I sat in a workshop yesterday, the instructor made a comment that stood out, and at some level, really concerned me. She started out the workshop telling us, "I am not an expert in this topic. In fact, I have no experience in this, but took a class from someone and I am using her notes."
This is, unfortunately, a situation that many face. As you are heading off to workshops, and getting ready to spend a lot of money, I want you to make sure that you take the time to get to know who your instructors are. Do these people really know what they are talking about? Are they specialists?
Too often, writing chapters and workshop coordinators bring in the newest hot commodity for speakers. They bring in people who proclaim to be the specialist in their area. Let me give you another example.
My daughter rides competitively in Hunter/Jumper Equestrian programs. One stable we were at brought in a "trainer" who brought out a flyer about her "experience" and her "training". We saw great photos of her at competitions. We read all about her accomplishments and skills. She sounded amazing and we all thought we were blessed.
But then, we found out the truth. Did she lie about these things? No. She did indeed do the things she wrote about in her flyer. The issue was that she was not the specialist she claimed to be. She had done a lot of things, but was not the "expert."
If you look at the current specialists teaching those workshops on publishing and writing, you will likely see the same thing. When someone says they are extensively published, what does that mean? Were they traditionally or independently published? What are their genres?
When you decide to take a workshop, it is crucial to question and challenge the knowledge of your "specialist." I am not saying these people are not good people. They do want to help you out. They may be overly enthusiastic or amazing presenters. But we still need to learn from the best!
Just something to consider on a Tuesday!!!!
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