VIMS

Writing Boot Camp

Do you need help jump-starting your prospectus, thesis, dissertation, or capstone writing?  Are you working on a chapter or journal article but find that your process is not as well structured as you would like?  Are you interested in becoming a more productive writer to meet your goals and deadlines?  If so, consider joining us for Writing Boot Camp.

The primary goals for Boot Camp are to help you:

  1. Identify and use effective strategies to become a more productive writer.
  2. Reflect on your individual writing process and habits as a basis for developing a strategic plan for writing, as well as target completion dates.
  3. Make time for writing!

And, overall, to encourage the formation of a peer writing community so that you continue to receive peer support post-Boot Camp.

We want to help you accomplish your writing and degree completion goals.  To do so, we will provide distraction-free writing space, host special sessions with invited guests who will speak on topics related to writing and productivity, provide opportunities for group discussion, provide individual writing consultations and opportunities for peer review of your writing, and expect you to complete at least 4 hours of writing each day.

Boot Camp is open to any student who has a writing project and is ready to write.  

Upcoming Writing Boot Camp - Winter 2024

When: January 16-19, 2024 (Tuesday - Friday due to Martin Luther King Holiday) 

Where: Watermen’s Hall Technology Classroom (plus Clayton House and Hargis Library for Re-Boot participants)

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided each day, as well as plenty of healthy and less healthy snacks.

Submit an Application and Participation Agreement by January 8, 2023.

Sample schedule from a previous year's Writing Boot Camp.