Earlier this month Julie Herman posted great advice for getting the most out of writing workshops. You can click here to read that post.
I’ve attended several workshops over the past few months, and almost all of them were wonderful experiences. Here are a few that I’ve checked out for myself and highly recommend for you.
THE PLACE
In April 2022, I attended a weekend retreat at Hindman Settlement School in the teeny town of Hindman, Kentucky. This is the place that hosts the Appalachian Writers’ Workshop (“The Premier Literary Gathering of the Mountain South”). If you’re serious about your writing, you might want to consider the week-long workshop, which comes highly recommended by many people I respect. I was only there for a retreat, but I’m determined to get back for the annual AWW.
THE PERKS
Magnificent scenery, food that’s so good it’ll make you cry, and the spirit of outstanding writers that have found their creative home in this place make Hindman special.
THE PLACE
Middle Tennessee State University hosts an annual Fall Writing Conference. They offer virtual classes one day, in-person classes on another day, and an option to enjoy both. In 2022 I opted for in-person only, and I’m still raving about it. The very reasonable fee gave me access to my choice of workshops on topics ranging from poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and YA.
THE PERKS
The fee included attendance at the keynote speech given by Sequoia Nagamatsu—this alone was worth the drive—plus the yummy breakfast and lunch are included in the price.
THE PLACE
“The Porch inspires, educates and connects writers and readers of all ages and stages through classes and literary events.”
Last month I made my first trip to The Porch in Nashville. It was a reasonable trip for me, but if you’re too far away or just prefer not to travel, The Porch offers single session and multiple week classes via Zoom. Check out the list of instructors on their schedule right now, and I guarantee you’ll be impressed.
THE PERK
The Porch is located in a lovely neighborhood that is nowhere near the dreaded Downtown Tourist Trap.
THE PLACE
The Poetry Society of Tennessee
PST offers members an inclusive, supportive community with plenty of hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and appreciate the art and craft of poetry.
Monthly meetings via Zoom include workshops led by some of the best poets around. In the past few months I’ve learned from Melissa Helton, Pauletta Hansel, Rita Sims Quillen, and Deb Bogen.
THE PERK
These workshops are included in the reasonable membership fee and you do not have to be a Tennessean to join.
ONE UNRELATED THING
Enough of this reading about workshops. Sign up for one and go. Write something!
You can read previous issues of b.read.crumbs here.
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