’d written a fresh novel, and my brain felt a little rusty on story structure.

No worries! I popped over to my file cabinet, pulled out the folder titled Writing Classes, and found a workshop handout that covered romance structure well. Soon, I was back on track, excited to dig deeper into my story. Thank goodness for my wonderful writing instructors!

The Learning Curve

Like many writers, I began my first novel not knowing what I didn’t know. Soon, however, I discovered I had plenty to learn. Like the fictional hero on his journey, I went on a quest to gather the know-how I needed to pursue the writing career I wanted.

I read plenty of books and took plenty of classes. From presentations at writing chapters to conference workshops to online courses to writer retreats, my experience ran the gamut. Not only in the type of instruction, but also how useful it proved.

I had a learning curve with writing but also a learning curve about which resources would best help me. In hopes that I can shorten your curve—or remind you of what you already know—here are four features my best learning experiences had in common.

Topic/Information Aligned with Needs and Goals

What stage of your career are you in? What knowledge or skills do you need to develop? Have you figured out your writing process? What would writing success look like to you? What outstanding questions do you have that need answering?

Asking these questions can help you determine whether a resource could be helpful. For example, a newbie might be overwhelmed by an advanced workshop and a multi-published author bored by a beginner workshop. Meanwhile, a presentation about traditional publishing won’t have as much usefulness to a self-pubber, and vice versa. Some “proven” marketing ideas work well for one genre but not another.

Also reflect on how you write. Early on, I took some workshops that urged writers to pen messy first drafts and only go back and edit after reaching the end. That approach did not jive with who I am as a person or a writer (see my post In Defense of Editing as You Go). Thankfully, I figured that out along the way, though sadly, not before wasting valuable time trying to align myself to the information instead of the other way around.

When considering a learning opportunity, ask whether it matches with your current needs and goals. You don’t have to turn down anything that isn’t an exact fit, but most of your learning should be on target for you.

Enlightened and Engaging Teacher

Does the presenter know his/her stuff? Do they have something fresh to offer? Do they present information in a way that grabs and holds your attention? Do you have the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered?

Some teachers stand out as excellent—not merely because you enjoyed the lesson but because you retained what you learned. They had deep knowledge in their field and presented it in a way that excited you. Plus, they seemed eager to help you, and other participants, pursue and achieve success.

Perhaps you could name a few standout instructors. Some of mine have guest posted here at WITS!

But I could also point to workshops that sounded like they’d be great, yet the presenter didn’t keep the audience engaged. Or even someone I thought would have a lot to impart, but not so much. Being an expert or successful author and being a good public speaker don’t automatically go together.

The best way to know if someone presents well is to ask around. Whose classes are worth taking? Which speakers are must-hears? Which retreats or conferences consistently have quality speakers? Prioritize those on your list of future learning experiences.

Opportunity to Put Learning into Practice

Does the lesson involve more than lecture? Does the presenter provide examples or demonstrations? Are you challenged to use the information in some way during the workshop or soon after? Is there accountability for doing your “homework”?

There’s something called the Forgetting Curve, a hypothesis that memory of information declines over time, unless you take steps to remember. First proposed in 1885, the original study’s results were replicated in 2015, giving credence to the theory.

We’ve all experienced this phenomenon of hearing good advice, walking away, and forgetting it. Or perhaps we remember it vaguely, but not enough to really make a difference. What helps us retain what we’ve learned is interaction with the information.

Classes that involve examples or hands-on exercises are more likely to make an impression. And if you can put what you learn into practice in your writing right away, you’re far more likely to continue using the knowledge you’ve gained.

Ways to Follow Up

Did you get a helpful handout to revisit from time to time? Is there a book, course, or coaching that you can seek out later? Will you be able to stay in touch with other participants if you want to spur one another on?

Some workshop materials are so good that I reference them again and again while other presentations whetted my appetite for more. And having a follow-up resource made all the difference.

Another perk of an excellent learning experience is going through it with others who become a support network for your writing craft or business. I even met my co-author, critique partner, and best friend at a writing retreat! But she’s not the only one who’s helped me through the years. The network is real, my friend, and it’s worth connecting to.

A quality instructional experience includes ways to follow up so that you can reinforce what you’ve learned, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded writers. Not every class will do all three, but that scene should have an opportunity for a sequel.

In Summary

When deciding how to add to your knowledge or skillset, look for these four qualities in potential workshops or events:

1. Topic/Information Aligned with Needs and Goals
2. Enlightened and Engaging Teacher
3. Opportunity to Put Learning into Practice
4. Ways to Follow Up

Which of these qualities is most important to you? What else have you found helpful about the best writing workshops or events you’ve attended?

* * * * * *

Want a guarantee that you’ll get all four of these qualities? Cruising Writers brings in the best instructors with interactive workshops and opportunities to connect with the coaches and writers like you.

Our next cruise is focused on self-publishing, with industry pro Mark Leslie Lefebvre and bestselling author Erin Wright on board. You’ll get away to beautiful destinations, deepen your knowledge, and forge lasting friendships.

Sign up today!

About Julie

Julie Glover is an award-winning author of young adult and mystery fiction. Her contemporary YA includes Sharing Hunter, Daring Charlotte, and coming-soon, Pairing Anton, and she has written several YA paranormal stories. She has also co-authored five supernatural suspense novels and two short stories in the mythology-based Muse Island series under her pen name Jules Lynn.

Julie holds a master’s degree in counseling, has taught conference workshops and online courses, and serves as sidekick and sometimes-host for Cruising Writers, an incomparable writers’ retreat at sea. A native of Texas, she now lives in Denton with her hottie husband, her loquacious cat, and her large collection of cowgirl boots.