#ݮƵWrites

A mug with the #ݮƵWrites logo resting on an open journal . Green plants in the background create a calm mood.
#ݮƵWrites Writing Groups Building sustainable writing habits starts with structure and community. To help you stay connected and motivated, the WCC supports a collection of writing groups called #ݮƵWrites, hosted by WCC staff, volunteer grad students, and faculty.

What is #ݮƵWrites?

#ݮƵWrites is made up of two main kinds of writing groups:the WCC Writing Cafés arehosted by the WCCand areopen to all grad students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Our Volunteer-run Groups are hosted by students and faculty from different departments, research groups, and identity groups. If you join any #ݮƵWrites group, you can work towards earning a #ݮƵWrites mug.

Pick up a #ݮƵWritesstampcardfrom reception atThe Write Spot in SCH 219, from a WCC staff member during our in-person Writing Café on Wednesdayafternoons,ordownload the digital version. Each time you show up and write, you'll earn a “stamp” on your card. Fill up your card with 12 “stamps” to receive a #ݮƵWrites coffee mug to show off your dedication and fuel future writing sessions.

The WCC Writing Cafés

The WCChosts three kinds ofdrop-inWriting Cafés, so join us when you can and cheer your fellow writers on as you all get some focused writing time.

Reach out to Nadine Fladdif you have any questions, then fill out the form to register.

Virtual Writing Cafés

VirtualWriting Cafésare open to any graduatestudent,postdoctoralscholar, or faculty memberat the University of ݮƵ.

When: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

Our final WCC virtual writing cafe will take place on April 29, 2025. Please check out the many volunteer-hosted cafés below for other virtual options.

In-Person Writing Cafés

These cafés are also open to any opento any graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, or faculty member at the University of ݮƵ.

When: Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

³:ճ(SLC 3216)

In-person writing cafés will resume for the Winter term on January 8.

IBPOC Student Writing Cafés

The IBPOC Student Writing Cafés are spaces where Indigenous, Black, and graduate students of colour can come together to form supportive communities of writers. Structured by timed writing spurts and breaks, these groups make space for concerns specific to IBPOC writers.

When: Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. beginning May 6

Where: SCH 228F

Volunteer-run Groups

Can't make it to the WCC'sWriting Cafés?Looking for a writing community of peers in your discipline? Join a #ݮƵWrites group!

#ݮƵWrites groups offer virtualand in-person"show up and write" communities for graduate students. They are facilitated and hosted by volunteerswho want tohelp youwrite with peers, discuss the challenges and successes of writing about your research, and learn new writing tips each week

Each volunteer-run writing group is different,sotake a lookat the existing groups below and see if one is a good fit for you! To register, reach out to the hosts or fill out the form to join the group.

CBB-CREATE (Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology)

Hosted by Kenrick Vassall

The CBB NSERC CREATE Training in Global Biomedical Technology Research and Innovation program provides training in biomedical design, biomedical commercialization, and professional soft skills to a multidisciplinary group of students. Our CBB-CREATE writing group supports our training program by introducing our trainees to weekly writing tips and techniques that will help them organize and structure their writing and be more effective in communicating their research

³:On hiatus for winter term

Where:Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

CBB Create is only open to CREATE trainees, so contact Kenrick before filling out the form above to get added to the #ݮƵWrites Team.

Ontario Water Works Association

Hosted by:Kalani De Silva, Omar Chowdhury and Sarah Rezaei

OWWA/WEAO Student Chapter

Introducing theOntario Water Works Association/Water Environment Association of Ontario (OWWA/WEAO) Student Chapter’s Writing Cafe– a dedicated space for students in water-related fields to unleash their writing potential. Whether you're a grad student or undergrad, join us to cultivate efficient writing skills in a comfortable and supportive environment. Let's create a space where your ideas flow effortlessly, turning your passion for water studies into impactful words. Embrace the art of writing withOWWA/WEAO Writing Cafe!

³:Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

³:DWE 2433

Optometry

Hosted byAshita Bidarkar and Lauren Hoare

Calling all Faculty and Graduate students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science: Come join your fellow colleagues for weekly Writing Cafés in WLRC this fall term! Bring anything you plan to work on, enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks, and improve your productivity through the Pomodoro technique (45-minute writing/working sessions followed by 15-minute breaks). It's a Win-Win-Win scenario!

This spring, we're planning on hosting a few sessions: let us know that you would like to join and we will add you to our Teams group chat so you can keep up to date with when/where we are meeting this summer. Don't forget, special summer snacks + treats will be provided. See you there!

³:Throughout the semester. Contact Ashita and Lauren to learn more.

Where: Witer Learning and Resource Centre (WLRC) or TBD

Weekend Warriors

Hosted by: Lesley Andrade

This is a group for people who write on the weekends because the weeks are busy with other
obligations. Part-time students and students who work other jobs may not be able to attend
writing sessions during business hours, so we started this one. Join us for two hours on
Saturday afternoons to make some progress on writing. All grad students, post-doctoral
fellows, and faculty are welcome!

When: TBA for Winter term

Where:Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

Working Online ݮƵ (interdisciplinary group)

Hosted by: Jennifer Ellingham, Katy Fulfer and Catherine Ramey

The WOW #ݮƵWrites group is an interdisciplinary group of graduate students, faculty and staff from the University of ݮƵ that is intended to hold the members accountable to their goals, motivate them to work and support member well-being through social interactions.

When:The summer schedule will shift each month, but May’s schedule looks like this:

  • Monday 9-12

  • Monday 2-5

  • Tuesday 2-5

  • Thursday 9-12

Join the WOW Group to learn the schedule for June, July, and August.

³:Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

Write & Bite

Hosted by: Aiman Fatima and Emma Blackburn

We are an interdisciplinary group that gathers once a week for dedicated thesis writing. In the beautiful and peaceful reading room, we share snacks, fun stories and go through Pomodoros. All grad students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty are welcome!

When: Every other Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: the BMH Reading Room

W3+

Hosted by: Kimberly Lopez

W3+ (ݮƵ Womxn + Nonbinary Wednesdays) is a community of womxn and nonbinary grad students, post-docs, staff, and faculty. The purpose of W3+ is to foster a social and support network among womxn and nonbinary members of the UW community. The group offers a safes space to discuss issues, provides a place to present university research, and raises awareness about gender and sexuality at the university both as a workplace and as a place for intellectual engagement.

Our events aim to:

  • create a safe community for people to network, connect, and socialize
  • validate the feelings and experiences of historically marginalized populations
  • affirm the work of our community
  • provide resources, access, and opportunities to learn, participate, and be included

The W3+ online writing group aims to offer a low-key, online space to gather and body-double for a few hours each week. The 50/10 pomodoro cycles will facilitate longer stretches of focused activity with fewer but longer breaks.

When: Starting February 21st 2025, Fridays weekly from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Stay tuned for more offerings.

Where: MS Teams

Host a group!

Can't find a group that works for you?Consider hosting one!

Any grad student, postdoctoral fellow,orfacultymembercan start a #ݮƵWrites group.Check out the guidebook above and then reach out to Nadine Fladdif you’re interested in starting one.