Bringing people together
One of the core missions of Academic Coach is to bring people together to write, and to help people who feel that coaching is either not for them, or they would like it but feel that is completely unaffordable. Research on writing productivity (eg Boice, amongst many others) tells us that social writing - that is regular writing amongst others - results in more outputs. It is that simple. It has been measured time and again. It also fuels positive emotions around writing and creates additional social benefits beyond the time spent writing. Writing clubs become organic engines of support outside of your department, your discipline and your country, and you are engaged in a common endeavour with people who truly understand. Paying a small amount of money actually increases the effectiveness of social writing because it creates the pressure to show up when you otherwise might not feel like it.
I have always advised all my clients to engage in social writing in all its forms, yet I did not provide an environment for that to actually happen, here at Academic Coach HQ. So here it is! This year I have set up the Writing Sprints Club. This is a gateway to accessing many of my coaching resources for free. Become a member of this club and get access to thousands of euros worth of free coaching throughout the year.
How does the club work?
You block book six weeks worth of sessions in one go to hold yourself accountable and to make sure you follow through. You turn up each week with what you need (I provide a guide to this) and we meet up through Zoom every Friday 1.30-3.30pm (UK time) to practice the art of the writing sprint. I will show up and facilitate these sessions, and I will write with you. Don’t know what a writing sprint is? I have a video here explaining it and why mastering this skill is key to being a happier writer.
You will be provided with €500 worth of coaching material upfront on signup, and we will have a private resources hub that I will drop free coaching into throughout the year, just for Club members. So if you think coaching is not for you, or that you can’t afford it, the Writing Sprint Club is the best way to dip your toe into the writing pool for maximum value for money. I know these things can sound a bit daunting, but this is a supportive and friendly environment open to academics and PhD students alike.