Writing Support

CILA provides opportunities for St. Olaf faculty to focus on their scholarly writing: to develop a work-in-progress, revise a conference presentation for publication, incorporate feedback before submitting an article to a refereed journal, polish a grant application, or perhaps revisit and revise a rejected manuscript.

The Summer Writing Retreat and January Writing Support provide structured writing time in a distraction-free atmosphere among supportive colleagues and led by an expert facilitator, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of Writing, Diane LeBlanc. 

Summer Writing Retreat

Modeled after the successful Boldt Writing Retreats, this week-long retreat in early June designed to help faculty transition to their summer writing projects which may include an article, a scholarly or creative book manuscript, a grant application, or other writing projects. The retreat, led by Director of Writing and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Diane LeBlanc, provides structured writing time and accountability among supportive colleagues.

The 2021 CILA Summer Writing Retreat will take place during the week of June 7-11, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and participants will meet daily through Zoom for guided discussion of writing habits, voice, proposal to publication steps, collaboration, and revision. We’ll write together in our own spaces for at least 75 minutes every day, and support one another as we refine daily writing goals. Participants will receive a $250 stipend for full participation. 

This opportunity is open to current St. Olaf faculty from all disciplines and Faculties, with preference given to applicants who are at critical career points (e.g., tenure or promotion review). Participants are expected to engage fully by attending all five days of the retreat. There is one more spot available, so if you are interested, please complete this form by Friday, May 7. Please contact cila@stolaf.edu if you have any questions.

Comments from previous CILA Summer Writing Retreat participants:

• “I learned about my own writing process… I kick-started my writing for the summer and got to write in a supportive context.  I met interesting colleagues!”
• “The long blocks of writing time and the conversation with other members of the group… benefited me the most. The writing time helped me accomplish a lot of tangible work.”
• “The retreat atmosphere really builds a sense of camaraderie and as a result I feel more connected to colleagues in other departments.”
• “I was able to write a lot during the retreat…. [it] gave me my momentum.”
• “Diane is a special person, so qualified, so inspiring, so empathetic.”

January Writing Support

Held every year during January Term, the workshop series invites you to re-engage with your research and creative work during and beyond January. The series offers four opportunities to explore and practice different aspects of writing and creativity. Each workshop provides practical support, writing time, community for sustaining progress, and opportunities for individual consultations about your project. Interested faculty and staff can choose to attend any and all workshops. 

January 2021 workshops