Objectives:

• Save time for dedicated writing sessions by allocating two hours per week for writing activities.
• Enable participants to set individual goals and track their progress throughout each session.
• Encourage regular writing habits and provide mutual accountability among participants.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, discussion, and peer feedback within subgroups.
• Share practical writing tips and guidance between peers.
• Foster a supportive and collaborative environment for MWAOM members engaged in research writing.

Structure: 

Virtual writing groups will operate in three sessions: 

• • Winter (January to April)
  • Summer (May to August)

• Fall (September to December)

Each session will begin with a full group kickoff meeting where participants will share their individual writing goals for the entire four-month session, discuss specific challenges or obstacles relevant to their research writing, and share writing tips and guidance with each other. These kickoff meetings will provide the foundation for successful collaboration throughout the session.

Weekly Writing Sessions: 

Following the kickoff meeting, participants will be divided into subgroups, allowing for more focused and personalized interactions. To facilitate dedicated writing time, each subgroup will meet for two hours every week. The specific day and time will be determined by the subgroup members to accommodate their schedules. Participants will commit to utilizing this time solely for their writing activities, ensuring uninterrupted focus and productivity. This time should be dedicated to writing and working on the individual goals set during the kickoff meeting. Each subgroup will have the freedom to govern itself, decide on meeting times, and establish guidelines for peer feedback and progress tracking.

Benefits:

1. Mutual Accountability: By writing in groups, members will hold each other accountable for progress and encourage regular writing habits, enhancing productivity and achieving writing goals.
2. Knowledge Sharing and Feedback: Subgroups will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, discussions, and peer feedback. Members can leverage the expertise and perspectives of their peers to improve their research writing skills.
3. Time Management: Allocating dedicated writing sessions saves time and creates a structured environment conducive to productivity, reducing distractions and increasing output.
4. Community and Support: Writing groups will foster a sense of community among MWAOM members, providing emotional support, camaraderie, and shared experiences, which are vital for maintaining motivation and overcoming writing challenges.