I finished a fantastic writing retreat last week. It was kind of strange how much I loved it, actually. Allow me to describe: There were fifteen of us in a well-lit computer lab all writing our dissertations. The monitors were just the right height to keep from getting a sore neck, and we had lots of space to spread out. We could keep our books and notes in our spots over night or keep them in our assigned mailboxes. We had hot coffee and fruit available all day, and every Tuesday we had lunch together to answer questions like, "What are some strategies for writing when you have only 20 minutes to work on your dissertation?" There were two writing consultants on hand to read sections of our writing or to help us get unstuck. We started each day with a writing warm up, wrote our daily goals on large pieces of paper so we could cheer each other on, and ended each day by "parking downhill" so we would know where to start the next day. Oh, and we couldn't go on the Internet.
So many simple little details that added up to a lot of pages written. I'm so sad it's over. Because so far this week I have managed to interview some babysitters online and purchase some items at Gap.com.
Consider this the writing warm up for the day. Come on, Muses. I'm calling you to the room.
3 comments:
Okay, so you've been in a dissertation utopia. It all sounded so unreal and otherworldly.
I am having luck this week because Husbandman's in Canada and I'm using his office on campus. I really like this office space and am actually getting a little writing done here.
Plus, I'm using the 15 minute timer system. That saves me frequently. I like when you keep us updated on progress.
Took me 3 years to write the diss. So I know a little bit about what you are writing about here. And I empathize, using my social imagination. Just remember, Keep calm and carry on.
Thanks, LH. You are an inspiration! Lucky to follow in your shoes.
Doesn't the space make such a difference? I can't believe how the lighting affects my writing. I'm trying out a new building on Monday. I hope it helps.
I set a defense date for late January. C is on sabbatical so it was either then or April. A deadline should help. In theory.
This sounds amazing.
You are also amazing for writing a diss. Good job.
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