Writing Groups

Why join a writing group?

When it comes to the writing involved in preparing your dissertation, it is more important than ever for students to begin writing as early as possible. Joining a writing group can make the whole process easier. Some of the benefits include:

  • Receiving constructive feedback on your writing from interested peers
  • It’s an incentive to get some writing done before the next meeting
  • Talking to other researchers going through the same process
  • Writing can be a solitary, isolating process, but writing groups combat this
  • Writing groups provide commentary, deadlines and accountability

How do the groups work?

The writing groups consist of approximately 4-6 students who meet once or twice a month to read and review each other’s writing. One member each month selects a piece of writing they are working on which the others in the group will read and offer suggestions and constructive feedback on.

Investing in each other:

Your main job in this group is to help each other finish your dissertations by reading each other’s work and offering advice. The groups require time commitment and time management, but the support that you can receive and the work that you can accomplish will be worth the investment.

Solidarity and challenges:

Working with a group of peers has many benefits. Because each of you knows what the others are going through, there can be a sense of solidarity. You might provide useful insights and access to previously unknown resources. You are on a level playing field, so you can mutually challenge and critique each other.

 

Findings

Research shows that academics who participate in writing groups demonstrate consistently higher publication rates than those who don’t (McGrail et al, 2006). So what are you waiting for?