title: Getting published: reflections of a collaborative writing group.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Writing for publication, in the nursing profession, is considered essential for the development of the profession and individual career advancement. In education there is also the increasing pressure to produce University research output.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop a collaborative writing group to develop and write articles relating to our teaching practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  The idea of forming a writing group was discussed at a module team meeting where five academics expressed an interest. The process of forming the group involved an initial meeting to discuss and agree to the aims, interests, expertise and areas of responsibility for each member. Regular meetings are held and each member takes on responsibility for an aspect of work towards completing the articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three articles and one editorial have been published and another is under peer review. We have endeavoured to develop and maintain a theme, this being supporting nursing students' development with an emphasis on an aspect of their decision making skills. Also, importantly, we have created a supportive environment and friendships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The demands made upon the nurse educator to be clinically, educationally and research active can be difficult to meet. Collaborative writing groups may be one way to fulfil the scholarly activity element.
authors.affiliation: Caledonian University, Room A417, Govan Mbeki Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, United Kingdom. Electronic address: v.ness@gcu.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ness
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCallum
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D011643:Publishing; D014956:Writing
keywords: Collaboration; Writing for publication; Writing group