Writing Resources

A curated collection of books, podcasts, and guides on the writing process — getting unstuck, structuring your thinking, and building a sustainable writing practice.

Books on Writing

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Anne Lamott
The classic on writing one small piece at a time. Funny, honest, and deeply reassuring when you're stuck. Lamott's advice on "shitty first drafts" alone is worth the read.
Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded
Joshua Schimel
The best book on scientific writing as storytelling. Schimel breaks down how to structure a paper so that readers actually follow — and cite — your argument. Recommended by Anna Clemens.
Amazon
6 Holiday Book Tips for Scientists
Anna Clemens
Book recommendations for researchers who want to improve their writing, including Writing Science by Schimel.
Read

Podcasts

These explore the craft, psychology, and daily reality of writing. Good for a walk during a writing retreat — or any walk.

The Writer Files
Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
Interviews with writers about their creative process — how they work, how they deal with resistance, and what keeps them going.
Spotify Apple Podcasts
Fiction Writing Made Easy
Savannah Gilbo
Practical, structured advice on plotting, revision, and storytelling. Useful even for non-fiction writers — the narrative principles translate well.
Spotify
Writing Excuses
Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, Howard Tayler
Short episodes (15 minutes), punchy, and packed with craft advice. Their tagline: "Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart."
Website
The Researchers' Writing Podcast
Anna Clemens, PhD
For researchers who want to write clear, concise papers more efficiently. Covers both quality of writing and how to make the process less painful.
Spotify Apple Podcasts
9 Podcasts About Writing for Researchers and Scientists
Anna Clemens
A curated list covering scientific writing, academic productivity, and the PhD experience. A good starting point if you're looking for something tailored to research writing.
Read the List

On Planning Writing Retreats

Guides on how to structure retreats — from setting goals and ground rules to scheduling and managing energy across days.

How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 1: Goals and Rules
Alex White
Setting the culture for a retreat — from ground rules to managing expectations. Practical and opinionated in all the right ways.
Read
How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 2: The Schedule
Alex White
How to structure a day so that writers actually write — the balance of discipline and flexibility that keeps a retreat productive.
Read
Tailored Writing Workshops for Research Groups
WRITE CONCEPT
A programme offering bootcamps and workshops for PhD students and researchers. Their approach combines writing tools with energy management — body and brain exercises, meditation, and structured writing slots.
Website