Small Worlds: What works in workshops if and when they do

A contribution to the pedagogical debate within Creative Writing on the central role historically played by the writing workshop, this paper suggests a range of subtleties and developments, both pragmatic and principled, possible in the use of this pedagogic tool. It argues for a range of more precise distinctions between forms of workshop, and argues for the principle as an eclectic and constantly self-exploring process, potentially productive of a wide range of approaches and techniques. It also offers a practical Toolkit for the writing student, as well as theoretical perspectives for the educator in conceptualising the psychological and interpersonal processes at work.