Procrastinating Academics Get Boost with Online Writing Club

Know any academics who are miserable about their lack of writing productivity Tell them to check out the Academic Writing Club, which is launching another four-week session on March 10, 2008. The Writing Club is an online accountability tool created by Gina Hiatt, Ph.D., founder and president of Academic Ladder. It is for grad students, post docs, and professors who are struggling to write regularly and productively as they work on their dissertations, proposals, articles and books.

Procrastination is the most common complaint among academics, claims Hiatt. "They struggle with making their long-term writing projects a priority," she says, "And end up being guilt-ridden, angry at themselves, anxious and depressed over their lack of progress.

The Academic Writing Club methodology addresses the key needs of support, accountability and interactivity with others. The online set of tools help academic writers get over writing blocks and stop procrastinating. Club members have access to a unique website where they can log their writing progress daily, get feedback from academic writing coaches and other club members, and communicate via a message board. They are able to see the progress of others and read their comments. This shared experience increases writing productivity dramatically. They are shown ways to be less perfectionistic and to monitor the negative thoughts that stop them from being productive, and which lead to procrastination. There are separate online "rooms" graduate students and for professors. Participants are able to remain anonymous if they wish.

Previous Writing Clubs have been quite popular. The coaches who run the Writing Clubs have seen many dissertations finished and articles published by participants, many of whom have stayed with the Writing Club for the full year and a half of its existence. Here are some typical comments from participants:

"Wow - end of week 3. I can't tell you how much this writing group has helped my productivity. This was money very well spent." -- Grad Student

"This program ROCKS! The discipline PLUS the support is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time (career-wise)." -- Assistant Professor

"The Academic Ladder Writing Club has been incredibly useful. Such a simple idea: write a little bit every day, tell the group your goals for tomorrow, and report on your progress. But almost magically, I got more writing done in 30 days than I had in the previous 60 or even 90. I don't think there's a better investment you can make in completing your degree." -- Ray W., 5th year Ph.D. Candidate, MIT

"I can see my work habits changing daily. For the first time EVER in my academic career I feel confident that I can not only live up to expectations but possibly even exceed them. (Immediate anxiety aside) work is fun". -- Assistant Professor

"This is my third time in this writing group and I don't think I'll ever leave. I'll probably need this type of support after my dissertation when I'm working towards tenure. Thanks Gina, Jayne and all my fellow club members." - Grad Student

"I actually managed to spend two more hours in the evening on my article, and just sent it to my editor (!)This feels really good. Thanks to the Writing Club! I don't think I would be so productive without it." -- Assistant Professor

"I think I'm in here for life. [The fee might seem like a lot, but I really think it'll save me money in the long run. I actually believe i will finish my dissertation much faster than I would have otherwise. A lot faster. Plus, I'm learning so much from you all! All of you have already provided me with many helpful suggestions, and trust me, I need those suggestions and I take them and I put them to use immediately. Thanks, all!" -- Grad Student

Procrastinating academics, now you know where to go! The Academic Writing Club starts March 10 and runs through April 6. The fee is $60; only $50 if you sign up by March 7. For more information, go to http://AcademicWritingClub.com.

Gina J Hiatt, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, tenure coach and dissertation coach who enjoys helping faculty and graduate students complete their dissertations and publish, while maintaining high teaching standards and other commitments. In addition to dissertation and tenure coaching, she teaches workshops and teleclasses on time management, writing, career planning and grad student/advisor relationships. Sign up for her 3 free writing productivity boosters at http://www.academicladder.com/ezines. You can write her at gina @ academicladder.com.

Procrastinating Academics Get Boost with Online Writing Club

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Procrastinating Academics Get Boost with Online Writing Club

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