Because you need a second opinion.
Writers in the collective are keen to read and critique your work. In fact, this is sometimes all your writing needs to find its proper perspective.
So, we invite you to use this page to drop a link to the work (please limit this to one well developed piece of work) you would like workshopped.
Our process is symbiotic, meaning we depend on your attendance and participation with at least three workshops. During one of these, you will both receive feedback and give it. That’s why we’d like you to take a minute and read the details on this page. Complete the form below, and then click “send.” Sometime after that, we’ll contact you.
FAQs
Where and when are DPWC workshops held? Workshops are an hour long, online at 10AM, on a TBD Saturday. The Zoom link will be emailed to you.
What file format is accepted? We only accept Google Doc links because this makes receiving feedback and files from fellow readers easy (set permissions to anyone with the link).
When must I send my work if I want it critiqued? Send your work to us at least 14 days prior to the TBD Saturday (the earlier the better). Stipulate a date by which you would like feedback: you can do so on the form. (example: if you were to send us your work on September 4, you could request a critique at the workshop on September 18, or if you were to send your work on September 25 you could request a critique on October 9, etc.).
How many workshops must I attend? Please attend and participate in at least three workshops. This means, if you attend one workshop at which feedback is given you, then plan on attending two more so that you can provide feedback to at least two fellow writers. This symbiosis works to everyone’s advantage.
Will I give feedback to others on the day my work is critiqued? No. But you must commit to participate as a reader at two consecutive workshops after the one at which you received your critiques.
Who will attend and participate in these workshops? DPWC workshops are for our members only. So, if you would like to be a member, please begin the process by leaving a request on the “contact” page of this site.
What is expected of me? We aim to make our workshops amiable, so as a participant you will wear two hats. Since your work will receive feedback from fellow participants, you will wear the hat of graceful acceptance, and as you read the work of fellow writers and give feedback, you will wear the hat of a thoughtful colleague, and formulate responses encourage the writer and offer valuable suggestions that might improve their work.
Will DPWC writing workshops be year-round? This’ll be determined by the cohort of writers who are willing to participate and volunteer for three consecutive workshops.
| Upcoming Workshops (10AM, TBD Saturday) |
| June 00 |
| July 00 |
| August 00 |
| September 00 |
| October 00 |
| November 00 |
Before sending your work to us
- Create a Google Doc.
- Format the doc: 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman.
- Limit your work: 20 pages (prose) / 2 long poems or 4-5 for shorter poems / 5 pages (nonfiction/essay). These limits might change based on the amount of work we agree to critique and the time we have available.
- Share a clear and readable version of your work.
- Write a note regarding your place in the writing process. (e.g., your overall goal for the work: is it a stand-alone piece or part of a collection?, intentions for the work: preparing for submissions or for a scholarship application, etc., and stage of the work: is it in its early stages of development or has it been previously workshopped?)
- Choose “Anyone with the link” before pasting your Google Doc link in the form below.
Offline, reader responses to work
- We only work with Google Docs.
- Within the doc, you will provide encouragement and responses or feedback to work you’ve received from fellow participants. Make your responses brief and clear on a half or a whole page, double-spaced. You can also use the “comment” feature throughout the document.
- Read the work twice. The first time, with little criticism, jotting down reactions, first impressions, the work’s obvious strengths, and any questions you might have from that reading. The second time, read while considering where the work is in relation to the author’s intent, purpose, and process. Use the “comments” feature to leave questions regarding specific passages.
- Provide “what-if” questions.
Example: “This bit of background information comes in the second paragraph of the first page. What if it’s moved to the following page? Would this improve the timing?”
Online, reader responses to work
- During the ZOOM portion of the workshop, we suggest the writer (the person whose work is under critique) remain silent, letting the evaluations flow freely.
- Readers should share their observations, questions, and suggested revisions at this time. Readers can extend “whys” to the writer to illuminate how the writing has shaped/impacted/informed their understanding of the work.
Example: “Consider the age and level of vocabulary we see in this character, are these elements at odds?” or “Can you achieve greater character believability by…” or “Take a close look at XYZ factors that diminish your character’s believability, and try _______ .”
- After each reader has offered the writer feedback, the writer can respond by asking clarifying questions, requesting further support and discussion, and thanking fellow participants.
DIASPORIC PEOPLES WRITING COLLECTIVE 