We critique the writing while supporting the writer.
The Protocol
The writer remains silent while their work is discussed. This isn't punishment — it's freedom. You get to hear how your work lands without defending it. Take notes. Listen. Your job is to understand what readers experience, not to explain what you meant.
How Workshop Works
1
The writer distributes their manuscript
Upload to Google Classroom by the deadline. Your classmates need time to read carefully and prepare thoughtful feedback. Late manuscripts cannot be workshopped.
2
Readers prepare written critiques
Write a critique letter for the author — 1 to 2 pages. Be specific. Point to moments in the text. Say what's working and why. Say what isn't and offer possible directions. Bring your letter to class.
3
We discuss the work in class
The conversation is about the story, not the writer. We talk about what the story is doing, what it could do, and what's getting in the way. Everyone participates. The writer listens and takes notes.
4
The writer speaks last
After the discussion, the writer can ask questions, clarify what they were attempting, or simply say thank you. This is not a defense — it's a conversation.
5
Letters go to the writer
Hand your critique letters to the author after workshop. These become part of your revision toolkit — and part of your portfolio.
Giving Feedback
Do
Be specific — point to lines, paragraphs, moments
Name what's working and why
Offer possibilities, not prescriptions
Address the story the writer is trying to tell
Read the piece at least twice before writing your critique
Be honest — kindness without honesty is useless
Don't
Rewrite the story in your own voice
Say "I liked it" or "I didn't like it" without explaining why
Assume the narrator is the author
Focus only on grammar or surface errors
Be cruel — there's a difference between honest and brutal
Stay silent because you're afraid to speak
"Be honest — not cruel, not cautious, but honest. Say what you see. That's the gift you give each other."
— Workshop Philosophy
Manuscript Submission
Format
12-point font, Times New Roman or similar
Double-spaced, 1-inch margins
Your name and a title on the first page
Number your pages
Maximum 25 pages (talk to me if your piece runs longer)
Upload to Google Classroom as a .doc or .docx file
Deadlines
Manuscripts due one week before your workshop date
Critique letters due at the start of your classmate's workshop session
Late manuscripts cannot be workshopped — there's no way to make up the time your readers need
What to Submit
A complete short story (beginning, middle, end — even if you plan to revise)
A novel excerpt is acceptable with a brief context note (1 paragraph max)
Flash fiction: submit 2–3 pieces together
Take a risk. This is your space to experiment.
"The good piece of writing startles the reader back into Life."