MLA Sit and Write Sessions
Join a community of writers this fall for the MLA Sit and Write sessions, virtual writing retreats designed to support members at all stages of their careers. These monthly ninety-minute sessions feature a solid hour of dedicated, quiet writing time for you to focus on your work in the (digital) company of other writers. You’ll set goals, make progress, and maybe even start a writing group.
Sessions begin with a prewriting “Snack,” a bite-sized presentation offering suggestions and resources on topics such as creating a writing schedule, developing a book proposal, and using AI as a tool for creativity and composing. Snacks are tailored for specific topics, but the writing hour is open to all members bringing any aspect of their writing life and any type of project—and all Snacks will be available on the Sit and Write Snack Recordings page shortly thereafter.
For the 2023–24 season, the MLA Sit and Write sessions will feature Snacks on:
- 21 September: How to Write a Book Proposal in Five Easy Steps. Katherine Fusco (Univ. of Nevada, Reno) guides us through the steps of crafting a book proposal, including choosing comp titles, writing chapter synopses, crafting query emails, and more.
- 19 October: Talking to Your Editor Human to Human. Rebecca Colesworthy (SUNY Press) offers insight into the ways the editorial process can be collaborative and how to work with your editor to elicit and act on constructive and helpful feedback.
- 16 November: How to Pitch Your Writing. Pitching your work to editors and publishers can seem a daunting task, especially if self-promotion sits outside your comfort zone. Join Devoney Looser (Arizona State Univ., Tempe) to hear suggestions and learn strategies for finding the right publication venues and pitching your work with confidence.
- 21 December: Making LLMs Work for Your Writing Process. For our final Sit and Write of the year, learn strategies for ethically and effectively harnessing LLMs as a tool for your writing from Leo Flores (Appalachian State Univ.), member of the MLA-CCCC Joint Task Force on Writing and AI.
After each writing hour, you’ll be able to join your fellow writers in breakout groups to discuss your progress and next steps. Unable to attend the Snack or postwriting chat? Feel welcome to log on just for the writing time.
Participants are invited to join the MLA Sit and Write page on MLA Commons. Members can share resources and engage in discussion threads throughout the sessions and beyond.
The MLA Sit and Write sessions will take place on 21 September, 19 October, 16 November, and 21 December at 10 a.m. ET. Sessions are open to all MLA members, and there is no cap on attendance. Log in for a Zoom link that will allow you to join all four upcoming sessions.
Past Sit and Write Snacks
- 8 February 2023: Creating a Kind Writing Schedule, Anne Fernald (Fordham Univ.)
- 8 March 2023: Getting Your Journal Article Finished and Published, Faye Halpern (Univ. of Calgary)
- 12 April 2023: Synthesizing Feedback (and Bouncing Back) after Rejection, Michelle Boyd (Inkwell Academic Writing Retreats)
- 10 May 2023: Collaborative Writing, Rebecca Moore Howard (Syracuse Univ.) and Sandra Jamieson (Drew Univ.)
View recordings of the 2022–23 Snacks.
Join or renew, and learn about other benefits of MLA membership.