Event 2024 OIC Writing Retreat

2024.04.05
 The OIC Research Office will hold regular writing retreats for researchers.
 Through the events, we expect researchers to set aside time for writing and research and to interact with other researchers across disciplines.
 All are welcome. We would be delighted if you could join us.

2024 writing retreat_E



Period From 10 April, 2024 to 26 March, 2025
Date 13:00 - 14:30 on Wednesdays
Venue Co-Lab., Floor 8, Bldg. A
What is a writing retreat?

◆ What is a writing retreat?

Writing retreats offer a chance to escape the distractions of daily life and focus on a writing task, such as creating an article.

◆ Types of writing retreats

There are two types of writing retreats that aim to consciously create time for writing, but they differ in their approach. One type of retreat involves a group of colleagues or a research team going on an overnight trip to escape their everyday environment and concentrate on writing. Another way is by meeting with colleagues or a research group in a university room, for a session of typically two to three hours in length. These meetings can be scheduled once a week or once every two weeks to ensure dedicated time for writing. This type is routinely implemented and used in English-speaking universities. More recently, Zoom-based retreats have also been offered.

◆ How can you utilise writing retreats?

1) To meet a deadline for submission of an article/ a grant application.
2) To make research-related writing part of your routine.
3) To motivate yourself and increase your productivity by writing with others.
4) At times, you may experience a writing block where you struggle to put your thoughts into words. Instead of trying to overcome it alone, consider discussing the issue with your colleagues at the retreat. Together, you might be able to find ways to overcome the challenge.

◆ Why do we need writing retreats?

When you have a lot of daily tasks to manage, your time can vanish quickly. It can be challenging to find the time for research and writing without making a conscious effort. Writing retreats provide a handy way to make dedicated time for these activities.

◆ Can't I do it on my own?

Of course, it is possible. Nonetheless, it can be more motivating to do it with other like-minded people.
Writing retreats can also facilitate connections and the formation of communities. Although researching can be enjoyable, it can also feel isolating. Connecting with colleagues/friends going through similar challenges can provide collegiality.

◆ Rules

1) Please join the meeting promptly at the scheduled start time.
2) Please try to come with a clear goal in mind for what you want to achieve in the session.
3) Please refrain from sending any emails or text messages. However, you may use Wi-Fi for research purposes.
4) Please bring your own writing tools.
5) Please allocate your time solely for the purposes of writing and research.
6) Please write quietly.
7) Let's encourage and support each other in our research endeavours. OIC retreats are protected spaces and are not for competition.
*I have a suggestion that may increase your productivity, but it's not a strict rule. Taking breaks during a retreat session can be beneficial. The duration of your break time is entirely up to you, and you should choose what works best for you in order to be productive.

◆ Websites that discuss writing retreats

https://today.duke.edu/2017/06/summer-retreat-faculty-brush-their-writing
http://www.docs.hss.ed.ac.uk/iad/Researchers/Research_staff/Writing_facilitators guide_web.pdf
https://cur.org.au/blog/writing-retreats-academic-indulgence-scholarly-necessity/
https://www.medarbetarportalen.gu.se/service-support/ASK/for-your-writing-and-speaking+/writing-retreats/;jsessionid=node01gorl0en 3tkoamisckszcubti1509993.node0?languageId=100001&skipSSOCheck=true&referer=https://www.google.com/
Participation fee Free of charge
Contact Research Office at OIC  mail: oicro@st.ritsumei.ac.jp