Innovative Technique Helps Graduate Students and Professors Write Their Dissertations and Publish

MCLEAN, Virginia - Gina J. Hiatt, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, dissertation and tenure coach, and founder and president of Academic Ladder, has developed a method to help with both dissertation writing and writing for publication. These long-term projects plague over-worked grad students and professors, because of their overwhelming complexity and daunting scope.

Offered in one-month “Writing Clubs” which Gina runs along with her associate, Jayne London, this method provides access to a private website where participants can log their writing progress daily, get feedback from academic writing coaches and other club members, and communicate via a message board. They are able to see the progress of others and read their comments. This shared experience increases writing productivity dramatically.

The action orientation of the Writing Club enables academics to receive dissertation help and support in writing articles for publication. They are shown ways to be less perfectionistic and to monitor the negative thoughts that stop them from being productive.

There are separate online “rooms” for professors and for graduate students. Participants are able to remain anonymous if they wish.

Previous Writing Clubs have been wildly popular. Here are some typical comments from participants:
“This is my third time in this writing group and I don't think I'll ever leave. I'll probably need this type of support after my dissertation when I'm working towards tenure. Thanks Gina, Jayne and all my fellow club members.”

“I actually managed to spend two more hours in the evening on my article, and just sent it to my editor (!)This feels really good. Thanks to the Writing Club! I don't think I would be so productive without it.” (Faculty)

“I think I'm in here for life. $50 might seem like a lot, but I really think it'll save me money in the long run. I actually believe i will finish my dissertation much faster than I would have otherwise. A lot faster. Plus, I'm learning so much from you all! All of you have already provided me with many helpful suggestions, and trust me, I need those suggestions and I take them and I put them to use immediately. Thanks, all!”

The latest offering is the Winter Writing Club, which will start February 8th and run through March 7, 2007. The fee is $50.

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