Academic Writers Support Group

Are you trying to find time to get some academic writing done but finding it hard?

Would you benefit from joining a community of other academic writers?

If so, you might be interested in joining this Academic Writing Support Group, an informal group of academic writers who meet once a month to offer each other support, encouragement, feedback and other useful stuff like that.

We meet for regular writing sessions where the main activity is just, heads down, sound off, cameras on, academic writing. It is amazing how that sense of peer participation creates a feeling of motivation, and the sessions can be very productive.

It’s like a writing retreat but from home. No agenda, no commitment required, it’s informal and voluntary but if it’s useful to you then why not give it a try?

Meanwhile here are some pretty sound reasons you should join an academic writing group:

The Benefits of Peer Writing Groups:

• It’s an opportunity to discuss ideas at all stages of development. You know that article is going to get a review from experts in the field before it’s accepted for publication. If you begin that process in a writing group, even with people in different disciplines, they can help you get it ready for a more “official” peer review. 
• Your peers offer a fresh perspective. We have all gotten to the point with a piece of writing where we can no longer “see” it clearly. We need distance and a fresh pair of eyes. 
• You learn about what others are working on. Your colleagues provide inspiration and knowledge (which is the whole idea behind conferences, right?). Chances are your peers will know of a resource that is just what you need at just the right time. 
• These groups facilitate time management because this scheduled time allows you to say no to other things because you are already committed. 
• Your peers provide emotional support and encouragement. Let’s face it. Writing can be exhausting, and we need moral support. 

Autumn & Spring Semester 2023-24 (usually 1^st Friday of the month)

1-4pm Friday 1st September

1-4pm Friday 6th October

1-4pm Friday 3rd November

1-4pm Friday 1st December

1-4pm Friday 5th January

1-4pm Friday 2nd February

1-4pm Friday 1st March

1-4pm Friday 5th April (TBC this may move due to Easter)

1-4pm Friday 3rd May

1-4pm Friday 7th June

Then we break for the summer.

Join the group if you want to get involved – just add yourself to the email list to get regular updates and a Zoom link to the online meeting (see dates below).