I have recommended this to every friend/colleague who complains that they are too busy to write.

We are all too busy but the question that Jo has made me face is “Do I make my writing a priority?” That is the critical question.

– Margaret, Queen’s University

Here’s the truth: I would not have finished my dissertation this year without A Meeting With Your Writing.

– Terry

Your group has become an important part of my writing process.

I appreciated hearing about the struggles and triumphs of other writers because this gives me a sense of being part of a larger community of writers and academics.

This sense of belonging gives me energy to focus regularly (in modest bursts of time) to move my publication projects forward. Thanks, Jo!

When I looked through the notebook that I keep for this meeting the sense of accomplishment that I experienced was quite remarkable!

I have actively worked on more writing tasks than I thought I had.

I am extremely close to submission than I have ever been for a piece of work that has not had an externally imposed deadline.

I have several submitted and accepted conference papers completed.

I have a clear stopping and restarting point for each of the other 3 papers that I am currently writing.

I am beginning to feel more like a writer, than a person who should be writing.

– Elaine, London, UK

MWYW has helped me to do much more writing during a heavy teaching load.

It both pushes me to set time aside and provides me with skills to keep up with some work throughout the week.

– Kimberly, Bridgewater State University

I look forward to attending MWYW each week – it is my reward for making it through three heavy days of teaching.

I love having the chance to reflect on my week and see that I am getting things done, I am making progress, I am enough as an educator and scholar.

– Assistant Professor, Dance Studies, Teaching Stream (Tenure-track), Public research university

Because of the dedicated time and support–I finished and submitted a manuscript for publication, completed two additional drafts for distribution among co-authors, got two research projects underway (with REB applications) and submitted a conference abstract that was accepted.

All of these projects took place during the 90 minute writing time over the weeks.

I probably would have been able to do this on my own, but the dedicated time and support definitely helped make me more focused and efficient.

– Suzanne, University of Windsor

Usually Monday mornings are a total waste of time for me – not anymore!

There are lots of more subtle things too, like getting me thinking about everything I have to do and organizing those things.

The benefits of that last the whole week.

– Abby, Baltimore, MD, USA

MWYW has taught me a lot about managing and making time for writing.

In particular, writing a list at the end of the meeting of how I’d continue the work makes picking up the project when I have extra time much easier since I know exactly what to dive into and don’t waste time trying to figure out what I need to do.

– Eric, Michigan, USA

A Meeting With Your Writing has given me an entirely new perspective on writing — indeed, several new perspectives.

Several key points: thinking about what I’ve accomplished as opposed to what I haven’t accomplished; listing small tasks to get me started or moving ahead; and taking control of my projects rather than having them control me.

After sitting on a couple of manuscripts for “too long” I finally finished and submitted them, and managed to finish a new manuscript as well, all since September.

– Nancy, University of Alberta

It has helped me sustain focus on my writing through a busy term of intensive teaching.

The fact that it is on Monday morning helps remind me to start with my writing rather than squeeze it in at other times.

– Carol, Kamloops, BC, Canada