The GWL’s Writing Retreats and All Writes offer you a productive, goal-oriented, and community-based writing environment. Counteract the isolation of a long writing project by writing in the company of others. We provide a distraction-free space with snacks and meals so you can direct all of your focus toward producing your best work. Structured goal-setting, breaks, and accountability check-ins keep your energy high and help you meet your goals.
Writing Retreats are all-day writing sessions, with a special weekend retreat at the beginning of each term and a weeklong “Write into Summer” event each May. All Writes are half-day events offered three times per month during the fall and spring terms. Upcoming sessions are announced in our weekly newsletter, our Yale Connect site, and on the calendar below.
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Writing Together
in 2023–24
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35
All Writes and writing retreats offered
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414
Yale graduate students participated
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6414
hours of writing completed
All Writes
To build community and maximize productivity, these 3.5-hour writing sessions begin with partnered goal-setting where you generate task-based writing goals for the session. After sharing your goals with another participant, you’ll begin your first 90-minute writing block. After breaking for a meal and a chance to connect with your writing community, the All Write is rounded out with 90 more minutes of writing and concludes a partnered debrief on your writing goals.
Writing Retreats
Our full-day Writing Retreats really give you the time, space, and focus to tackle your writing project. Hosted by our GWL writing fellows, our day begins with breakfast followed by partnered goal-setting and focused writing. After breaking for lunch and a community and stretching break, we return to a focused writing session. A late afternoon coffee and cookie hour helps you keep your momentum as we round out the day with a final writing session and goal-debrief.
I didn’t think it was possible to get so much done and not feel fatigue at the end. The most helpful thing was probably to be in a room with people writing around you. I couldn’t help but focus on my work.
“Write into Summer” Retreat Participant, spring 2024
Upcoming All Writes & Retreats
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Policies and Accommodations
Because these events always have a wait list, we strive to make sure as many students as possible can participate. Participants must arrive by the start time and stay for the full session. If you cannot make the session for which you have registered, you must cancel your registration in YaleConnect at least 24 hours prior to the start of the event.
Students who fail to follow the no-show, lateness, and full program participation policies will not be eligible to attend future sessions.
If specific accommodations would help you better engage in an All Write or retreat, please email our Writing Groups Coordinator, Elizabeth Keto to make arrangements in advance. We will do everything we can to help you participate fully.
Still Have Questions?
For additional information about the the Graduate Writing Lab’s All Writes and writing retreats, contact GWL Associate Director Julia Istomina or email grad.writing@yale.edu.
Explore GWL Programs
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Writing Consultations
Get 1-on-1 feedback at any stage of the writing process—from brainstorming to final edits.
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Workshops & Panels
Interactive opportunities to grow your academic writing knowledge or expand your toolkit of skills.
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Peer-Review Groups
Groups of 4–7 students who meet weekly to share feedback, make progress, and support one another on a common project.
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Public Speaking Studio
Practice your lecture, pitch, or presentation and receive feedback on nine aspects of your delivery.
Writing Together
In the 2023–24 academic year, Yale graduate students used the community found at GWL All Writes and retreats to strengthen their focus and energize their writing process.
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414
Yale graduate students participated in a GWL All Write or writing retreat
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6414
total hours of writing completed at GWL All Writes & retreats
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35
All Write and writing retreat events offered by the GWL
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.