November is... Academic Writing Month - #AcWriMo

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol46 Issue42 25–29 October 2021

Why do it?
Writing always seems to take longer than we expect, and for lots of us it’s really very hard work – so we procrastinate and procrastinate… Breaking through your usual barriers and establishing the habit of writing is very motivating. AcWriMo will kickstart your writing and provide a community to help you succeed.

How does it work?
You decide how many words you are going to write each day in November, or how many hours you will devote to writing each day. Aim high, but within reach.

Sign up via this form, then follow the link to register your writing goals. At the end of each day enter your output for the day; at the end of each week, tally the results and brag about your total.

#AcWriMo workshops

How to enjoy thesis writing
Our theme for AcWriMo 2021 is ‘How to enjoy thesis writing’. Lots of HDRs struggle to get on with their writing, and some of you may not be enjoying it very much at the moment. This series offers a range of ways to find positive energy for writing in November, creating momentum that you can carry through into the rest of your PhD project. Join up for whichever sessions are right for you.

03| Finding writing energy with the right support
10| Honing your peer review skills
17| Thriving in your PhD
24| Maintaining writing enjoyment beyond AcWriMo

Write like an Olympian
Do you think of yourself as a high-performer? Do you approach your writing like a high-performer? Dr Derek Panchuk has worked with some of the best coaches and athletes in the world to help them achieve their potential. In this 4-part series (come for one or come for all) we’ll explore habits and activities that have helped Olympic athletes reach the podium and how you can use these tactics to create your own high performing writing habits!

04| Setting the bar for writing success
09| Deliberate practice for productive writing
18| Performing when it counts
23| (Self) Coaching and feedback

Writing in company – value+
The AcWriMo weekly writing sessions are designed to help you get extra value out of your writing efforts. Participants announce their specific tasks for each session. This advance preparation means that you will be ready to get straight into the writing the moment the bell goes. Research writing expert Dr Cally Guerin will guide participants through the sessions, providing on-the-spot suggestions and advice.

05| Writing in company-value+
12| Writing in company-value+
16| Writing in company-value+
22| Writing in company-value+

How to write
Professor Inger Mewburn (@thesiswhisperer) will take you on a journey through her favourite writing hacks. You’ll learn how to make your writing clearer and more persuasive. If you’ve ever got feedback like ‘your writing doesn’t flow’ or ‘this doesn’t sound very academic’, then these workshops are for you! The sessions will have one hour of instruction and an hour where you can stay on, if you like, to practice what you have learned and ask questions.