A one-day writing retreat, aiming to create the right environment for you to generate a good quantity of first draft writing, and to enable support to overcome barriers to getting writing done. Open to masters students, doctoral researchers and staff. Hot drinks and light lunch provided. Full details below.

Writing Day Trips – All you need to know

Details:

• Friday 29^th June, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Gateway House 3.31
• Tuesday 17^th July, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Gateway House 3.31

What is the purpose?

To create the right environment for you to generate a good quantity of first draft writing, and to enable support to overcome barriers to getting writing done.

How to prepare

Sessions such as these work best when you can focus on writing draft material, rather than reading or developing your ideas. So, in advance consider what you will focus on during the day and do any preparatory work you need so that you are able to focus on writing during the session. However, these are just recommendations and the time is yours to use as you wish.

What to bring?

• Something to write with (a laptop, or pen and paper). Computers are not available in the room, but we can lend out DMU library laptops with advance notice. If you will need to recharge or plug in your laptop, then bring the charging cable too – sockets will be available in the room.
• Any notes or documents you need to draw on for your writing
• Whatever would help you to feel comfortable – e.g. a cushion, comfortable clothes

What support is available?

Tutorial support. Six 15-minute tutorial slots are available with the CLaSS tutor and are bookable on the day

Peer to peer support. The scheduled break times are an excellent opportunity to discuss aspects of writing with other attendees – this is one of the main benefits of writing in a social setting. You can also use the breakout room at any time to take a break and discuss writing with other attendees.

What is the Schedule?

The day is broken up into four writing sessions (two x 1.5 hours; two x 1 hour) and regular breaks. The writing slots can be thought of as “pomodoros” – 25 minutes of productive work followed by a five minute pause – by that measure the writing day has ten pomodoros.

• 9.30am to 9.45am: Arrivals, hot drinks available.
• 9.45am to 10am: Introductory mini-workshop – introductions; aims for the day
• 10am to 11.30am: First writing session (3 pomodoros). Tutorials available 11am to 11.30
• 11.30am to 11.45am: MORNING BREAK
• 11.45 to 1.15: Second writing session (3 pomodoros). Tutorials available 12.45 to 1.15
• 1.15 to 2pm: LUNCH BREAK
• 2pm to 3pm 3^rd writing session (2 pomodoros) Tutorials available: 1.45pm to 2.15pm
• 3pm to 3.15pm: AFTERNOON BREAK
• 3.15pm to 4.15pm: 4^th writing session (2 pomodoros)
• 4.15pm to 4.30pm: Review of the day – sharing achievements and feedback.

What if I have more questions?

Contact Andrew Reeves in CLaSS on areeves@dmu.ac.uk