Jus' Loafin' Around - Oh Write, I Mean, Workshop

Part of attending Bread Loaf is to have your writing workshopped. What does that mean? I’m glad you asked. (If you already know, then skip to the next paragraph.) Well, workshopping is when a writer submits a piece for the group (workshop leader, fellows, and attendees) to read prior to meeting and provide feedback to the writer. Most workshops include ten attendees, one Fellow (an assistant to the Workshop Leader) and a Workshop Leader.

Percival Everett lead our workshop. We had two Fellows, Robert Hill and Gonzalo Barr (this year’s winner of the Bakeless Award in fiction). All three gave invaluable feedback that really challenged each one of us to strive to be better writers, which in my opinion, is the reason to workshop.

The Fellows were so supportive that they met with workshop attendees individually to give additional comments and talk through ideas and concepts. This was in addition to the one-on-ones with Percival who generously gave us his time and feedback. Oh, and he’s dang funny.

During the workshop, I had the opportunity to read vivid prose by other workshop participants; truly talented writers.