TAWS taught me about the difference between academic work and other types of work, and how to navigate external and internal expectations. I learnt how to transition in and out of deep work, how to plan and microtask, how to identify who was turning up to do the work and what she needed specifically that day to move forward; and above all, I learnt how a PhD doesn’t need to be a solitary journey. The TAWS community got me through dark days and celebrated my successes, a true academic family. Cannot recommend TAWS enough, it is a very special place, nurtured by very special people: Alison, the facilitators and the participants. Thank you everyone, couldn’t have done it without you!

The Academic Writers’ Space un-stuck me in my dissertation. For years I was making heroic efforts against discouragement and had just a little progress to show for it. I considered dropping out of my program many times, afraid I was just wasting my time and that I’d never be able to finish. Life is demanding enough without a dissertation: like many people I was parenting, caregiving, and working full-time. But when I connected to TAWS I experienced true support in my academic writing, the crucial element I had been missing for my entire project. I learned to work in a way that works. I finished my dissertation! Structure, encouragement, community, and insight—I’m thankful for all that TAWS gifted me.

I couldn't have finished my dissertation without TAWS. In this community, I learned how to create an environment that made it easier to "get back on the horse" after I inevitably would find myself off track. Consistency over perfection. Kindness over self-deprecation. Community over isolation. These pillars of my TAWS experience stand behind my dissertation submission. I'm forever grateful for this community!

I found TAWS when I was at a very low point in the dissertation writing process: my mental health was poor and I was struggling to write. I signed up for a free week and quickly realised how much I needed the support of a kind, encouraging scholarly community. TAWS helped to build me up and cheer me through the final stages of my PhD. The facilitators are wonderful and Alison, particularly, played a huge role in my final months as a doctoral student. Perhaps best of all, I have made friends across the world through TAWS - some of whom I've even met in person!

The Academic Writers' Space (TAWS) is a life changer! Alison and the other coaches' advice supports the academic writing process and any aspect of life that always surrounds writing. I felt stuck and unsure of how to tackle writing my dissertation while being a mom of 5 kids and working full-time as a special education teacher at the high school level. I attended a free session in October and felt seen and understood in my struggle, but I was not ready to commit. Then, I made zero progress and was behind where I wanted to be. I went to sessions again during a December/January free trial. The amount of work I accomplished, and the plan I was able to create to stay on the track made me realize I should have joined sooner! The relief I felt at finding others I could talk to or listen to was what I needed to finish my program. I needed this group! I would not be Dr. Marcie Murphy without TAWS.