Deborah Babalola, Postgraduate Researcher and PGR Rep, and Simone Apel from the Graduate School are launching a new initiative for PGRs called Writing Buddies. Writing Buddies are small ‘micro-groups’ of writers coming together to write in a social space, which may be virtual or physical. They are micro-versions of structured writing retreats, where writers set themselves goals which they share with others, write for set periods together, then use the breaks to discuss ideas, share practice or just chat, often joining up again for another writing session. Social writing has helped many writers with productivity and motivation to overcome writing blocks and, just as importantly, can give support and a sense of belonging in a researcher writing community.

To take part in Writing Buddies, PGRs can

• Set up their own mini-writing circle with colleagues online, at a time to suit them, via our MS Teams Writing Buddies group.
• Attend a face-to-face Writing Buddies session organised by Deborah. Sessions will be run most Mondays and Fridays. Join the Teams group above where the dates, times and rooms will be published.

You can find out more about the initiative and how to take part in this Word document below.