Facilitated writing retreats

Support your faculty with a facilitated writing retreat, designed to empower scholars to progress toward their writing goals while engaging with the research of their peers. These retreats create a temporary community, structured around goal setting, report backs, personal writing time, and peer review. Participants can step out of their roles as teachers and administrators and reconnect with their inner writers.

The challenge of writing amidst daily realities

In the scholarly world, "publish or perish" is the mantra, yet the demands of academic life often hinder consistent writing progress. The expectation for individuals to carve out time for writing amidst other commitments often results in fragmented efforts. While there are disciplined writers who dedicate each morning to their craft, they remain the exception rather than the rule.

Creating space for productivity and support

These retreats offer respite from the daily grind, creating an environment conducive to productive writing within a framework of collegial support. Participants, whether working individually or in small groups, benefit from at least 5 hours of daily writing time, supplemented by peer reviews. Additionally, we explore tools and techniques to help writers develop and articulate their ideas, and set up a sustainable writing practice at home.

Invest in faculty development and collaboration

For faculty leaders, these retreats present an effective investment in staff development, fostering relationships among team members while addressing the ever-present publishing demands. By providing a structured yet energising environment, retreats empower scholars to enhance their writing practices and build lasting connections with their colleagues.

What to expect at a writing retreat:

A typical retreat runs for 3-5 days, with +/- 10 people but this can be tailored to meet the client’s needs. An average day might look like this:

  • 9 - 5 with an hour break for lunch and a walk

  • Daily guided meditation (voluntary)

  • 6 x 45 minute writing blocks per day with goal-setting and report back

  • 45 minute peer review session where small groups read and give feedback on each other’s writing for that day

  • Interactive exercises at different points in the process to develop a pitch, identify the target reader, book objectives, dealing with the inner critic and distractions.

“Faith facilitated a four-day writing retreat at Georgia Tech.  I participated in this workshop, along with faculty colleagues. The four days were motivating, productive, and enjoyable. We were all able to focus not only on developing and implementing ideas but also on writing, aided by the guidance and encouragement that Faith provided. Everyone got results. For me, progress was greatly accelerated in writing a scholarly paper, which was submitted shortly after the workshop. Most importantly, what I learned and experienced at the writing sprint will stick with me as I develop my own writing and as I support others.”

Phil Shapira, Professor, Manchester Institute for Innovation Research at the Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK,