Getting the Writing Done (309)

16 June 2017 COMPLET/FULL

Dr Christian Wymann

Besides writing dissertations, grant applications, articles, and conference papers, doctoral candidates have to manage different obligations and activities simultaneously: research, teaching, administrative work, conferences, obligations to family and friends, and leisure activities. For many reasons, they can have trouble getting their writing done. Writing often does not get the attention and time it deserves and needs, which can lead to postponed deadlines.

In this workshop, participants will reflect on their writing habits and learn strategies to improve them. The goal is that the participants will be able to create their own writing schedule and get their writing done on time. In the long run, they should become researchers who can manage their time for their various obligations, without neglecting their writing.

Content

The participants will learn how get their writing done step by step: motivation and commitment; when to write and for how long; defining writing tasks and setting priorities; defining small tasks and goals; monitoring progress; arranging the writing environment; distractions during writing sessions; rituals and rewards; confronting excuses; and dealing with writer's block, procrastination, and other challenges.

Learning outcomes

• Participants will understand more about their writing habits and how to improve them.
• They will know how to create and maintain a writing schedule.
• They will be able to recognize and deal with challenges caused by their environment and themselves.

The workshop is based on discussions and individual and group work. Participants may bring their laptops.

Université de Fribourg

Date: Friday 16th June 2017

Schedule: 9:00 to 13:00

Location: University of Fribourg

Trainer: Dr Christian Wymann is an independent writing consultant (www.myw.schreibcoach.ch). He studied Social Anthropology at the University of Bern and did his PhD in Sociology at Copenhagen Business School (Denmark). He completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies course on writing coaching at the ZHAW, and published a book on time management for academic writers ("Der Schreibzeitplan: Zeitmanagement für Schreibende" Barbara Budrich Publishers/UTB, 2015). Dr Wymann also writes a blog on academic writing (http://mindyourwriting.wordpress.com/).

Participants are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train between the town of their university and the location of the workshop (half-fare card, 2nd class). A reimbursement form will be supplied to all registered participants for this workshop.

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