What does the virtual retreat process entail?

During this five-day virtual writing retreat participants receive guidance and mentoring in a safe space dedicated to writing and review with clear guidelines for application. Input is provided and participants then craft their article with one-on-one discussion, review and feedback from the facilitator during the writing process. After the course, the participant will have a completed article that has been critically read and can be submitted for consideration by the targeted journal. It is possible to complete the article within the workshop if participants come prepared with a completed draft, work according to the programme and attend the full workshop (See programme).

What should I bring to the retreat to facilitate completion during the retreat?

  1. The first rough draft of the article based on completed research: all data collected and analysed and all literature sourced before the workshop. (Please consult the supervisor/co-author before the workshop to ensure they also consider the material to be publishable)
  2. Select an appropriate target journal (Participants to have made the choice in consultation with their co-authors/supervisor before attending the workshop)
  3. The guidelines for authors of the journal in which you want to publish
  4. A recent copy of the journal, or at least two recent articles from this journal
  5. Computer with strong internet and wifi connections especially during input sessions at 9h00 and 14h00
  6. Select a date so you are free to attend without work-related interference
  7. Dates and programme for 2026:
    • Programme dates for 2026 to be confirmed.

Process during the retreat

The virtual writing retreat will be presented on the Microsoft TEAMS format

  • We collectively check in at 8h45 on TEAMS and input is provided on the various sections of the article staggered throughout the week according to the pace and needs of the group. (See programme)
  • After input, participants apply the principles to their own article and they write and submit each section for critical reading via email.
  • The focus of the workshop is on maximal writing time together with one-on-one personalised feedback, consultation time and support throughout (via teams/email/whatsapp).
  • Feedback is provided on each section submitted using track changes followed by for one-on-one consultation for revision.
  • The participants’ progress will be monitored to facilitate completion of their articles by the end of the workshop.

There will be a virtual check-in with the whole group via TEAMS around 14h00 each day depending on the needs and progress of the group (TBC during the workshop)