Getting Writing Done - A Virtual Multi-Session PhD Writing Cohort of Workshops, Retreats & Bootcamps

Four Zoom-based sessions - Wednesday the 8th June - Wednedsay the 22nd June.

Note that this is a multi-session cohort programme. The ticket price is for the entire programme - it isn’t possible to book onto individual elements.

Writing a PhD can be a difficult, exciting, demanding, stimulating, pleasurable task. But whatever experiences you face, you don’t have to go through them alone.

Our multi-session virtual cohort course is made up of a series of live virtual events, centred on Getting Writing Done, and will support you in all aspects of writing your thesis, including:

1. Understanding how to improve your writing productivity with our Getting Writing Done workshop (Wednesday 8th June, 4-5.30pm UK time)
2. Practising goal setting for focused writing sessions during our One Day Writing Retreat (Saturday 11th June, 10am-4pm UK time)
3. Eliminating procrastination during our intensive Two Day Thesis Boot Camp (Friday 17th June 3-7pm UK time AND Saturday 18th June, 9.30am-7pm)
4. Learning how to revise and edit your writing during a Reviewing & Editing Your Writing Workshop (Wednesday the 22nd June, 4-5.30pm UK time)

Learning Outcome

The key learning objective of this virtual cohort-programme is to learn applied skills and - during the retreat and boot-camp - produce substantial pieces of writing.

Throughout the cohort you’ll have the help and encouragement of an expert writing facilitator, there to answer all your questions and support you as you develop your writing abilities.

The cohort programme is suited for those who are mid-way or towards the end of the PhD, and although it is subject blind it will be most suited to those in the humanities, arts and social sciences.

Note that this is a multi-session cohort programme. The ticket price is for the entire programme - it isn’t possible to book onto individual elements.

Session One: Getting Writing Done Workshop

Wednesday 8th June 4-5.30pm UK time

From journal articles to your thesis, there’s no escaping the amount of writing you have to do as a PhD student. But sometimes we may struggle to write as much as we want to. Some days the words just won’t seem to come. This workshop will help you to think about your writing processes and about what to do to get writing done.

This workshop will start by exploring the nature of writing - what writing is and what we are trying to achieve with it. We’ll then look at some of the things that might prevent us from getting words on the page. Finally, we’ll talk about different techniques to get you writing. Throughout the workshop, we’ll be discussing these issues as a group, as well as practicing some of the things we’ll talk about. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to help you get writing done.

Session Two: One-Day Writing Retreat

Saturday 11th June - 10am-4pm UK time

Writing can sometimes feel lonely. It can be difficult to motivate yourself to sit down and get work done. Joining our writing retreat can not only help combat the isolation, it can prevent you from procrastinating and help you to get words on the page.

The retreat will involve focused periods of writing, interspersed with group discussions and activities around writing. These discussions will be driven by the needs of the group, giving you the chance to hear from your peers about their writing habits or issues. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the facilitator any questions you have about your writing, as well as talk about common writing problems and receive advice on how to overcome them.

Please note: to get the most out of this retreat you’ll need to be in a position to write for a number of hours.

Session Three: Two Day Thesis Writing Boot Camp

Friday 17th June 3-7pm UK time AND Saturday 18th June 9.30am-7pm UK time

If you’re struggling to find the time and space to get your writing done, our Two Day Thesis Boot Camp could be just the thing. This no-excuses, no-time-for-procrastination, intensive writing event will help you achieve your writing goals. Over two days, you’ll have long periods to concentrate on writing, without the distraction of emails, family, teaching, or lab commitments. Group discussions and activities around goal setting, motivation, and productivity will not only help you achieve your writing aims but make you realise you are not alone in your writing struggles. So whether you need to get a chapter written up, or journal article submitted, you’ll find that the Mini Thesis Boot Camp helps you reach your writing goal.

Session Four: Reviewing & Editing Your Writing

Wednesday 22nd June, 4-5.30pm UK time

You know editing your work is about more than spellcheck, but how do you go about making sure your writing is as it needs to be? This workshop will help equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to get your work ready for submission.

In this workshop we’ll talk about how to review your writing, thinking about what it is you are hoping to achieve and whether your work reaches your stated goals. We’ll then look in more detail at editing techniques. From the macro to the micro, we’ll discuss issues such as flow, coherence, argument, paragraph structure and proofreading. The workshop will be divided between discussion time and time to work on your actual writing, so that by the end you will have some practical outcomes.

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Here's What Previous Event Attendees Have Said

"The facilitation by Heather was amazing. She makes writing enjoyable, and I cannot thank her enough. Certainly one of the best courses I have been on, and that is in large part due to Heather."

"The facilitator was really good at presenting her tips and study journey. It demonstrated that persistence pays off so long as you don't give up. Very laid-back and casual too, which removed any sense of pressure, if any”

"I liked how the audience were from diverse fields, and even then the materials and the presentation were beneficial for everyone. The Q/A sessions were practical oriented"

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About Your Host

All of the course sessions will be facilitated by Dr Heather Campbell, a Learning Developer, and specialist in academic writing. Heather has helped hundreds of students and academics with their writing, through workshops, retreats, thesis boot camps, individual consultations, and taught sessions. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Heather has also developed effective approaches to the teaching of writing and to supporting students in their learning. As well as helping students to write, Heather enjoys writing herself, both in her original area of study, History, and in the field of academic writing.

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Tickets are strictly limited, and are expected to sell out quickly. To reserve yours, click below.

Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll receive a confirmation email from eventrbrite, and we'll get in touch to say hello and provide you will all the Zoom links and other info you'll need.