Tuesday 30-04-2024 - 12:18

Ellie Pritchard, DTA Future Societies Researcher, University of Hertfordshire 

 

 

As PhD researchers, our work often demands intense focus and self-discipline, which can sometimes be challenging to achieve alongside the daily hustle and bustle of life. Writing retreats offer a unique opportunity which allows doctoral students to fully immerse themselves in their thesis writing. After attending a two-day Residential Writing Retreat in Great Missenden in April, I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, having written more than I had in weeks.

 

One of the primary advantages of attending DTA Residential Writing Retreat is the focused environment it provides. When working from home, I find that my daily writing routine is often chaotic, existing in short bursts in between household chores, administrative tasks, or other distractions. By going to a relatively secluded location, a quiet, tranquil environment, I found that I could fully focus on my work. The change of scenery not only enhanced my productivity, but also offered a chance to recharge and rest while remaining dedicated to my research.

 

Another key advantage of a writing retreat is the experience of being with a group of researchers. The PhD journey can be solitary, with long hours spent in libraries or working from home. Being part of the DTA network and connecting with fellow researchers at the retreat offered a supportive environment in which we discussed ideas and kept each other accountable to our writing goals. Whenever I attend a DTA event, I feel inspired by other PGR’s and their research. To be able to discuss our work, soundboard ideas, and to hear about each other’s experiences can be incredibly enriching and inspiring.

 

Even outside of conversations about our research, I found that I really benefitted from the informal discussions that we had. As we undertook focused hours of writing, I noticed that I felt re-energised after breaks and mealtimes with other PGR’s. The writing retreat provided me with a structure which allowed me to be productive and to unwind in evenings and at mealtimes, which prevented me from feeling burnt out. As a PhD student, it can often be easy to neglect yourself when perfecting a piece of writing or working on a deadline. Having a daily timetable at the writer’s retreat was a great way to counteract this.

 

The collaborative atmosphere of the writing retreat was also really encouraging. Even though we worked on our solitary projects, it was motivating and reassuring to be surrounded by peers who understand both the challenges and joys of academic writing. As the writing retreat was for the DTA researchers at all stages in their PhD journey, I found it really beneficial to hear valuable insights and practical advice from other PGR’s who were at a later stage in their PhD.

 

Before attending the writing retreat, I was, admittedly, in a slump. The event offered a break from my usual routine, which allowed me to approach my work with renewed creativity. As my research involves place-writing and reflection on specific environments, I found that having a change of environment stimulated a fresh perspective. Being in a different environment helped to push me through some of the creative blocks and mental barriers that I had been experiencing prior to the event. Taking a break from my typical routine, being around other PhD students, and being in a peaceful, restful environment enabled major developments in my writing. Attending the DTA Residential Writing Retreat was not only productive, but also led to breakthroughs in research and writing.

 

Finally, the writing retreat allowed me to reflect on my routine and consider how I could maintain the momentum that the event gave me. I observed that my most productive hours were in the morning, so I have restructured my daily routine to reflect this. I have also scheduled more breaks to give myself space from my research so that I can return to it with fresh eyes. The writing boosted my motivation and enabled me to reconnect with my passion for my subject. Overall, it was a great opportunity to increase productivity and connect with others from the DTA community.