As academics, we know how important it is to write and publish. We also know how hard it can be to find the time and the right conditions. An even greater challenge is developing sustainable writing practices, that will allow us to produce publications again and again.

Joli Jensen suggests that “from the outside, academia looks like a supportive environment for writing. The reality is that the academic environment is hectic, demanding, distracting … [and] definitely not writing-friendly.” (Jensen 2017: xi)

 

In such an environment, how do we write and how do we establish those good writing practices that will set us up for a productive, successful, long-term academic career?

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Introducing Bristol’s Academic Writing Programme - a free programme that combines regular training with a practical commitment to practise structured writing time and develop writing habits.

The AWP is open to all academic staff - most relevant to those who are establishing themselves as academic writers.

The programme comprises 6 sessions plus small group meetings and will run 4th March – 11th June 2024. For more information, see the programme outline. Please ensure you can attend all dates.

 

Our commitment is to provide you with:

• Regular, in-person and online training sessions on key writing topics.
• Support to reflect on writing, and to explore and develop your own writing process.
• Two full-day writing retreats – ways to explore structured writing time.
• Resources and reading on academic writing.
• Peer mentoring groups to provide support and encouragement.
• The opportunity to find a mentor to gain support from an academic member of staff you would like to learn from.

In return, we ask you to:

• Commit to all elements of the programme.
• Take writing seriously. This means firstly – being open to think about and experiment with writing, and secondly – actually writing!
• Actively participate in your peer mentoring group
• Find a mentor (optional): Nominate an academic in your field who has more experience writing, to mentor you with information and advice throughout the programme.

To attend the programme, it is important that you have a conversation with your line manager and get their agreement for you to dedicate the time that the programme requires.

If you have any further questions, please contact bristol-clear@bristol.ac.uk

Programme applications have now closed.