What is Academic Writing Month?

Today marks the beginning of Academic Writing Month, and throughout November, GuildHE Research will provide daily tips, host writing rooms twice a week, and offer a creative thesis writing workshop.

What is Academic Writing Month?

#AcWriMo is an annual online writing initiative where individuals challenge themselves to achieve a personally defined writing objective throughout November.

Academic Writing Month was inspired by National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Both initiatives are about accountability and making progress, rather than about creating a finished piece of writing. Throughout the month, writers can work towards building good writing habits, such as writing every day for a fixed amount of time or until they have reached a predetermined word count.

Academic Writing Month brings writers together on social media or in writing rooms to share their goals and progress.

Who is it for?

Academic Writing Month is open to anyone involved in writing. You do not need to be at a specific stage of writing to participate, so whether you are just beginning or finishing your thesis or publication, you are likely to find Academic Writing Month engagement beneficial.

What can you do during Academic Writing Month?

Academic Writing Month is not limited to writing alone! You might discover that during this time, you also engage in reading and note-taking, memo writing, proofreading, editing, and redrafting.

How can I make the most of Academic Writing Month?

1. Set a goal. Make sure you establish a clear and attainable goal for yourself at the start of Academic Writing Month. Hold yourself accountable by sharing the goal with others. You can let us know on X or in the comments section what your Academic Writing Month goal is.

1. Attend a writing room. Allocate time for writing throughout the month and choose between the 'Shut Up and Write!' room and the Pomodoro room.

1. Attend workshops. If you are a GuildHE Research member, sign up for Helen Kara's Creative Thesis Writing virtual retreat, which will be held online on November 30th.