So, you’ve defended your prospectus and advanced to Candidacy. Or maybe, you’re working on your thesis for your MFA program. You, my friend, have completed a giant hurdle. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Now that you have moved into the dissertating and/or thesis writing stage, finding the time to just sit down and write for an extended period of time can be difficult. As a graduate student, you have so many constraints on your time: TAing, trying to get published, life.  There are plenty of excuses (very legitimate ones!) for not getting the writing done. That’s where the Graduate Writing Center can help.

Ask yourself two questions:

1. Do you constantly get distracted when you try to work on your writing at home?

[Image Description: Bojack, from Bojack Hourseman, sitting on his bed in his pajamas while working on a laptop. He looks up with wide eyes and says, “I just spent six hours playing with fonts? Holy shit!”]

Pictured: You, weighing the pros and cons of Times New Roman vs. Garamond

 

 

 

2. Does writing feel like a painful, isolating pursuit?

 

[Image Description: SpongeBob, from SpongeBob Squarepants, looks with wide, unblinking, bloodshot eyes and a tightly pursed mouth at the viewer, seeming very stressed. Slowly, he lifts his hands so the viewer can see his bent and broken fingers.]

Pictured: A visual representation of how it feels after writing two full pages of your dissertation/thesis

 

Any of this sound like the writing experiences you're finding yourself having?  Don't despair! If you’re struggling to find time for dedicated writing, having difficulty focusing on your writing on your own, or want to ensure that Spring Break is as productive as it can be, then you need to join us for our Spring Break Write-A-Thon! Spring Break provides a great chance to spend a few days dedicated to just your writing. 

 

[Image Description: A small gray and white owl sits on someone’s hand and is moved back and for the as the person writes. The owl is clearly watching what this person is doing very closely.]

Pictured: A supportive owl baby, staying close and attentive, happy to observe your writing progress

 

While in the past, this event was reserved for Ph.D. students only, the Write-A-Thon is now open to both Ph.D. and MFA students.

Ph.D. students who have advanced to candidacy, and MFA students working on their theses can sign up for 1, 2, or 3 full days of writing, depending on individual schedules and needs. Every day, participants will engage in dedicated writing time in the serene and cozy setting of College Building South at the Center for Ideas & Society. You'll be surrounded by peers who are also hard at work on their writing, which will help you stay focused on your own writing goals! 

This is a FREE program available to any Ph.D. candidate who has advanced to candidacy or any MFA student working on their thesis. FREE BREAKFAST and FREE LUNCH will be available every day of the Write-A-Thon. During the lunch hour, participants will engage in programming focused on goal setting, accountability, writing support, and more! 

When: March 24, 25, & 26; 9am—4:30pm

Where: Center for Ideas & Society, College Building South

The Spring Break Dissertation Write-A-Thon is free for any registered student. However, any student who registers and does not attend will be assessed a $25 fee to their student account per day missed to cover the cost of food and materials.

 

[Image Description: Leslie Knope, from Parks and Recreation, has headphones in and is listening to music as she tried to pump herself up. She punches the air as she chants, “Do it. Fierce. Power.”]

Pictured: You, pumping yourself up, as the GWC cheering you on!