Scientific Writing Retreat Online: WritingLab session 1

WHAT IS ESCRITALAB?

This is a structured initiative in the format of a writing retreat, providing a focused and motivating environment for academic production. The goal is to offer a space
free from distractions, where participants can focus exclusively on writing,
while benefiting from the support of an academic community.
Writing retreats have been widely used in academic contexts to
promote productivity and reduce anxiety associated with the writing process. Studies
show that academic writing can be a lonely and challenging process, making
collective support an important factor for researchers’ progress and well-being (cf.
Beasy et al., 2020; Grant, 2006).
The event is specifically designed for doctoral students and junior researchers,
but is open to anyone interested in participating.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EVENT

Creation of a dedicated writing space, without interruptions or daily distractions.
• Increased productivity through structured focus techniques.
• Peer support and motivation, promoting a collective and collaborative learning experience.
• Reduction of anxiety and writer’s block by setting realistic and measurable goals.
• Development of regular writing habits that can be maintained after the event.

PROPOSAL

The event is structured by combining Rowena Murray’s ‘typing pool’ model with the Pomodoro technique, providing a dynamic and productive environment for writing (Murray and Newton, 2009). The EscritaLab will be divided into three online sessions. Participation is flexible, allowing each participant to choose between one, two, or all three sessions.
In addition, each participant defines their objectives in advance for each session.For example, if you are preparing an article for submission, you could organize yourself as follows:
Session 1 – Write the methodology and results section.
Session 2 – Develop the discussion and critical analysis.
Session 3 – Work on the introduction and abstract.

Another possible approach is to dedicate each session to different tasks, such as:
Session 1 – Write a grant application.
Session 2 – Write a policy brief.
Session 3 – Prepare a conference submission.

Each session will be held in a single morning and will follow the following structure:
9:30 – 10:00 | Presentation and individual goal setting.
10:00 – 11:00 | Focused writing session (using the Pomodoro method).
11:00 – 11:15 | Break and informal discussion.
11:15 – 12:45 | Focused writing session.
12:45 – 13:00 | Reflection on progress and planning for next steps.

REFERENCES

Beasy, K., Emery, S., & Coleman, B. (2020). Writing together to foster wellbeing: Doctoral writing groups as spaces of wellbeing. Higher Education Research & Development, 39(6), 1091-1105.

Grant, B. (2006). Writing in the company of other women: Exceeding the boundaries. Studies in Higher Education, 31(4), 483–495.

Murray, R., & Newton, M. (2009). Writing retreat as structured intervention: Margin or mainstream? Higher Education Research & Development, 28(5), 541–553.