1. Workshop Rules

2. Remember: Everyone will do every project
Only a couple people per project will have their work workshopped

3. Be considerate, but not too considerate
Utilize the compliment sandwich
Example: “While I really enjoyed your characters, I did have some issues with the plotting. It felt off somehow.”
But don’t be afraid to put in your two cents!

4. Be prepared
You’ll be given the writing to read over in advance—DO THE READING!
Heavily mark up your copies of the writing
You can write on every copy; use this to your advantage

5. Give specific comments
“Uhhhhhh, it was good.”
“Um, it was a’ight.”
NEITHER OF THESE ARE HELPFUL

6. The author speaks last
While you have the opportunity to read a portion (page or less) aloud, you need to listen to ideas with an open mind

7. Focus on the objective, not subjective
Objective: “The characterization was a little weak. There weren’t a lot of traits or details about him.”
Subjective: “That character was so laaaaaaaame.”