Writefest Virtual Writing Retreats

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that just keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Alongside everything else that needs to fit in with our busy research lives, it can be hard to schedule devoted time in which to sit, think, and write. Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to fend off procrastination and beat writer's block. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges and work in a focused way using the established Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across a number of institutions as part of Academic Writing Month, or ‘Writefest’. Writefest encourages researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in the spirit of collaboration and to foster a supportive, safe, and sustainable writing environment. The retreats will take place nearly every working day during the month of November, and you can book to attend as many or as few as you like (within booking limits for each session).

The table below lists the retreats that are currently planned. Additional dates and times may be added as they become available. Please note that session lengths may vary across hosts.

Postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students

If you do not have a CRSID or are otherwise unable to book via the UTBS booking system, please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The following are some tips consider in advance of the retreat:

• Bring a piece of work with you: It might be part of a chapter or article you are writing, or maybe a presentation, bit of data analysis, or feedback you need to work through. Any task that would benefit from focused work time and motivation from your peers is appropriate

• Get ready: Participants find that if they are set up when the retreat gets started, it is easier to focus. Open any documents or applications you need, grab a notebook, shut off your phone and social media in advance

• Get comfortable: Can you create your ideal writing environment? Check your chair and lighting, make a cup of tea or coffee and get comfy. There will be regular breaks, but comfort is important to your productivity.

Number of sessions: 1

University of York

n/a

2 hours