Determine the goals of your writing workshop. Whether you want to meet other authors or generate interest in other classes that you teach, the purpose of holding the workshop will influence the other steps, particularly the kinds of students you target.
Plan the content. With just 45 minutes available, it may be best to focus on one area of the writing process. Narrowing the focus to a single topic such as character development, dialogue or theme will allow you to give more than a brief overview of the writing process.
Choose writing exercises. A workshop shouldn't just be a lecture, so plan two or three short writing activities to engage the audience. Set appropriate time limits for each exercise.
Find a location. Check with local community centers or even a public university or community college to see if rooms are available for running workshops. For smaller groups, workshops can even be held in a home or coffee shop. The date and time of your workshop may depend on when an appropriate space if available.
Publicize the event online. Email and message boards are a free way to reach out to local writing groups and online writing communities that might be interested in a writing workshop.
Hang fliers in local coffee shops or on bulletin boards on local college campuses. Targeting novice writers is especially helpful if you are holding a workshop to publicize other writing classes and workshops that you run.
Decide if you want to serve snacks or coffee during the workshop. A refreshment table is a great place to socialize with fellow writers after the event.
Find a friend to assist on the day of the events. A second person will make it easier to greet workshop students as they arrive and field questions.
Make signs to direct participants to the workshop, particularly if it is being held in a classroom or building that might be unfamiliar to them.
Arrive early on the day of the event to set up signs, greet participants and begin promptly.