Writing Circles
Each semester a group of faculty meets for one hour once a week to share written drafts and give each other positive feedback. Each member brings a short sample of their current project, either an article, a part of their dissertation, a blog, or a grant proposal. We read and converse about the writing on the spot so there is no advance reading required.
The group meets in the fourth floor Faculty Study in the Christopher Center. If you would like to participate, email Cynthia.Rutz@valpo.edu. Faculty or staff are welcome to join at any time during the semester.
These are some comments from faculty who have participated in the writing circles:
The encouragement and constructive review from the writing circle is a great reason to participate, but I also find myself looking forward to the fellow writers' next 'installments.' The other writers' work is fascinating.
Dan Maguire, Electrical & Computer Engineering
The Writing Circle provided a platform that allowed me to set realistic goals pertaining to my research. In sharing my work weekly with colleagues, I was able to complete a critical essay that was accepted for publication.
Richard Sévère, English
Writing circle helps me to prioritize writing on a book project at times when I would normally have set it aside to work on seemingly more urgent matters. I enjoy learning about the scholarship of my colleagues and the opportunity to share my scholarship with others.
Mike Longan, Geography
I always look forward to going to writing circle, both to increase my productivity and for the chance to socialize with colleagues outside of my department. The interdisciplinary group offers unique viewpoints and accountability in what is normally a solo and isolating task.
Kristi Bugajski, Biology
Note: The philosophy of the writing circle is based on the work of Tara Gray, especially her book Publish and Flourish (Phillips Brothers Printers, 2005). Additional information can be found at her website: http://www.taragray.com/workshops/publish.html.