Writing Together: A PhD’s Guide to Success

As a recent PhD graduate, I have come to appreciate the important role that writing groups have played in my academic journey, especially while I was writing my dissertation. Over the years, everyone around me emphasized the importance of writing. However, I always felt that mastering this skill came with great challenges and some internal battles against perfectionism and procrastination.
In the final months before my dissertation deadline, writing groups became an important ally in my quest for productivity. The structured environment provided a focused, distraction-free time slot that helped me stick to my strict writing schedule, which was necessary to complete my dissertation on time. In addition, the writing groups helped me set clear goals for each session and kept me accountable for my progress. Thanks to this structure, procrastination became something I could not afford. Beyond productivity, writing groups provided something priceless: moral support.
During the ups and downs of the writing process, the constant encouragement from the fellow writing group members kept me going, and made the journey feel less lonely. In addition, the joy of celebrating my successes with the community enhanced my sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Looking back, writing groups were a game changer. They helped me navigate the challenges of academic writing while fostering a supportive community. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to any graduate student or researcher, as it not only boosts productivity, but also helps navigate the academic landscape and supports personal growth.

Melinda Sabo (February 2024)