5-10 minutes before start time, lay out writing prompts on the desk on front of each desk. See example prompts.
Facilitating The Writing Workshop
Begin the Group
Within two minutes of the scheduled start time, welcome the group.
1. Welcome "Thank you for being here today. Together we are going to write in response to prompts, read our work with one another—only if you want—and honor one another's voices with our applause."
2. Share How it Works "There are three groups of writing prompts, with several prompts under each heading. We're going to start with Writing 1 and write for about 10 minutes."
"After writing, anyone who would like to share is invited to read their piece aloud. No one has to share and we're not going to call on you."
"We'll respond to each reader with our applause and gratitude."
In general, we try to not to give feedback after each reader, which allows us to listen to one another more deeply."
3. Read the Prompts Aloud After reading the prompts aloud, say: "Feel free to choose one or more of the prompts to write about."
Invite the Group to Suggest a Prompt "There's an empty space here for a the group to suggest a prompt right now. Does anyone have a suggestion?"
Or feel free to draw a prompt from the "Other Prompts" section. Or if there's something else on your heart or mind, write about that instead."
Writing Together
Start writing: "Let's begin."
As the 10 minute writing time nears its end, offer a time warning: "Two more minutes."
Sharing Aloud
After writing, invite who wishes to read aloud may read aloud. "Would any one like to share their piece of writing? No one has to share."
"After each share, we will applaud your voice."
Once everyone who wants to read has read, the facilitator moves the group onto the next set of prompts. "Let's look at next group of prompts, under the heading Writing 2."
Concluding the Time
After the final time of writing and reading (usually "Writing 3"), thank the group, let them know the time is finished. Invite people to linger and chat.
Encourage attendees that notebooks and pens can be kept or left behind.
"We've reached the end of our time. Thank you for coming and writing and sharing."
Tips, Background, Strategies
The Power of "No Feedback"
In general, we avoid feedback or adding our own input or stories after the reader has read their piece.
By telling people beforehand that we aren't going to respond or give feedback (in general), we are able to listen differently. We aren't just holding our tongue until we get to speak, we are genuinely listening to hear.
Instead of listening to respond, we listen to learn. And both the listener and the reader are more enriched.
No feedback is way to honor the reader. It says: "Your thoughts are enough. Your voice is enough. You don't need to hear from me to enhance it."
Don't Call on People to Read
Do not call on people to read, as this can place undue pressure on someone who isn't comfortable sharing yet.
Say: "Anyone else?" and then give space for people to respond.
Give at least 10 seconds of silence before moving on to the next group of writings.
Keeping The Workshop On Track
If people are giving (too much*) feedback or (too much*) conversation is breaking out, then use the following format:
Affirm the speaker or current conversation
But then move things along by asking who wants to share next.
"That's really interesting. You should write about it! Would anyone else like to share?"
"I love all of this conversation and response. It's beautiful to see how one person's writing can stir up ideas and creativity in others! But let's lean back toward writing and reading — would anyone else like to share?"