A semester writing community for busy faculty who need to advance their scholarship FAST, without burning out.
A writing community for busy faculty who need to advance their scholarship FAST, without burning out.
Sessions are Fridays 12:00 to 2:30 pm ET
Another writing course, training, or book isn't the answer. Writing in community is.
FOCUS FRIDAYS
A 10-week holistic writing community that helps you:
focus better
write more
stress less
While also discovering how to...
"I completed a whole book. I've started a new book. I've made lifelong friends...You will not find a better, stronger, more fulfilling community than this one."
Sonja Lanehart, PhD
Professor, University of Arizona
Build a joyful, productive faculty life knowing EXACTLY where to put your precious energy and attention for maximum progress.
Overcome avoidance, release perfectionism, and quiet your pesky inner critic with real-time learning, accountability, and coaching during each session.
Pave your way to writing brilliance knowing EXACTLY where to put your energy for maximum progress.
And all you need to do is show up on Fridays.
That's it!
Okay, okay you do need to complete pre- and post-session exercises. But they only take 10 minutes. Pinky swear.
"Focus Fridays have transformed the way I approach the end of the week - rather than dread about "running out of time," I feel cared for, supported, and productive."
Rebecca Davis, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Delaware
Here's exactly what the program includes:
Registration ends at 11:00 pm ET on January 17.
If your institution requires an invoice for payment,click here instead.
SOS Retreat - Sept 13, 12:00 to 2:30 PM ET
Focus Friday sessions - 12:00 to 2:30 PM ET, starting Sept 20
Bonus Wednesday sessions - 12:00 to 2:00 PM ET, starting Sept 25
"Focus Fridays not only provided tips and skills needed to overcome my internal barriers to doing work, the fun and supportive atmosphere also led me to enjoy working!"
Jen Honculada Martinez, PhD
Assistant Professor, Suffolk University
Psychologist. Full Professor. WellAcademic Founder.
I know faculty who pound out article after article, grant after grant without breaking a sweat.
Focus Fridays isn't for them. It's for the rest of us.
People like you and me who struggle mightily to write because of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, avoidance, or outsized caregiving, service, and teaching obligations.
You are my people - exactly who I designed Focus Fridays for using my 20+ years of psychological training.
So, come on in and give your writing and well-being a huge boost.
A quick word.
And the community works!
Since launching in 2020, Focus Fridays has helped hundreds of faculty crush their writing goals while finding joy and connection along the way.
Don't go it alone. We're here for you!
STEP 1: CLAIM YOUR SPOT
STEP 2: ATTEND SESSIONS
STEP 3: CRUSH YOUR GOALS
Achieve more in 10 weeks than in 10 months on your own alongside your new writing besties.
"Focus Fridays was a game-changer. I learned how to apply tools that make preparation and organization something achievable and real. I cannot recommend enough Focus Fridays and Roxanne's incredible guidance and spirit."
Lee Douglas, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, NOVA University Lisbon
Just ask our spring 2024 participants:
Focused better
Wrote more
Learned effective wellness strategies
Truly, for the first time in my 35 year academic career, I feel a sense of positive connection to my writing life.
I loved the energy of the sessions and it helped me focus each week in a way that felt supportive and fun.
...the most empowering, energizing, and rewarding professional development program that I know.
Participants come from a variety institutions and ranks.
Bowling Green State University
South Dakota State University
Spelman College
Suffolk University
University of Arizona
University of California, San Francisco
University of Cincinnati
University of Delaware
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Maryland College Park
University of Michigan
University of South Carolina
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Virginia Commonwealth University
Wellesley College
And more!
I know Focus Fridays will work for you. But if you're not 100% satisfied with the program, email me before the start of the fourth Focus Friday session for a full refund. No questions asked.
That gives you over three weeks to check out the program, experience the retreat + sessions, and connect with the community.
Of course! Just click here to go to our invoice registration page. Once you submit the form, an invoice will be sent within 15 minutes.
Please note that your registration is not complete until payment is delivered.
There is a fall and spring program each year. The fall program typically starts the second Friday in September; the spring program typically starts the first Friday in February.
Yes! Most participants rejoin Focus Fridays again and again because the process works. I support these alum through early registration access and a special alum rate of $497.
I see you. And I understand the need for spaces where you can show up just as you are.
Focus Fridays is that space. As in the general WellAcademic community, the majority of Focus Friday participants are women of color.
Also, I'm a woman of color (Black, Asian, & White) whose work centers positionality, power, and privilege, which is evident in my coaching and scholarship.
The program is most applicable to faculty and post-docs. That said, others who think they would benefit from the structure, support, and community are welcome.
Most complete scholarly writing projects (e.g., books, grants, chapters, articles). Others use the time to complete important professional tasks, such as preparing a P&T portfolio.
Absolutely! I know it's counterintuitive, but intense focus for short bursts with breaks in between - how our sessions are set up - results in greater progress than long periods of distracted work.
Focus Fridays also has other factors shown to improve motivation, performance, and well-being such as accountability, coaching, a fun atmosphere, and social support.
As a bonus, completing tasks you've had difficulty facing will raise your confidence and reduce any shame or guilt you've been carrying.
No. Compassionate accountability is central to your success in the program.
But I hear you. I'm a closet introvert, so I would never set something up that's awkward for folx like you and me.
That's why the check-ins are short, about 5 minutes, with just 3-4 participants. I also provide EXACTLY what you need to share.
This means there's no time to get nervous and no one is searching for conversation fillers. Phew!
Plus, the community is inclusive, warm, and welcoming, which makes all the difference.
No. What makes Focus Fridays special is that it's live. You can't replicate the real-time accountability and support in a recording.
Yes. Faculty from all ranks participate in Focus Fridays. In fact, 33% of our last cohort were Associate Professors.
Nope. I get that you're really busy. That's why most of the work happens in our sessions. You'll need just 10 minutes for the prep and reflection exercises. That's it.
Both Focus Fridays and SUBMIT use the same psychology-based session structure. That said, SUBMIT is a 2-week writing sprint in the Summer, while Focus Fridays is a 10-week program in the fall and spring semesters - because who has time for a 2-week sprint then.
With Focus Fridays, the goal is to create sustainable, healthy routines for writing and wellness using strategies that work even if (when?) your semester goes off the rails.
Access is important to me, which is why I offer a limited number of grants for faculty, post-docs, or advanced doctoral students who would benefit from the program but need help covering the cost.
These grants are on a first-come, first-served basis. Because I'm only able to offer a few and don't ask for proof of need, please don't seek a grant if you have the means to pay for the program without this assistance.
For more information, please email me at roxanne@wellacademic.com.
"Having tried lots of different writing accountability groups and programs, I have never fallen into such a quick, supportive writing rhythm with a community of scholars whose company I look forward to each Friday."
Stephanie Sadre-Orafai, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati
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