Please respond with one number — either 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1.
5 being “strongly agree,” and 1 being “strongly disagree.”

1.  I am satisfied with the workshop leader’s teaching skill. 5
2.  I am satisfied with this workshop leader’s communication skill. 5
3.  I learned a lot from this workshop leader. 5
4.  I would recommend this workshop to others. 5
5.  I would take an advanced version of this workshop. 5

1. What did you enjoy about the workshop? Please explain.

I enjoy writing and enjoyed seeing the reaction of others to my writing. Its kind of “heady” having other people read your work.

2. How could the workshop be improved? Please explain.

I know so little about literature that an introductory lesson on “new Journalism” and creative non-fiction would have been helpful. I would like to have the option of writing about Malaysian characters telling their story rather than a PCV telling his story. I think I can better convey the culture of the Malaysian people by writing a story with them as the characters.

3. What were the reasons you signed up for this workshop?

I wanted to learn how to write and specifically I wanted to write stories with Malaysian characters. I didn’t want to write about myself so this has been a struggle for me.

4. Did this workshop provide information that was valuable to you? Please explain.

Yes. I learned that I could be too wordy. I think I am able to write more natural dialogue. I recognize that I have to do much more reading before progressing in writing.

5. How did this workshop compare with other training you have had?

I took a writing last fall. The teacher in that workshop did not have the writing background that John has and while she was encouraging and used words like “finding your voice”, I did not find her comments as insight full or direct as John’s. Also the demographics of that workshop were not appropriate for me. The other students were 11 young women who could have been my daughters. In retrospect I realize this gender/generation difference was not utilized constructively. I think our on-line workshop made effective use of our differences.

6. Was the workshop a good value? How does it compare with the cost of other workshops you may have investigated?

YES. I don’t know if I will become a published writer (I have no need to be published), but I know more about writing and find writing a journey of self-discovery.

7. Please write any comments you have about the teacher? His presentation format? His communication skills?

I like John’s enthusiasm, optimism and work ethic. He has the makings of a PCV. I like the way John had us learn by doing. I found his coaching excellent and to the point. His observations and comments helped me sort multiple issues that were confronting me. He has the knack of saying the right thing at the right time.

8. Do you have any comments about the weekly written Lessons? Assignments? Writers’ interviews?

I wasn’t able to identify with the writers so wasn’t able to make as much use of the interviews as I should have.

How was the timing of these?

I wasn’t ready to take advantage of what the interviews had to offer so I have no helpful comments at this time.

9. What are your thoughts about the computer on-line aspect of this workshop?

An on-line course is ideal for writers. It puts into practice the art we are trying to develop. Also it is so convenient and provides for an exchange of people in different geographical locations and stages of life an opportunity to interact. This would not be possible with an on-site workshop.

About the effectiveness of the weekly forums and feedback system?

I felt the weekly forums were excellent in terms of keeping things moving but I also felt I needed more time to digest what I had learned about writing but more importantly about myself. The on-line format allowed me to opt out of writing assignments on two occasions while staying in tune with what the others were doing when I needed to reflect on what had discovered about myself. I like that flexibility.

About the effectiveness of the weekly evening one-hour chats? The day of the week, the time of day? Please explain.

I enjoyed the chat rooms but was only able to make three or four. It would have been beneficial to be able to retrieve the conversations I was unable to participate in. Some of the Q&A could be distilled and provided as foundation information to the next group.

10. You participated in this workshop with other people. Was their feedback a benefit or not? Please explain.

I liked to see the reaction of others to what I wrote but when I tried to use their suggestions in rewriting, I felt my writing became diluted and didn’t convey the tone I desired. I started trying to pleases an audience rather than please myself. I think I have to become more confident in not only what I say but also how I say it.

11. The leader provided feedback on your writing. Was this a benefit or not? Please explain.

John’s feedback was prompt and to the point. I liked the way he gave specific examples of how to improve my writing by rewriting portions of my work.

12. Please write any other general comments you have about the workshop that will be helpful to us.

I appreciate the mission to have PCVs tell their stories. I struggled to write about my Peace Corps experience. For me it became a “school assignment” that I felt obligated to write. But I find it a delight to write about Salamander Man and the Hostess. I find their stories are more compelling than mine. They give a more vivid picture of what Malaysian life is about. I would like a workshop where we explore to use of “historical fiction” to convey our Peace Corps experience.

13. May we publish on our website, Peace Corps Writers, your name and quotes from your comments about this workshop as a way to inform other RPCVs of the value of this course?

Yes.

14. Please provide your name.

Jim Wolter, Malay I (61-66)