PhD Writing Retreat in Vienna

Four hours of focused writing, expert input, and one-on-one coaching.

AI-generated portrait representing Dominik E. Froehlich, supporting researchers in academic career development

The Problem with Writing

You know what you need to write. You’re just not writing it.


Maybe you sit down and freeze. Maybe you spend three hours reorganising your notes and produce nothing. Maybe you write a paragraph, hate it, and delete it. Maybe life keeps getting in the way and the chapter has been “almost done” for six months.


This is not a discipline problem. It’s a structure problem. And it’s one you can solve.

CLARITY, FOCUS AND SUPPORT

How to get writing done

A writing retreat is not a workshop. Nobody lectures you for four hours. You write.

But unlike writing alone at home, you’re in a room with other PhD researchers doing the same thing, with a coach who helps you get out of your own way. The structure does the work. You just show up.

Agenda Elements

Here’s what happens across the four hours.

Kick-Off & Intent

A short, sharp input on what actually moves academic writing forward — and what keeps most PhD writers stuck. Sets the tone for the day.

Each participant names what they’re working on and what “done” looks like for them today. Takes five minutes. Creates instant accountability.

Deep Writing

Uninterrupted, focused writing. No agenda, no input, no interruptions. Just you and the work. The retreat runs three of these blocks across the morning — the structure around them is what makes them possible.

We strive to get as many of these into the retreat as possible, interrupted only by short energizing breaks.

Reflection & 1-1 Coaching

Reflecting on your writing journey, both on the macro and the micro level, with a short 1-1 coaching session in between.

Commitment Round

Each participant shares one sentence on what they wrote and one concrete commitment for the next seven days. Ends the retreat on forward motion, not just good intentions.

The Venue

We meet in the halls of Palais Eschenbach in 1010 Vienna, Austria.

Upcoming Academic Writing Retreats in Vienna

May 18, 2026

Academic Writing Retreat in 1010 Vienna. 4 hours of focus.