Write Club Radio

Write Club Radio – An online writing retreat like no other.

Need dedicated, distraction-free time to smash your writing goals?

Write Club Radio, a live three-hour virtual co-working, writing retreat broadcast on Radio Waters with a live vinyl record soundtrack. Using the Pomodoro Technique, you’ll work in structured 25-minute writing sprints paired with a live curated chilled, ambient DJ mix. The focused writing sessions are broken up by quick 5-minute breaks to grab a drink, chat, troubleshoot writing hurdles, and celebrate progress. Whether you are tackling a thesis chapter, polished paper, or a creative, pull up a chair, tune in and make deep focus effortless.

Session breakdown

1.00pm Hello and welcome

1.05pm short meditation

1.10pm Pomodoro #1

1.35pm Break

1.40pm Pomodoro #2

2.05pm Break

2.10 pm Pomodoro #3

2.35pm Break

2.40pm Pomodoro #4

3.05pm Break

3.10pm Pomodoro #5

3.35pm Break

3.40pm Pomodoro #6

4.05pm Recap and closing discussion

FAQs

Do I need an account to listen to the radio?

No, but you will need to log into the chat via the website or Discord to chat, which I really encourage you to do.

How do I engage in the discussion in the Pomodoro breaks?

You will need to sign up to the radio station chat, or via Discord to engage in the chat, which I encourage you to join as it is free and simple to set up. Once you open the chat window, there is an option to join the chat via Discord. You can access the Discord chat via this link: Discord | #chat | Radio Waters

Do I need to listen to the music?

No, feel free to have silence, but you’ll need to monitor the time for the regular five minute breaks.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It breaks work down into 25-minute focused intervals (called “pomodori”) separated by 5-minute short breaks, helping to maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

Do I need to take the 5 minute breaks?

Yes, it’s really advisable to take the breaks, else you’ll fall out of sync with the session and will eventually lose momentum.

What kind of music will be played?

If you have ever listened to the BBC’s Focus Beats, it will be similar to that, but it will be mixed live. The music will range from ambient and modern classical, through to chill out and trip hop. It will be predominately instrumental as the evidence shows it is better to carry out focused tasks such as writing with music that is instrumental and that you are less familiar with.

Does music help with writing productivity?

This very much depends on the person, task and the music. For example, for really complex problem solving tasks, music can be a distraction. Ideally for focused writing, the music needs to be instrumental so that you are not processing lyrics at the same time as trying to write. The music also needs to be at a moderate or low level, so it doesn’t drown out your thoughts and ideas. Whilst if you were just answering simple emails and organising files, then you can play pretty much your favourite songs.

https://steeringpoint.ie/worklife/the-role-of-music-in-enhancing-work-productivity

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00984-4

Will the session be recorded?

No, this will be totally live and unrecorded.

Do I actually need to have something to write?

No, you can use the time as you see fit. You can use it to write, code, read, analyse and anything else you need to get done.

Do I need to use headphones?

It depends on what you feel works best for you. You may feel that wearing the headphones will help with focus and shutting outside distractions. You might want to have the music and chat in the background of your office or home. It is your choice.

Have you done this before and did it work?

Yes, I ran a couple of sound based writing retreats when I worked at Sheffield and the response was very positive. Attendees said they felt happy and relaxed as they worked and that it didn’t really feel like work at all.