How
big is a group?
Between 5 and 8 individuals, it’s never bigger than 10. The
course is open to both men and women, though usually more women tend
to sign up. There is no such thing as a typical group, with participants
of all ages and from all different backgrounds coming along.
Will I
have to read my writing out loud?
No, but I wholeheartedly invite and encourage you to do so. Firstly,
it is helpful to feel the language in your mouth and hear the sounds
of the words out loud. Secondly, nobody is judging. Everyone listens
with care and curiosity and will undoubtedly pick up on particularly
special features and qualities that you my otherwise have skipped
over should you have kept the writing to yourself. It is normal to
feel nervous but the experience of sharing is usually worth the risk.
Will
there be criticism?
No. In these early stages we must not take our own or each others
self-esteem for granted – we are delicate souls us writers!
There will be practical guidance and supportive feedback on editing
and revision that will give you the tools to shape and refine your
writing. This will not be given in the form of criticism.
My spelling
isn’t terribly good. Does it matter?
Not at all. In fact the less we worry about spelling, grammar, punctuation,
structure and handwriting, all those things we associate with school,
the more we are freed up to respond fully and creatively to the prompts.
All the aforementioned technicalities can be added later.
Will
there be homework?
A series of homework suggestions will be given out each week. These
are not compulsory and will not be checked in and marked but I usually
find that if you are able to do a little practise at your home your
writing will benefit and your experience of the course will be enhanced.
What happens
if I have to miss a session?
In these circumstances I will pop an outline of the session in the
post. This is not so that you have to catch up per se but so that
you don’t feel like you have missed out too much and so that
you can have a smooth experience of the cumulative nature of the course.
