Writing and Collaboration Sessions

We are offering two types of session in the Library to allow time for both quiet writing and opportunities for collaboration.

Turn Up and Write! offers dedicated quiet time for focused writing. Open to all students and members of staff at the University.

Collab or Write combines individual writing with opportunities for interdisciplinary discussions and collaboration between researchers.

Turn Up and Write!

Struggling to find the motivation to get your writing done? Join us at one of our structured writing sessions to help you beat procrastination. Monthly Tuesday morning sessions are held in the Sir Duncan Rice Library between 10-12.  Book your place on the course booking system . We will provide the room, tea, coffee and moral support.

We use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes silent writing with 5-minute breaks) to make sessions as productive as possible.

What are structured writing sessions?

We are following the Shut Up and Write! method . Sessions are not about creating the final version of your work. They are for generative writing . This means, you will leave all material, except your notes for the intended piece, and your fears behind and TRUST that you know enough about your topic. Stop trying to find the perfect reference, sentence, word  - just shut up and write! Get the words out on the page. You can edit and polish them later.

How to prepare for the session:

1. Decide what you want to work on during the session.

2. Make some notes and a plan beforehand. This will help guide you through your generative writing. 

3. Have your references and data analysis results ready. But don't get lost in details - you can go back and insert or correct these later, when you are editing your draft.

4. Write, write, write! 

Interested? Sign up on the course booking system.

Collab or Write

To support collaboration, interdisciplinary working and a positive research culture the University is running a series of sessions to provide both quiet times for writing and times for collaboration and conversation around research over the course of this year.

Hosted jointly between Research and Innovation and the Library, they are open to anyone who would benefit from dedicated time and space to advance their research. Every month there will be a session for collaborating and a session for writing. Collaboration sessions will be half-day sessions devoted to time for discussion and collaboration. These will be an opportunity to come along with existing collaborators, to arrange to meet new collaborators, or simply turn up and look for potential collaborators. Writing sessions will be full days devoted to quiet time for any form of academic writing, offering a neutral space to work quietly alongside others.

The sessions take place on different days and times to allow for variations in schedule - sessions are on coursebooking if you like to get it in your calendar but booking not necessary. Tea and coffee will be provided.