FEATURE Writing takes time and is often postponed. The library's WAG (Writing Accountability Groups) shows that it is both possible and easier in a group to get writing done. During the spring, one such group has met regularly via Zoom for writing time.
One hour on Monday mornings for 10 weeks, Annika Bindler, a writing teacher at Umeå University Library, leads a group for post docs and researchers who wants to develop their writing. She has experience of running writing groups for doctoral students and wanted to try a similar idea with researchers and postdocs. Before the sessions started, everyone was informed of the guidelines and expectations in an orientation meeting with Annika. Everyone must agree to participate in at least 7 out of 10 sessions and Annika explains that the hour follows a specific structure:
Annika Bindler, academic writing instructor at Umeå University Library
ImageHans Karlsson- My role in the group is to be a facilitator. I make sure that I ask the questions, keep to the timeline, and ensure the hour progresses smoothly. We start with everyone briefly stating how the work has developed since last time and what will happen in the next hour. At the end, everyone can say how the writing went and whether it turned out as they planned and share how they have planned the writing for the rest of the week until the next session.
One of the participants is Marina Morlock from Germany, who is a postdoc at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geosciences (EMG) for four years. She has a travelling grant and has the opportunity to work both in Germany and Sweden.
- There are periods when I'm travelling a lot, but I've always made sure to have time for the Monday morning session. After the session it feels like the first step for the week's writing has been taken. I wouldn't use this Monday hour in the same way if I hadn't been in the group, says Marina.
- It's useful to be able to talk about my writing goal for the coming week and then share what came of it. I am surprised at how easy it has been to write with the help of a commitment I have made. Writing is a long process from the first word to the publication of a manuscript and I really appreciate the regularity and that it starts the week.
Carla Jonsson, is a professor of pedagogical work and researches multilingualism in education. She writes a lot and finds it interesting to talk about the writing process with others, something that is not usually done.
- It is important to put into words what writing is and what it is about. When we talk about writing with other people, we sometimes also discover new things about our own writing. We benefit from hearing about other people's experiences and sharing what goes well in writing, but also setbacks and challenges, she says.
Carla thinks that one of the challenges of writing is finding that dedicated time for writing. Being part of the writing group is not time-consuming, she says, but you get a lot out of an hour. The writing sessions have enabled her to settle into a routine and not jeopardise her own allotted time. She would have preferred to meet physically in a room on campus, but she has also found an advantage in the sessions taking place digitally:
- I've gotten into the habit of booking the hour before and even after the group meets. Since I don't have to move from room to room, writing is seamless and I can effectively devote myself to writing until lunchtime if I don't have other commitments,’ says Carla.
Carla Jonsson, professor in Educational Work.
ImageLinus TalltjärnCarla has also discovered that she writes more in her work than she previously thought. It's not just articles and applications that constitute writing. Even a PowerPoint is a kind of writing assignment, and the text of the presentation can later become a synopsis for an article, for example.
She thinks that the accountability part is important in how the group is run and that the meetings are led by someone who has knowledge of the writing process:
- Annika is inspiring and comes up with little gems, such as references to good books on writing or tips on how we can work with a logbook, for example. In addition to her considerable great knowledge, she creates a supportive climate in the group and encourages us to move forward and helps us to see what we have achieved. I have been very inspired and want to continue to develop my writing.
Maria Stridsman, researcher and teacher at the Department of Language Studies, is participating in the group to develop her scolarly writing writing and create more structure in her writing process.
- This spring, I have mainly been working on formulating a draft of a research proposal for a postdoc position. The group provides me with a context that helps me to work in a more focused and goal-orientated way in a work situation where I don't really have much time for writing. One of the biggest challenges is to plan and allocate uninterrupted time for focused writing, especially in a work day where several teaching assignments compete for attention,’ she says.
As a former PhD student working on a monograph and now an individual researcher in a postdoc project, it can be lonely:
- I often lack a close network of colleagues or a mentor to discuss ideas with, collaborate with, or get qualified feedback from. The writing process can feel both isolated and drawn out, with the risk of writing taking a back seat to more urgent tasks.
Maria says that the writing group has provided motivation and structure and that it has been particularly valuable to be part of a social context where writing is discussed, documented and allowed to take place:
- The tools introduced, such as writing logs, clear goal setting and questions for reflection, have helped me to become more aware of my writing process and to identify patterns in my writing. I would have liked to participate in even more sessions. It has really made a difference.