A Professional's View of The Diggers Writing Workshop

Having spent more than 20 years teaching creative writing for a wide range of both professional and amateur organisations, I was particularly impressed by the creative, as opposed to mercenary, values applied by the Diggers Writers Workshop.  Unlike many groups that are content to cruise at a recreational level, these writers are serious about their writing and about improving it.  Consequently, they appreciate the value of constructive and informed feedback.

I was impressed by the way they have arranged their evening and by the way they limit the quantity of contributions in order to effect quality of appraisal.  I also found the way they are able to help each other with detailed critical appraisal heartening.  So often, members of writers’ workshops are not particularly interested in giving or receiving the kind of penetrating constructive criticism that is actively encouraged in the Diggers Writers Workshop.

I think the creative values that lie behind this writers’ group should be encouraged, and additional input for them from professional teachers of creative writing should be supported.

Valerie Thornton

Valerie Thornton is a poet and short story writer. She also teaches creative writing, writes textbooks on creative writing and edits anthologies.  She is currently an advisory fellow at the University of Glasgow.

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