A two-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 (Friday only). Full details below.

Writing Day Trips – All you need to know

Details:

• Friday 3^rd August, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Kimberlin Library, 00.11 (basement lecture theatre)
• Saturday 4^th August, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Kimberlin Library, 00.11 (basement lecture theatre)

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?

• You can either bring something to write with (a laptop, or pen and paper) or use the desktop machines connected to the DMU network in the room. We can also 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
• A mug or cup – free drinks are available all day via the library’s hot drinks machine. Bring a mug or reusable hot drink cup to save on disposable cups and a water bottle (water points are on the ground floor).

What support is available?

Tutorial support. Four 15-minute bookable tutorial slots and a 1-hour drop-in session are available with the CLaSS tutor on each 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 space 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 (sandwiches available on Friday; bring your own lunch on Saturday)
• 2pm to 3pm 3^rd writing session (2 pomodoros) Tutorials available 2pm to 3pm (on “drop-in” basis)
• 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