DeScribe

"Writing workshops are a great way for amateur writers to improve their skills. In order to get the most out of the course it is important that you take it, your work and the work of others seriously. [Most] criticism is good criticism. In fact it is more useful when people tell you what they don't like about your writing than when they praise you as it shows you what you need to work on to make your writing better.

Make sure you take good notes of all comments said and bear them in mind when editing your future writing. Make sure also that your criticisms of other peoples work are constructive. Give reasons why you did or didn't like it and discuss possible ideas to improve it. People who take part in a writers' workshop do so because they want to know what people think of their writing and how they can improve it."

Source: http://www.helium.com/tm/73873/writing- ... at-amateur