On 6 November 2019, @UofGPGR_blog held it’s first #remoteretreat. The idea isn’t ours, but we enjoyed the potential for a virtual writing support network, a set schedule, and a bit of motivation whether you were at home in your PJs, at a café halfway around the world, or on campus. So, we hosted our own (and will continue to host them) with two goals in mind:

1. Connect UofG PGRs to each other with the opportunity of connecting to the wider world of #AcademicTwitter through a virtual writing retreat.

2. Spread awareness of #RemoteRetreat as a resource by researchers for researchers that anyone can host or join for part of the day or the full day, and it can even be done on your own to hold yourself accountable by sharing your progress.

At our retreat, PGRs answered each other’s questions, cheered each other on, and reflected on their own work practice, all while focussing completely during the writing blocks. Some of those who joined even went on to host their own the next week!

What You Need to Host Your Own or Join In

#RemoteRetreat is done through Twitter, so you’ll need an account to host or to reply to one hosted by another (your account’s privacy settings apply). If one is happening and you want to see the updates without having a Twitter account, you can follow along through the hashtag.

The most important things you’ll need are the schedule (image to the right), a clock or alarm (to keep to schedule), and the readiness to update and support your own and other’s writing practice during the breaks.

The schedule is also available as a Word document.

Tweet out your intention to host either the day before or the morning of your planned retreat day (using #Remoteretreat!) and see if anyone would like to join. It’s helpful to tweet the schedule, too.* You can tag the blog the day before and we’ll help spread the word!

Then just follow the schedule, tweet at the breaks to check-in and share how you’re doing, and keep going until the day is done.

*You can modify the schedule to suit your needs, just be sure to tweet out when the writing blocks and breaks are.

The Benefits of a Virtual Retreat

The ability to connect to other UofG PGRs and the whole #AcademicTwitter community is a great way to build connections, practice sharing what you’re doing, and find out what others are doing. This is especially true for distance PGRs, who may not be able to get to campus but can certainly get to Twitter!

Other benefits include:

• Motivation: By creating and sharing goals and having a set schedule, you’ll be able to find the motivation to write (or work on your tasks) more easily throughout the day.

• Reflection: Checking in at the breaks encourages you to reflect on how the work went, both the positives and negatives. This can help you identify barriers to your work or notice things that helped that can then be avoided or embraced as you continue to develop your work practice.

• Communication: Communication is the key to networking, and practicing through Twitter can create connections or boost your confidence when it comes to sharing your experiences.

• Focus: It can be difficult to get back on track when you lose focus, but having a schedule can give you a specific time to reset. Plus, if others are participating, then you have their encouragement and the side-by-side digital working experience to help, as well.