#WaterlooWrites

A mug with the #WaterlooWrites logo resting on an open journal . Green plants in the background create a calm mood.
#WaterlooWrites Writing Groups 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, hosted by WCC staff, volunteer grad students, and faculty.

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. 

Reach out to Nadine Fladd if you have any questions, then fill out the form to register.

Virtual Writing Cafés

Virtual Writing Cafés are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, or faculty member at the University of Waterloo. 

When: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

In-Person Writing Cafés

These cafés are also open to any open to any graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, or faculty member at the University of Waterloo.

When: Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT

Where: The GSA Grad Lounge (SLC 3216)

The final in-person writing café for Fall 2024 will take place on December 4. In-person writing cafés will resume for the Winter term on January 8.

IBPOC Student Writing Cafés

The IBPOC Student 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.

IBPOC student writing café meeting dates and times for Winter 2025 will be announced soon!

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.

CBB-CREATE (Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology)

Hosted by 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: TBA for Fall term

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

CBB Create is only open to CREATE trainees, so contact Kenrick before filling out the form above to get added to the #WaterlooWrites Team.

Ontario Water Works Association

Hosted by: Kalani De Silva and Omar Chowdhury

OWWA/WEAO Student Chapter

Introducing the Ontario Water Works Association/Water Environment Association of Ontario (OWWA/WEAO) Student Chapter’s Writing Cafe – a dedicated space for students in water-related fields to unleash their writing potential. Whether you're a grad student or undergrad, join us to cultivate efficient writing skills in a comfortable and supportive environment. Let's create a space where your ideas flow effortlessly, turning your passion for water studies into impactful words. Embrace the art of writing with OWWA/WEAO Writing Cafe!

When: Mondays from 1:30pm to 4:00pm

Where: DWE 2433

Optometry

Hosted by Ashita Bidarkar and Lauren Hoare

Calling all Faculty and Graduate students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science: Come join your fellow colleagues for weekly Writing Cafés in OPT 341 this fall term! Bring anything you plan to work on, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and improve your productivity through the Pomodoro technique (45-minute writing/working sessions followed by 15-minute breaks). It's a Win-Win-Win scenario!

When: Tuesdays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Where: Conference and Meeting Room (OPT 341).

Pharmacy

Hosted by: Kartar Singh

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: On hiatus for Fall term

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

Weekend Warriors

Hosted by:  Lesley Andrade

This is a group for people who write on the weekends because the weeks are busy with other
obligations. Part-time students and students who work other jobs may not be able to attend
writing sessions during business hours, so we started this one. Join us for two hours on
Saturday afternoons to make some progress on writing. All grad students, post-doctoral
fellows, and faculty are welcome!

When: Saturdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams

Working Online Waterloo (interdisciplinary group)

Hosted by: Jennifer Ellingham, Katy Fulfer and Catherine Ramey

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:

  • Mondays from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:30pm
  • Tuesdays from 2:00pm to 4:30pm
  • Wednesdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm
  • Thursdays from 2:00pm to 4:30pm
  • Fridays from 8:00am to 11:00am

Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams 

Write & Bite

Hosted by: Aiman Fatima and Emma Blackburn

We are an interdisciplinary group that gathers once a week for dedicated thesis writing. In the beautiful and peaceful reading room, we share snacks, fun stories and go through Pomodoros. All grad students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty are welcome!

When: Biweekly Mondays or Wednesdays (see Teams channel for schedule each week)

Where: the BMH Reading Room

Host a group!

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 above and then reach out to Nadine Fladd if you’re interested in starting one.