creative writing classes nyc

creative writing classes nyc

The Benefits of Creative Writing Classes in NYC

1. Introduction to Creative Writing Classes

Creative writing is a craft that’s invaluable. It’s expressing oneself through writing. It’s the voice and message uncovered by the author. It’s the ability to create new things spontaneously. It’s a chance to share and inspire. And through considering the benefits of creative writing classes in NYC, you will see just how valuable it can truly be. The abundance of creative writing programs, creative writing ideas, and creative writing classes are creating an atmosphere that’s learning and growth. New York City offers an inspiring backdrop for a creative writing class. Not only does it expose students to many cultures and ways of life, it provides an environment that says anything is possible. New York City has been a voice for countless writers, poets, and artists. Those that succeeded were able to do so because they held that belief in endless possibility. By being in an environment that fosters open-mindedness and celebration of limitless potential, students are much more likely to pursue greater goals, and to redefine existing standards. This is the first of many benefits of creative writing classes in NYC.

2. Enhancing Writing Skills through Workshops

Creative writing classes in NYC also have the added benefit of enhancing writing skills through literary workshops. The structure of a workshop varies depending on which instructor is leading it, but in all cases students have their creative writing peer reviewed by other students and the instructor. This can be an intimidating experience for many people, but it also is one of the most efficient ways to learn how to write well. The main reason for this is it keeps the writer constantly producing new work. If a writer has no deadline to meet and no external pressure to try something different, most likely he or she will keep rewriting the same piece (or different pieces with the same flaws) and not really move forward. A workshop provides the deadline and the impetus to experiment with new styles and themes. When the writer gets feedback, it can later direct focus to what is worth revising to publish and what is worth leaving behind. And in the case of NYC classes, the diversity of the students means a diversity in writing style and opinion, which can only be beneficial to a young writer of any level. Workshop interaction is also beneficial as it keeps the writer in touch with the audience. A good chunk of MFA graduates complain when they enter the publishing world that they no longer have time to write as they are constantly teaching. Their work soon becomes a series of exercises for students rather than a meaningful contribution of literature. This situation will always be a risk for an aspiring writer, and the best way to avoid it is to continue understanding what it means to be an audience and a writer at the same time. A workshop ensures that the writer is both receiving and providing literary criticism, and this kind of activity can only improve one’s editing and analytical skills in the long run.

3. Exploring Different Genres and Styles

All this is, of course, dependent on how much effort you’re willing to put into the class and what you wish to achieve. What class you decide on taking will also make a huge difference. If you’re unsure of what genre you would like to focus on, a general introductory course will be best for you. This is also the case if you want to improve overall and not focus on one thing. If you have in mind a certain genre or form, an intermediate level course will see you learn how to apply specific skills and techniques. If you’re heading for a specific goal, for example, to get a novel published and want advice on how to do this, a more advanced class will suit you. This will involve workshopping material with people of equal ability and establishing connections, which could prove to be very important.

Choosing to take your writing course through the Gotham Writers’ Workshop will offer a range of opportunities for the aspiring writer. It’s all well and good to say “I’m a fiction writer” or “I’m a playwright”, but until you’ve familiarized yourself with the different genres and styles, how can you really be sure what form your writing should take? Each genre has different building blocks, whether it’s fiction (character, plot, setting, point of view), playwriting (dialogue, stage directions), poetry (rhythm, meter, structure) and so on. Through trying your hand at different styles you might find a niche you never knew existed. A fiction writer might discover that they have a talent for writing mystery stories; a poet might realize that they can best express themselves through verse-drama.

4. Receiving Feedback and Critique

One of the ways in which the New York City creative writing classes allow for a comfortable environment is through providing a non-threatening form of feedback. The classes bring together diverse groups of individuals who can be exposed to an array of different writing styles. When you write, “this isn’t my usual genre” or “I don’t normally write poetry but…” it is assumed that you are threatening a piece by comparing it to your comfort zone. When the student is exposed to a variety of different genres, it then becomes apparent that they do not have to compare their work to the writing they are most comfortable with. They are free to explore and develop various styles, and the classes are an ideal place to do so. You get used to the idea that “it’s okay,” and okay is good. Most people want to hear what is wrong with a certain piece of writing, a mentality that can become damaging unless seriously thick skin is involved. Overly negative feedback can be discouraging, and to “tell somebody everything you think is wrong with a poem” usually isn’t answering the question, what works and what doesn’t? Excessive negativity makes a lousy poem seem lousier; great a great one seem less so. By using the workshop method of peer critique, NYC creative writing classes obtain a constant corroboration of strengths and weaknesses. A good workshop will make a writer realize all by him or herself what needs improvement.

5. Networking and Building a Writing Community

There is something unique about studying an art form in an urban setting, especially one that encourages writers to interact with a varied cross-section of people. People often ask me what they should do to prepare for a life of writing. A number of things are useful, from having a rich inner life to consuming a wealth of literature, but probably the most vital is living in the world in such a way that your writing talents emerge as a valid way to sustain the life you lead. If you are considering a degree that will plunge you into debt just to learn the craft of writing, consider the prospects for a return on your investment. Networking is everything in the business world as well as in the world of art and letters. In New York, the rate of success for starving artists is higher than anywhere else. Many famous writers claim that they knew they had made it after selling a story or a novel that took place in New York. If nothing else, NYC is synonymous with publishing. Taking creative writing workshops in the publishing capital of the world with a vibrant literary community is a definite way to get your foot in the door. Of course, many writers believe that the essence of writing is the work itself, and that any form of networking or connection other than with the text is a corruption of their craft. This is a valid perspective. If you are of this opinion, my saying so is not likely to change your mind. But I will add that there is a difference between encountering the industry on its own terms and selling out. If you hold to your ideals, you will find that NYC is a place that will test them. This may be an uncomfortable process, but it is always a learning one. A workshop can be a useful forum for discovering and challenging what you are comfortable with in your writing. This is not to mention the connections made with instructors and classmates. Teachers can be a great help in connecting you to editors and publishers, and often have a working knowledge of who is currently accepting manuscripts. If you keep in touch with your classmates, you can form a writing group that can serve to provide that workshop atmosphere outside of the workshop. Being in a community of people who are in the same boat as you is the best possible thing you can do for your career.