Building sustainable writing habits starts with structure and community.
To help you stay connected and motivated, the WCC supports a collection of writing groups called #WaterlooWrites. These groups are hosted by WCC staff as well as volunteer graduate students and faculty across campus.
What is #WaterlooWrites?
#WaterlooWrites is made up of two main kinds of writing groups: the WCC Writing Cafés are hosted by the WCC and are open to all grad students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Our Volunteer-run Groups are hosted by students and faculty from different departments, research groups, and identity groups. If you join any #WaterlooWrites group, you can work towards earning a #WaterlooWrites mug.
Pick up a #WaterlooWrites stamp card from reception at The Write Spot in SCH 219, from a WCC staff member during our in-person Writing Café on Wednesday afternoons, or download the digital version. Each time you show up and write, you'll earn a “stamp” on your card. Fill up your card with 12 “stamps” to receive a #WaterlooWrites coffee mug to show off your dedication and fuel future writing sessions!
The WCC Writing Cafés
The WCC hosts three kinds of drop-in Writing Cafés, so join us when you can and cheer your fellow writers on as you all get some focused writing time.
Virtual Writing Cafés
Virtual Writing Cafés are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty member at the University of Waterloo.
When: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST
Where: Microsoft Teams
In-Person Writing Cafés
These cafés are also open to any open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty member at the University of Waterloo.
When: Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
Where: The GSA Grad Lounge (SLC 3216)
IBPOC Writing Cafés
Hosted by Ileana Diaz, the IBPOC Writing Cafés are spaces where Indigenous, Black, and graduate students of colour can come together to form supportive communities of writers. Structured by timed writing spurts and breaks, these groups make space for concerns specific to IBPOC writers.
When: Every second Saturday, from 1-3pm EST (starts May 13, 2023)
Where: Microsoft Teams
Reach out to Elise Vist if you have any questions, then fill out the form to register.
Earn a FREE mug!
Pick up or download a #WaterlooWrites stamp card, then attend 12 writing cafés to collect "stamps" and earn one of these fancy #WaterlooWrites mugs!
Share your writing practice with Waterloo's online community! Take a photo or tweet about your writing session and use the hashtag #WaterlooWrites.
Volunteer-run Groups
Can't make it to the WCC's Writing Cafés? Looking for a writing community of peers in your discipline? Join a #WaterlooWrites group!
#WaterlooWrites groups offer virtual and in-person "show up and write" communities for graduate students. They are facilitated and hosted by volunteers who want to help you write with peers, discuss the challenges and successes of writing about your research, and learn new writing tips each week
Each volunteer-run writing group is different, so take a look at the existing groups below and see if one is a good fit for you! To register, reach out to the hosts or fill out the form to join the group.
Arts Writing Café
Hosted by Catherine Ramey
The Arts Writing Café is an online writing group for graduate students, staff, and faculty in
the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo. Do you have readings, writings, marking, or other work
that you need to get through but you’re having trouble starting or staying on task? Join us in this virtual
workspace to meet other Arts grad students, staff, and faculty and hold each other accountable to our
daily productivity goals!
When: Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Online on Teams
Working Online Waterloo (interdisciplinary group)
Hosted by: Katy Fulfer and Jennifer Ellingham
The WOW #WaterlooWrites group is an interdisciplinary group of graduate students, faculty and staff from the University of Waterloo that is intended to hold the members accountable to their goals, motivate them to work and support member well-being through social interactions.
When: Tuesdays 1:20 - 4:30 p.m., Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Teams
CBB-CREATE (Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology)
Hosted by Carly Turnbull and Kenrick Vassail
The CBB NSERC CREATE Training in Global Biomedical Technology Research and Innovation program provides training in biomedical design, biomedical commercialization, and professional soft skills to a multidisciplinary group of students. Our CBB-CREATE writing group supports our training program by introducing our trainees to weekly writing tips and techniques that will help them organize and structure their writing and be more effective in communicating their research
When: On hold for the summer! Meet us in the Annual CBB CREATE Summer School and Design Challenge
CBB Create is only open to CREATE trainees, so contact Carly and Kenrick before filling out the form above to get added to the #WaterlooWrites Team.
Pharmacy
Hosted by: Rishabh Sharma
Waterloo Writes Pharmacy online writing group is a lively, social space to get writing done while also interacting and discussing with your colleagues your writing challenges.
When: Summer schedule TBA
Where: Online
Optometry
Hosted by Adrianna
Calling all Faculty and Graduate students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science: Come join your fellow colleagues for weekly Writing Cafés in the Witer Learning Resource Centre (WLRC) this Winter term! Bring anything you plan to work on, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and improve your productivity through the Pomodoro technique (30-minute writing/working sessions followed by 5-minute breaks). It's a Win-Win-Win scenario!
When: Summer schedule TBA
Where: The Witer Learning Resource Centre (OPT 2101).
Can't find a group that works for you?
Consider hosting one!
Any grad student, postdoctoral fellow, or faculty member can start a #WaterlooWrites group. Check out the guidebook below and then reach out to Elise Vist if you’re interested in starting one.