Read Like a Writer

What does it mean to read closely?

How can close reading deepen your writing?

At this workshop, we'll work with a selection of short fiction. We'll read each piece for:

story
character
voice
theme
emotion
interiority
description
genre
relevance
innovation

Overnight, you’ll write a short piece to turn in on Sunday. You’ll hear your work read aloud—anonymously. Then, the group will discuss the emotions your piece evokes in each of us.

Beginners and non-native speakers of English are welcome.

August 8 & 9, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taught by Lisa Friedman
Venue: Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, or online - get directions
Register for this workshop (Fee: €175)
Have questions about this workshop? Call us +31 (0) 62 502 0817 or send us an email.

You may participate in person or remotely.

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What people are saying about this workshop

“While I always read a lot to inspire my own writing, I learned even more about how to read closely, for specific purposes. This is definitely a skill I can use.”

Solveig, May 31, 2020

“The material was explained well, and I loved how every opinion was valued, even that of the youngest, least experienced participant. I found it valuable to read the works of established authors, but even more inspiring to read the works of the other people in the workshop. I learned how to prime myself and get inspired from literature, how to better interpret texts, the meaning behind them, and how to look for specific elements that I can use in my own writing. I will definitely keep using the things we talked about this weekend.”

Sharon, May 31, 2020

“I felt safe and supported. As a beginning writer—whose story was read in front of others for the first time—I felt immensely encouraged and motivated. The ‘Read Like a Writer’ workshop taught me to experience my own writing through the eyes of the reader.”

Laura B, May 31, 2020

“I am stunned by how easily I was persuaded to unleash myself in writing; it freed me. The second day is where the magic happens: people share—and really give something of themselves when they do.”

Lamprini, May 31, 2020

“If we want to write, it makes sense to read—and to read like a writer. If we wanted to grow roses, we would want to visit rose gardens and try to see them the way that a rose gardener would.” – Francine Prose