*Note: I want to acknowledge the space I currently occupy in central Texas, which is the ancestral land of the Payaya people whose land was forcibly taken during the period of Spanish colonization. Payaya people are present in central Texas communities today and continue to share their culture and history with their descendants in communities throughout Central Texas. Please www.arcgis.com to learn more about the history of the Payaya people. 

How to start a virtual writer’s workshop:

During this period of at-home isolation, one of the biggest challenges for creatives has been figuring out how to maintain their craft without traditional forms of creative support, like writer’s workshops, feedback sessions, and group collaborations. For many artists, the transition from in-person creative spaces to the virtual realm has been a difficult one due to the tediousness and impersonality these virtual spaces can hold. However, there is definitely an opportunity to redefine what a creative space can mean. Hopefully, this guide will give you some tools to help you strengthen your virtual writing communities and help to bolster your craft while uplifting other creatives in your community. 

 

  1. Get a virtual group of artists together! 

    Your group can be any size but smaller groups can create more intimate, focused environments. In a virtual setting we have the unique opportunity to connect with folks the world over, so cast your net wide and encourage collaboration with people who wouldn’t normally be in the same room.

  2. Pick your Platform. Set the mood.

    Of course, usual suspects like Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype are always good options for hosting any virtual meeting, but you can branch out with other virtual platforms as well. Share a virtual document with your team so that notes, ideas, and points of feedback can be available to everyone in real-time. Free platforms like Etherpad provides a clean, collaborative interface that feels a little more inviting compared to your typical google doc.


    Make your virtual spaces more immersive and interesting by playing background music via platforms like Spotify or Apple Music during your virtual sessions. You can also encourage group members to set their video background to a unique image, perhaps based on a creative theme.

  3. Set an objective. Commit to a goal.

    At the top of every session, have each group member express their own personal goal for the session. That could be a finished script, a new pitch-ready concept, or simply a feeling of accomplishment or decompression. Some other ideas include:Providing a writing prompt.
    Having folks bring images or videos to share with the group.
    Hosting a collection of read-alouds 

    *Also, it might be useful to hold space for group members to talk about what they’ve been thinking and feeling lately. Isolation is hard for so many people, so it’s always great to connect, even if there is no objective attached to it.

  4. Feedback is Love

    By the end of each session, make sure that everyone has an opportunity to receive the feedback they need for their personal piece.

    As a group, set some rules and guidelines on how you’d like to give and receive feedback. Examples include:

     The implementation of time limits when sharing thoughts and ideas.
    Checking to ensure clear communication of ideas.
     Keeping feedback focused and specific 

  5. Keep it going!

    While this can definitely be a one and done thing, it’s always great to follow-up with your group members after your virtual meeting. You can ask for individual updates on how their personal projects are going. You can also celebrate individual accomplishments with fellow group members when someone reaches a creative goal or milestone. Send out weekly group emails checking in with members, and of course, host more sessions!In summary, writers often need guidance through feedback and team brainstorming to make the creative process clearer. These spaces are so important and deserve continued nurturing and cultivation. Hopefully, this collection of ideas will inspire you to create virtual spaces in your own communities and stay inspired and connected through continued support, listening, and encouragement.  

Anaya Green
She/Her
DSF Internship participant
B.A. Playwriting and Directing – University of Texas at Austin – 2020