A Write Time Testamonials

Dr Briony Jones, Professor of Peace and Justice and Chair of the Society and Culture Spotlight, Politics and International Studies

“I joined the A Write Time community in early 2025 and have not looked back! It is an anchor in my busy weeks and a protected space for the important work of thinking and writing which is too often squeezed out of the days and weeks, especially as a working parent. I have used this space for writing news items about my research activities, writing my regular blog post, journal articles, book chapters, and the odd email.”

Yiduo Wang, Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant in MSc Interdisciplinary Methods, International Digital Laboratory.

“A Write Time makes writing feel less lonely. Sharing goals in front of others at the start is magical; Pomodoro sessions create urgency and focus, while breaks provide relaxation, sharing, and support that helped me complete a case study report. If you want to get something done, find time to focus, or just meet new colleagues, I highly recommend it.”

Dr Charlotte Woodhead, Associate Professor in the School of Law

“‘A Write Time’ is both a method of facilitating research and writing, but also a community.

By incorporating my writing into my weekly practice (by attending ‘ A Write Time’ and often ‘A Write Space’) I have thus actively made time for research, even when teaching time commitments surround me. I feel that I have almost developed the muscle of writing regularly and in small bouts – not simply waiting until there is a huge block of time to work on something (which rarely arrives!) In one particular busy time I only opened up the particular research project once or twice a week at these sessions. At the end of each session I would write a note “Start here” and then take it up from there in the next slot. However, all of those two-hour slots built up and I completed the article far sooner than I would otherwise have done. It is now completed, submitted and awaiting the reviewers’ comments thanks to these sessions.

The second outcome of attending these writing retreats is the community that I am now a part of. It is a welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental group of people who listen empathetically and who learn so much from each other. When our research hits a brick wall or feels overwhelming we can share these vulnerabilities with people who listen and support. By giving insights into our own experiences we help each other to navigate the often messy nature of research and writing. Importantly, it is a group who can share the small wins (taking incremental steps forward on a project) but also the bigger wins such as submitting their research or signing off on proofs of projects that, at times, had seemed like insurmountable challenges”.

“This group has transformed my whole experience of being an academic, let alone one at Warwick. Brilliantly facilitated and consistently supportive, kind and compassionate. This writing group brings in tips and regular ‘tricks of the trade’ to help spur on anyone wanting to build up their writing muscles. It is only because the event is online that I have been able to take part, which has made participation genuinely inclusive and accessible. By attending regularly, sharing, and listening, I’ve greatly improved my relationship with writing and gained encouragement from the community. It’s a Warwick group that I am both proud and grateful to be part of, and exemplifies Warwick’s commitment to accessibility, diversity and excellence as a world-class university”.