Monday, August 20, 2012

Are Online Writing Workshops Worth It?

What's your take on online writing workshops?

Do you think you can benefit from a posted lecture, or even YouTube video, along with written assignments and feedback? Can you receive the "one-on-one" attention you need as a writer via email? How "hands on" and helpful can an online writing workshop be?

More questions...

Have you taken one? Which would you recommend? How much did it cost? What did you get out of it? Curious minds want to know. Thanks!

4 comments:

  1. It depends on the conference. A truly well done online conference has speakers who are willing to share not just thier information, but also their time to respond to questions and critique work. When that happens, it's better than even a live conference.

    I've attended and participated in several different online conferences, and have come away with new knowledge, better scenes, story ideas and even book contracts. I've also had a chance to learn and practice new marketing skills. I highly recommend them.

    The two best conferences I've seen so far are the MuseOnline Writers Conference (http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com) and the Catholic Writers Conference Online (http://catholicwritersconference.com). They not only have live chat and forum-based workshops, but also bring in publishers to hear pitches in a closed chat room.

    If you try out a conference and it doesn't work out, do try another. Each is different in feel and participation.

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  2. I agree with Karina. They can be a real asset for writers.

    Online conferences are perfect for writers like myself that live in countries where there aren't many in person events to attend.

    I've attended both the Muse Online Writers Conference and the Catholic Writers Conference Online and found both a good investment of time and effort. I've also taken part in WriteOnCon but found the set up a bit less user friendly although the information shared was well worth it.

    I've taken part in lots of other webinars and online events and think they are a great way to learn new skills and network with other in the industry.

    Inspired by these online conferences, I host an annual online event of my own too www.PromoDay.info which is more geared towards the marketing side of things.

    I highly recommend giving some a try.

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  3. I've attended the Muse Online Writer's Conference for several years now. It has been different each year but it is always informative, interesting, and exciting. The level of participation from both writers and presenters play the major role in how successful the conference is. I have not made the time for a live conference but it's coming soon. I hope it will be as enjoyable an experience as Muse has been.

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  4. Thanks for the comments everyone. Very helpful. Good to know. I've wanted to work with Karina on a basic writer's workshop, but just haven't had the time to get it off the ground. I think they have their place.

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Keep it clean and positive. (And sorry about the word verification, but the spmb*ts are out in full force!)