“A writing culture is one in which […] writing is not ruthlessly and narrowly connected to productivity, but linked to fostering research capacities, practices and ‘know how’. […] In such circumstances we might expect to see doctoral writings shared, writings honed to exact meaning and nuance not sent off before their time, writings discussed and not displayed. […]
In short, a writing culture does not simply happen. It must be consciously produced.”
— Kamler and Thomson, Helping Doctoral Students Write. 2nd Edition, Routledge, 2014.
The UWC offers weekly writing groups led by our graduate consultants. These meetings include accountability check-ins for writers to set goals and reflect on personal writing habits and progress on a project, followed by a period of quiet, sustained writing.
Writing groups are open to all graduate students currently enrolled at UT Austin. To stay up-to-date with our writing group offerings, join the UWC Grad Services listserv!
- About Writing Groups
- What grad students are saying about UWC writing groups
- Start Your Own Writing Group
About Writing Groups
All writers must register for writing groups through Microsoft Bookings. The link for these sign-ups is usually forwarded to the Grad Services Listserv about two weeks before groups commence.
Currently, writing groups are held in person and over Zoom. Your writing group facilitator will schedule and host all writing group sessions.
Since the purpose of a writing group is to provide consistent support and accountability, writers are required to attend weekly meetings on time for the full duration.
Writing groups include a group check-in where writers set goals and intentions, provide updates on progress, and reflect on process. Groups meet once a week for two hours for either half a semester (5 or 6 weeks) or for a full semester (11 weeks). There will be no writing group sessions during the week of Thanksgiving or the week of Spring Break.
What grad students are saying about UWC writing groups:
“The most helpful part of the writing group is having a supportive, friendly, but focused space to go once a week and get things done.”
“Required writing time helps.”
“The group helped me recognize how much writing I could get done in a short, focused period of time.”
Start Your Own Writing Group
Our “Starting a Writing Group” handout will help you start your own sustained writing groups and peer review groups. You can use this guide to try writing together with peers in your department, with friends outside of academia, or even just one writing partner. While there’s no one best way to run a writing group, our guide can get you started! You can also check out our “Starting a Writing Group” video guide for more help with planning your own writing groups!