Writing Workshops

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Do you ever workshop your writing? I don't mind doing it online, but sitting in a classroom with a bunch of other writers, listening to them read and critique and having to come up with some clever response to their work can be very tiresome. But I want to get some formal instruction, and I need to physically go to school to do that. I'm thinking about doing an MFA in writing, but I'm really worried about how I can deal with the constant workshop environment.

Does anyone else get stressed by writers workshops? Are they still worth the trouble? Are ther any strategies for getting the most of a workshop?

I don't mind the workshops at all. I have a BA and MA in Creative Writing. What I really don't like is random readers. I've had issues with them since I was about fifteen and it's gotten worse as I get older. At least with another writer, they have something worthwhile to say (usually).


Have you checked into online courses? I know University of Iowa used to have Master's level classes in Creative Writing that were distance learning. You could check into that.

You're kidding.. Iowa does it distance courses? Awesome! I'll have to look into that.

How did you find your experience doing the coursework? I guess I get very frustrated with a lot of people in workshops - those who are dispassionate about their writing, and even those who are passionate but seem (to me) pretentious. I like the idea of doing an MFA or MA and having that designated time just to focus on writing, because I've ignored the urge for most of my life (did my undergrad as far as possible from literature, partly because I was afraid of it, and maybe partly because every high school lit seminar was the most tedious experience). The tradeoff is doing a degree physically at the school, but being eligible for funding as a TA, or doing the degree more comfortably online, but then having to pay for it, and not having the community of being at a school.

I'd love to hear more about your experiences doing your grad work. Did you have any special challenges or techniques for adapting? Any wisdom you came across in the process of completing it that you wish you could share with someone hoping to follow in your footsteps? Would you recommend doing the degree at all? Are there things you'd do differently the second time around?