Pick your company
It is surprising how influential having some company—or having no company at all!—can be on our writing activities. For example, some writers find it easiest to rough draft in a public study area alongside friends, but better to edit at home alone. Other writers prefer the opposite! Test out different combinations to discover what works for you.
Flying truly solo
- For this option, try working on your writing when you are all by yourself. This often means drafting in your bedroom or another study area at home, but it could mean being out in nature with a notebook. Up to you!
Solo-ing among fellow solos
- For this option, try working in a space where people nearby are also working solo: for example, study pods in the library or Building 100, a work-friendly café with lots of small tables, a computer lab, etc.
- Writers drawn to this style don't want their work interrupted with conversation, but they do feel motivated by the awareness that everyone around them is working, too.
Pairing with an accountabili-buddy
- For this option, find one peer to join you for writing sessions as an accountabili-buddy (i.e., an accountability buddy). Their presence helps you stay focused, and in turn, you help them stay focused.
- This practice helps ensure you are working regularly rather than procrastinating, getting distracted on your phone, etc. Read up on the concept of 'body doubling' to stay focused if this sounds appealing!
Gathering the writing group
- For this option, write alongside a few peers on a regular basis. Writing groups vary in size, but four to eight people total tends to work well.
- Major benefits of writing groups can include increased productivity, reduced procrastination, reduced anxiety, and a nice sense of community.
- You can also gather together some people to hold your own writing retreat if there is lots of work to do!
Top tip: If you are writing an extended project (e.g. dissertation/thesis) and find you're putting off work or struggling with loneliness, give this a shot. Even a digital writing group (where students in different locations log into Teams to work 'together but separately') can help you feel more connected and motivated.
Matching task and company
- The company (or lack thereof) that works best for you when engaged in one writing activity might not suit other writing activities. For example, you might search for literature 'solo among fellow solos' in the library but bounce ideas off peers while editing. Figuring out your preferences takes trial and error.
Reflect on not only your levels of productivity and focus, but your emotional and social wellbeing: after all, a tiny boost in productivity isn't worth it if you feel overwhelmed and disconnected.
