What kind of writing do you focus on in the groups?
Our motto is Every Person Is a Philosopher. For us, that means everybody has experiences they've learned from, and everybody has something to teach others. For the groups, people write shorter narratives and poems and draw inspiration from their everyday experiences.
Do I need to register for the workshops?
No, you do not need to sign up in advance for JOT writing workshops. Enrollment is open and ongoing. The workshop leader will ask you to register on the weekly sign-in sheet when you arrive.
Do I need to come each week?
The workshops are ongoing, so you do not need to come every week. But you are likely to get more out of the group if you come regularly and get to know some of the other participants. Plus, the more workshops you attend, the more chances you'll have to share your ideas and your writing.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have a favorite notebook or pen, bring them along. However, your workshop leader will have pens and loose paper at each meeting. Feel free to bring a short piece you've already written to the first meeting.
Do I always have to write something for the workshop?
There are no required assignments in JOT writing workshops, and you do not have to write every week. But your writing will improve if you do! If you're not writing regularly, other writers in the group may encourage you to do so, gently. If you can't or don't want to write down your stories yourself, someone else may be able to help you.
Do I always have to read my work at the workshop?
No. You should only read pieces when you feel comfortable reading them. And if you don't feel comfortable turning in a piece of writing to the workshop leader, that's okay, too.
Do I have to write about the prompt that workshop leader has given?
All of the prompts are suggestions. Write what's on your mind.
Can I discuss my novel or short story collection at the NWA workshop?
It's great that you're working on a book! Keep it up. However, our workshops concentrate on shorter works of writing.
Since we want to encourage discussion, we want everyone in the group to be able to read their piece and participate each time. As a result, we are unable to workshop longer pieces. If you decide to join us, you will receive encouragement that will help you with your larger project, and your shorter pieces will likely figure into your bigger work. But if your main focus is on something that's longer than a few pages, our workshops may not be for you.
Who and what gets published in the Journal of Ordinary Thought?
All workshop participants have at least one piece published in JOT each year, as long as they write and participate on a fairly regular basis. Each writer signs a publishing agreement. Find out more about JOT. Details >>
Can you help me get published other places?
Workshop leaders will announce opportunities to write for or publish in other publications when we hear about them. But keep in mind that this is not the main focus of our workshops. We want you to get your work out there, in whatever way you can, but we don't have the resources or the training to guide you through the publishing process.
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