Initial Meeting - Purpose and Structure

Agraphia – the pathologic loss of the ability to write

The idea of an Agraphia Support Group is founded on the principles expounded by Dr. Paul Silvia, a psychologist and professor of psychology, in his book How to Write A Lot (2007). He contends that, “Writing productively is a skill, not a genetic gift, so you can learn how to do it. This book [group] will show you how to make writing routine and mundane. It presents strategies for writing during the normal workweek, writing with less stress and guilt, and writing more efficiently.” (pg. xi) Being a psychologist, he believes, “Writing productively is about actions that you aren't doing but could easily do: making a schedule, setting clear goals, keeping track of your work, rewarding yourself, and building good habits. Productive writers don't have special gifts or special traits – they just spend more time writing and use this time more efficiently.” (pg. 3-4)

As graduate students, we all have a lot to write – papers for classes, grants for money, proposals for research and articles for publication. Much of the difficulty is in getting started and staying motivated. This support group will not teach people how to write, nor will the focus be on peer editing (though you may find some good contacts). Instead, the group will support you in your goal setting, motivation, and maintaining good writing habits through positive peer pressure.

Group Components:

1. Set concrete, short-term goals and monitor progress of the group

• Each person will need to state a specific, measurable goal
• It will be recorded on a chart
• Next meeting, we will review goals and state whether met or unmet

2. Stick to writing goals during meetings – not other topics

• Meetings should be brief and to the point
• Avoid complaining about teaching, department etc.
• Focus on writing

3. Celebrate real accomplishments, encourage group members when struggling

• Carrot and stick – social (maybe other?) rewards and punishments
• Expect to be held accountable to schedule and goals

4. Graduate students only

• Professors have different needs in writing, plus may be intimidating to students
  
  
  
  
  Specious Barriers to Writing a Lot
  (and how to hurdle them)
  
  
  Excuses that sound like legitimate reasons for not writing, but don't hold up.
  
  
• I can't find time to write.
  1. Allot time to write – make a schedule – write it in your planner
  2. Regularity is more important than # of days or hours
  3. Don't binge write
  4. Guard your writing time – don't let other commitments creep in
  5. Always write during writing time – but enjoy the freedom of writing at other time (windfall writing). Don't cancel a writing time because of windfall.
• I have to a) analyze more b) read more.
  1. Writing is more than typing words.
  2. Use scheduled writing time to:
     1. Crunch stats
     2. Read article (specifically related to writing goal)
     3. Review journal submission guidelines
     4. Fill in grant application (specifically related to writing goal)
     5. Read books about how to write better
• I need a new . . . computer, chair, desk, place, printer, paper, pen . . .
  1. Equipment will not help you write a lot – only a schedule and sticking to it
     1. “In order to write, all a man needs is paper and pencil.” William Saroyan
  2. Looking for the perfect whatever is an avoidance tactic
  3. Fancy doodads can be a distraction – best self-control is to avoid situations that require self-control
• I write when the mood strikes – I write when I feel inspired.
  1. If you are here, it is clear this strategy isn't working :^)
  2. Research has shown that waiting for inspiration doesn't work
  3. You may never feel inspired to write a required piece of writing (grants?)
  4. There are no Muses for academic writing
  5. “Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend to them than inspiration.” Ralph Keyes (2003)

Bottom line: You need to set a writing schedule and stick to it, even if you don't feel like writing.

Homework:

1. Set a writing schedule that you can stick to. Write it in your planner. Begin following it. Be prepared to share how you managed it.
2. List all the writing projects you need to complete. Bring in the list and be prepared to share next time.
   
   
   This entry as a handout.