Guidelines
The Society’s workshop component exists as a forum for poets to have their writing critiqued as well as to engage in thoughtful critical discussion of peer work. The purpose of this critique is neither to gain validation, nor is it an open opportunity to slander peers, but rather to provide immediate honest peer feedback.
Why Workshop at all?
• To develop skills in editorial proofreading.
• To evaluate messages conveyed from the page.
• To identify details or elements that may enhance the poem.
• To identify “fluff” or unneeded elements within the poem.
• To supply alternative ideas, phraseology, and methods.
• To learn through the act of analyzing another’s work.
• To expose yourself to new ideas and alternative ways of thinking.
What happens at workshop?
• If possible, everyone gathers around in a circle.
• Each person should have a copy of the poem in the workshop.
• All poems that are to be workshopped should be emailed in advance.
• There will be one assigned moderator per each workshop.
• When a writer reads their poem, everyone should remain silent and respectful.
• After the writer reads the writer should remain silent but attentive to the critique.
• Each person should raise their hand if they wish to comment, directed by the moderator.
• The writer will have a chance to make comments after the critique.
Other information and cautionary advice.
• The speaker of the poem is not the writer.
• No interrupting; only one person should speak at a time.
• Limit your criticism to constructive criticism.
• General “bashing” or “attacking” of a poem will not be tolerated.
• “I don’t get it” is not constructive criticism–explain why and what is confusing.
• Realize that, ultimately, your opinion is nothing more than opinion.
• Also realize that any criticism can be accepted or rejected by the writer; it’s their poem.
• Finally, HAVE FUN! This is not a classroom environment, respect each other and have fun.