Question about writers' workshop
I just signed up for the site and I'm considering taking part in the writers' workshop but I'm kind of hesitant because I rarely write in what you guys refer to as "minimalist" (until chancing upon this site I always referred to it as "Hemingway-style"). Does the writing workshop have a narrow focus on this style? Despite that fact that I love Hemingway, Vonnegut, and Palahniuk I've never attempted to copy their style because a) that just seems like a form of pseudo-plagiarism and 
I'm no wannabe. My writing is much like my guitar playing - undoubtedly influenced by my favorites yet wholly unique. Despite the fact that I love the blues I would never take lessons from a blues purist because I would fear losing the distinct qualities that make my music mine. I study the scales, chords, and theories of music without studying styles. So is this a writers' workshop or a minimalists' workshop? The best way I could describe my prose is that half way point between Charles Dickens and Vonnegut. In other words, I love my adjectives and I fear they may bore a workshop full of Palahniuk fans. I'm afraid that if I sign up for this thing I'll be criticized for being "too wordy" because my writing doesn't resemble Palahniuk's in the least bit (nor do I want it to).
The main reason for my concern is that in the FAQ it says Chuck is interested in teaching minimalism as a craft and, as I've stated, I'm opposed to teaching style in any form of art as it homogenizes it. Kind of like sculpture, which hasn't been interesting since the 1500's because everyone conceded that Michelangelo was the best and everything since has been pathetic copies. The problem is that Michelangelo's style was taught rather than the fundamentals - how to chisel, support weight, ect. I've always felt that the fundamentals of writing, such as grammar and literary devices, should be taught while style is left for the artist to develop on their own.
So, what's this writers' workshop really like?
"[B]eing good is a fearful occupation; men strain at it and sometimes break in two." - Ray Bradbury
A good story is a good story, regardless of the style. You'll find all sorts in the workshop. Yes, some of the advice you get will be of no use to you, but then that's true of everywhere. You can always ignore it.
The ideas advocated by Chuck are fairly basic things and presented as tools for your toolbox, nothing more. Some people don't use them at all, some people overuse them. All sorts.
I can't say you'll get brilliant critiques of your work, who knows? Some reviews are brutally harsh, other blow smoke up your arse. Some are like a thesis and some are three lines and a smiley emoticon. You get the idea. I have found it useful, I'm pretty sure you would too.
btw I prefer the first Burton Batman flick to all of the other Batman films, including the Nolan ones.
It takes all sorts.
Hey RazorSharp, welcome aboard!
Mood is pretty spot on but I thought I'd add my two cents. I've been actively taking part in the workshop for a couple of months now and its been a fantastic learning experience. Nobody forces the minimalist style of writing on anyone and you'll find that everyone brings their own unique voice to the table. I've read everything from 300-word flash fiction to 6,000-word novel chapters here and, while some people are referred to Chuck's essays in order to learn a better understanding of writing fundamentals, nobody will tell you to, "Write more like Chuck." Don't worry about being unfairly boxed in, it doesn't happen.
More to the point, taking part in this workshop has helped me develop my critiquing skills, which has given me the added bonus of being able to edit my own work in greater detail. You'll be able to read dozens of pieces each month and find out exactly what works for other people and what doesn't. You can't help but carry those lessons with you in your own writing.
Most importantly, there are some extremely talented people here, both as writers and reviewers. Sure, you'll get the occasional questionable piece or, "Ths is rlly kewl!" review but, on the flip side, some members will give you a line-by-line that will kick your ass (in a good way!) and give you a whole new perspective on your work.
Personally, I've found that you'll get as much out of the workshop as you put in. So jump in, give it a try, and I'll be the first person in line to review your stuff.
Have a good one!
-Chris Lewis Carter-
i prefer hemingway and faulkner. has nothing to do with a minimalist factor; they're just good stories
hey, rs, welcome to the cult
as mood pointed out, the tools are simply tools to use and you can use them right away. most tools are universal and chuck just points them out. like "authority" and "the hidden gun".
i dislike too many adjectives personally because very few members in a workshop use them well. i for instance can't. the wickerman uses them with much better effect. but you'll see all of that when you go in.
remember, miles davis studied at the juilliard school as his only music schooling. a very non jazz school. he focused a relearning of his jazz through dance, drama, and music. he later dropped out because it was too european "white" centered, but it was where he learned to relearn what he held with most passion.
it's not the school so much as it is the student. hell, baer received his mfa at the jack kerouac school for disembodied poetics in boulder, co. and he is clearly far from a hippy post beatnik.
in all, welcome to the cult and i look forward to seeing you in the workshop
-kabol
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play hard, like it's work to be done.
My writing is much different from Chuck's and I'm getting incredibly helpful feedback. As well, I'm finding that what I like to write has an audience. Chuck's essays and Q&A's are chock full of tools you can put into your writing tool belt. And, it's only like $40! I'd pay ten times that, plus!
I have absolutely no regrets. I couldn't recommend it more. I wouldn't worry about having a distinctive voice- that's a gift. And if it is really distinctive- others will let you know it.
Cheers,
Nikki
Get the sugar. Get the sugar. Get the sugar.
In my experience (which isn't as long as some), I haven't seen much minimalist. You're going to encounter all different types of styles.
I've read some very good writing here in the workshop.
I've also read some very poor writing that had no business being submitted because it clearly wasn't ready for critique; i.e. - spelling, grammar, etc.
If you really get yourself involved though, there's no way you come out of this and not be a better writer. Nikki's right...$40 is a small price to pay for this kind of resource.
-B-
Thanks for the feedback, I think you guys talked me into it 
I've really been looking for something to keep me focussed and goal oriented. I have too many outlines a half-drafts laying about and too few completed works. Hopefully this works as a good kick in the ass.
"[B]eing good is a fearful occupation; men strain at it and sometimes break in two." - Ray Bradbury
Good job, good job, Comrade RazorSharp.
Get the sugar. Get the sugar. Get the sugar.
I like adverbs, adjectives and long sentences; I dislike minimalism. I still partake in the workshop because it IS helpful, and not everyone is interested in writing in a minimalist style.
Give it a try. If you ever need a review from someone who'd choose Faulkner over Hemingway, just PM me and I'm on it.
thanks for sharing.blackhawk tactical pants.
— Spambot
"I could have done worse!" exultantly cried the murderer Lebret, sentenced at Rouen to hard labor for life. — Félix Fénéon