The Writing Life
About the Writing Life and DFW Writer’s Workshop
By Sonja Cassella
Many people have a dream of writing something, perhaps something simple, or something big, a New York Times best seller, an important historical text, of being a newspaper columnist perhaps or perhaps becoming a political pundit who gets on TV. These are all worthy goals. DFWWW is, ideally, a place to find that support and encouragement while you’re developing your writing into what you dream it can be.
We provide support in two ways. First, we critique every week. Everybody that comes with work will be listened to and their work will be commented on. That’s a powerful message that your writing matters to the other members of the workshop.
Second, during breaks and at the dinner held after the weekly meeting at the local IHOP, we create a place for members to meet friends and find critique partners, talk to published writers, and feel that they’re working toward a goal that’s doable and reasonable. Experienced writers provide help with everything: plotting, querying, the writing business, agents, we’ve talked about it all.
At DFWWW, we listen, and we care about your work. Such support has meant the difference between publication and obscurity for some. A fundamental principle is that we support all writers, regardless of what they’re writing or for whom. We’re a First Amendment writers group and no topic is off limits – and though we may clash and even develop animosities at times (what group dynamic could be healthy and normal without competitiveness and rivalry) ultimately we know that every time a member publishes, our prestige as a workshop increases, and it helps every other writer in the group.
Being a writer is, for most, a lifetime process, a struggle day after day and year after year, without really knowing what’s going to come of it, going on faith. When I go to DFWWW with my current work I always feel a sense of anticipation. Will I get this past them? Will they be bored or angry? Will I learn anything about myself or others as I read? The answer to that last question, by the way, is unquestionably going to be yes.
If you’re serious about the struggle of writing, about improving your work, about learning about the business, and yes, about contributing your skills and knowledge to a fellowship of equals – then DFWWW wants you. We’re constantly on the lookout for new members who can strengthen our base of knowledge and critique. We respect the day to day act of writing, and we want to share it with others. If that resonates with you, come and visit us any Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Ruth Milikin Center, and we’ll be glad to meet you and bring you into our critique circle. And from there, who knows where we may travel?
