Accountability and Support Group Opportunity: Writing/Research Groups for Dissertation Progress

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share something that’s really helped me during my PhD journey and see if there’s interest in starting something similar here. I’ve participated in writing groups like Shut Up and Write, and I’ve found that having a structured schedule with a mix of writing time and supportive chats has been amazing for both my productivity and mental health. It’s also helped me feel less isolated, which is such a common struggle when people get deep into the PhD.

I’m thinking about starting a writing and research support group specifically for dissertation/research work. Here’s the general structure I have in mind:

• 15–30 minutes for introductions and goal-setting (e.g., “What are you working on today? What do you hope to accomplish?”). • 1 hour of quiet, focused writing/research. • 15–30 minute break for discussion (How did the first session go? What worked well or didn’t? Share small wins or normalize challenges). • Another 1 hour of quiet, focused writing. • 15–30 minutes for session reflections or weekly wins (Optional: brainstorming solutions for challenges). • Optional walk-and/or-talk (outside preferably to get that vitamin D deficiency up and if time zones or locations allow).

I’d also like to encourage PhD students to start writing earlier in the process. It’s so easy to put it off while you’re gathering data or focusing on coursework, but even small, consistent writing habits can make life much easier down the line. I wish this is something I would have done early on as to not get stuck at ABD. Wherever you are in your PhD journey, come as you are. Coming with a supportive attitude towards others is mandatory. Success is success in this group even if you only manage to get one sentence down on paper, that’s something to be proud of.

The idea is to create a safe, supportive space where we can encourage one another, share struggles, and celebrate progress no matter how small. I want to normalize the fact that you won’t always be productive and that rest, connection, and flexibility are crucial for avoiding burnout.

My goal is to help build a healthier PhD culture going forward where we support each other, encourage socializing and boundary-setting for work, and work together to foster success for ourselves and future generations of PhD students. I’m a U.S. student currently working remotely on the last stretch of my PhD, so I’m flexible about organizing these sessions. I’m proposing weekday sessions starting between 8 AM and 5 PM Central European Time (CET), which translates to:

• 11 PM–9 AM Pacific Time • 12 AM–10 AM Mountain Time • 1 AM–11 PM Central Time • 2 AM–12 PM Eastern Time

If other time slots are needed, I’m happy to work with anyone interested in organizing sessions during those times. I’m open to starting as early as this coming Monday.

Would anyone be interested in joining a group like this? Whether you’re at the beginning of your dissertation or wrapping it up like me, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more supportive PhD community! Please feel free to suggest a time. 🤗 📝☑️🎉🥳