DMU Writing Circle

What is it?

The Writing Circle offers DMU staff and Postgraduate Research Students the time and space to write independently alongside others online. The Writing Circle is organised in a collaboration between the Centre of Academic Innovation and Teaching Excellence, The Doctoral College, and Library and Learning Services.

Who is it for?

The Writing Circle is open to all current DMU Postgraduate Research Students (e.g. PhD candidates), and all current DMU staff (academic and professional services staff are welcome).

What happens in a Writing Circle session?

The Writing Circle is primarily a space to get writing done, so most of the time will be spend actually writing. We make use of the ‘pomodoro technique’, which involves focused writing in 25 minute blocks, followed by 5 minutes rest to chat, and then another 25 minute pomodoro. The first part of the session is usually devoted to meeting/greeting one another, sharing our writing goals and any progress we have made, and/or any barriers we are facing. From this, we often take the opportunity to share experiences, offer tips and advice, or simply listen to one another. The Writing Circle is a practical, supportive environment. Depending on how far-ranging our discussion is, we will typically manage time for two or three ‘pomodoros’.

Many participants use the regular, social aspect of the Writing Circle to help structure their time outside the Circle, setting goals and making plans for writing accordingly.

We also acknowledge that while many of us are aiming to write for publication, quite often our writing is not based around our research but around our teaching and/or administrative responsibilities. All writing is accepted (even creative writing), and we are especially keen to invite professional services staff who may want to come along.

Where is it?

From October 2022, the Writing Circle sessions will be HYBRID online/face-to-face. We will meet online via MS Teams (accessible to all members of the Writing Circle – see below) and we will also meet face-to-face in Gateway House GH3.31, which is the teaching room in the Doctoral College.

When is it?

The Writing Circle meets every two weeks in term time, alternating between Mondays and Fridays, usually from 2-4pm.

Writing Circle Dates/Times for the Autumn and Spring Terms 2022/23 are as follows:

Monday 31 October, 2-4pm

Friday 11 November, 2-4pm

Monday 21 November, 2-4pm

Friday 9 December, 2-4pm

Christmas Vacation

Monday 16 January, 2-4pm

Friday 3 February, 2-4pm

Monday 13 February, 2-4pm

Friday 3 February, 2-4pm

How do I join the Writing Circle?

Anyone eligible (i.e. current DMU research students and/or DMU staff) who wishes to join the Writing Circle should send an email to Jason Eyre (jeyre@dmu.ac.uk) or click here to get the Team invite. You will then be added to the Circle (MS Team), enabling you to join the online sessions and receive notifications and updates via Teams.


  • DMU Writing Circle returns!

    The DMU Writing Circle is back for 2022/23! For all our regulars, occasional participants, and curious colleagues, the Writing Circle provides a fortnightly space to get writing done (whatever writing that might be), and to meet with fellow academics and researchers to share tips and experiences.

    From October 2022, the Writing Circle sessions will be HYBRID online/face-to-face. We will meet online via MS Teams (accessible to all members of the Writing Circle – see below) and we will also meet face-to-face in Gateway House GH3.31, which is the teaching room in the Doctoral College.

    The Writing Circle meets every two weeks in term time, alternating between Mondays and Fridays, usually from 2-4pm.

    Writing Circle Dates/Times for the Autumn and Spring Terms 2022/23 are as follows:

    Monday 31 October, 2-4pm

    Friday 11 November, 2-4pm

    Monday 21 November, 2-4pm

    Friday 9 December, 2-4pm

    Christmas Vacation

    Monday 16 January, 2-4pm

    Friday 3 February, 2-4pm

    Monday 13 February, 2-4pm

    Friday 3 March, 2-4pm

    Further dates for March 2023 and beyond will be made available in the new year.