Shut Up and Write

Struggling to get down to write? Take time out to join this supported session in the Library.

Shut Up and Write is part of the Support for Academic Writing that is offered to all University of Edinburgh students and staff. It is a monthly session that is supported by two members of the Academic Support Librarian team.

The session is not there to offer teaching, feedback on your writing or put any pressure on you. Instead, it offers a quiet, supported space for you to focus for 3 hours on your writing, research or planning, along with an opportunity to connect with other students and network if you so choose to.

Format:

The session is based on the Pomodoro technique, but we have adapted it to fit in with your needs. It follows the format below: 
Pomodoro technique

2pm to 2:15pm

Welcome

Introductions  

Warm Up Activity

2:15pm to 3pmWriting time block 1 (45 mins)
3pm to 3:15pm 

Break 1

Review – what went well? What not so well?

3:15pm to 4pmWriting time block 2 (45 mins)
4pm to 4:05pm

Break 2                                                                     

Chat with other participants

4:05pm to 4:50pm Writing time block 3 (45 mins)
4:50pm to 5pmWrap Up

 

Learning Outcomes:

This session offers you a supported space in which you can carve out some dedicated time to progress on a piece of writing you are working on. Its structured pace will help you stay focused and its scheduled breaks give you enough time to recharge and chat with the other participants.

Requirements:

The session is suitable for all students and staff. You will need to bring your laptop, charger, notes and some water or hot drink to keep you going.

Skills for Success:

Critical Thinking, Curiosity, Collaboration, Reflection, Inclusivity, Adaptivity, Individuality

 

 
Further help with academic writing:

If you need more help with your writing and its many aspects, here are some more resources available:

  • Royal Literary Fund Fellows can offer you one-to-one practical sessions.
  • Library Bitesize sessions that can cover a range of topics including how to reference and avoid plagiarism and how to find academic literature.
  • Digital Skills and Training sessions that can support your development of digital and information literacy skills further.
  • Academic writing page has a wealth of information on how to start with your assignment, how to get your ideas in order, how to build a strong argument and produce reflective academic writing.

This article was published on