Design Incubation is pleased to announce a Writing Group program for the 2020–21 academic year.

Scholarly writing is an integral part of many design faculty’s research agenda. As designers and writers, we know it can be daunting to sit down in front of a blank screen. Participating in a writing group provides structure, support and feedback. It’s also a way to build accountability into your writing practice.

For a writing group to work, it requires a serious, regular commitment from each member. For this inaugural program, Design Incubation will assemble two groups based on scheduling preferences and project type. Details on the structure and varying levels of commitment for each of the two groups are outlined below. Groups are open to academics, researchers, and writers working in the field of communication design. We will give preference to full-time faculty. (At this time we are not accepting graduate students.) The cost is $55 for the year. Ten spots are available for the 2020/21 academic year.

Each group will have a participant who is the designated Coordinator, responsible for light administrative work, including scheduling meetings; maintaining group accountability goals; and communicating with the Writing Group program DI Chairs to provide updates on group progress and ongoing feedback on the program. Design Incubation will recognize the Coordinators on their website and the position can be used to demonstrate service to an organization at a national level.

Applications will be considered immediately upon submission and they can be submitted through August 5th, 2020 (Due to an overwhelming response, we have closed applications early). Design Incubation will provide official letters of acceptance to allow attendees to request funding from their institutions.

2020–21 Pilot Launch Groups

Each group will set a regular day and time to meet throughout the semester. A fixed meeting time reinforces the notion that your writing practice takes priority and promotes accountability.

Weekly Writing Accountability 

Best for: Faculty, writers, or researchers looking for accountability to establish a writing practice.

Description: The weekly accountability Writing Group will provide a support network for establishing a regular writing practice and help group members set and achieve goals related to writing and/or research. In addition to participating in weekly video conference meetings, members will be responsible for presenting a writing/research plan, maintaining a writing log, and completing readings related to writing. 

1-hour video conference call every week from August 2020–May 2021

Responsibilities:

• Create a research/writing plan that details your project(s) and timeline(s)
• Maintain a writing log including dates, times, and activity
• Complete group-related assignments that may include readings, podcast episodes, or writing exercises

Bi-Weekly Writing Accountability 

Best for: Faculty, writers, or researchers looking for accountability to establish a writing practice but who cannot accommodate weekly meetings.

Description: The bi-weekly accountability Writing Group will provide a support network for establishing a regular writing practice and help group members set and achieve goals related to writing and/or research. In addition to participating in bi-weekly video conference meetings, members will be responsible for presenting a writing/research plan, maintaining a writing log, and completing readings related to writing. 

1-hour video conference call every other week from August 2020–May 2021

Responsibilities:

• Create a research/writing plan that details your project(s) and timeline(s)
• Maintain a writing log including dates, times, and activity
• Complete group-related assignments that may include readings, podcast episodes, or writing exercises

Proviso: If you don’t show up for three meetings in a row, you may be dropped from the group.