Become a Productive Academic Writer

November is Academic Writing Month #AcWriMo at Methodspace! See the unfolding series of posts, interviews, webinars, and open-access resources.

by Janet Salmons, PhD Research Community Manager for SAGE Methodspace
Dr. Salmons is the author of Doing Qualitative Research Online, which focuses on ethical research and writing, and What Kind of Researcher Are You? which focuses on researcher integrity. Use the code MSPACEQ423 for a 20% discount, valid until December 31, 2023.

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Yes. I am on the computer. But am I getting anything done?

“I don’t have enough time to write!” That is the complaint I hear most frequently from frustrated would-be writers. Most frequently writing is not our only responsibility, so we have to carve out time and space from competing demands of work, school, family and community. As challenging as this may be, I’d argue becoming a productive writer is more complicated than simply learning time management.

Sometimes I manage to set aside a stretch of time for writing, only to find that I can’t focus. I might be distracted, or I just can’t get into a writing flow. Nothing comes together, or seems to make sense. Doubts creep in about the worthiness of the whole project.

Maybe it is time to step away from the computer, find some mental refreshment by taking a walk, chopping vegetables, or doing some art journaling. Somehow my muse wakes up and I discover a new direction that might have eluded me when staring at the screen.

On other occasions, I find that I haven’t fully answered key questions about the content necessary to consider before I move forward.

Here are some questions that can help you get moving:

• Am I clear about the purpose I am trying to achieve with this writing project?

• Have I made a decision about the primary audience I want to read this piece?

• Do I need to update my literature before I start writing?

• What voice will I use, what is my position as a writer, should I write in first, second, or third person?

• Will the reader know the terms I am using, or should I explain them? Are my definitions understandable to someone in a different discipline, or to a practitioner?

Having found time, focus, and clarity, I still need to attend to the mechanics of the writing process.

• Do I have the best tools for this academic writing project? Am I using a bibliographic manager that works with the right publication style (APA, MLS, etc.)?

• Do I have the best tool for creating figures or diagrams that have the levels of resolution needed for publication?

• Should I organize my research, literature, notes and drafts with OneNote, Scrivener, or?

Have you answered key questions YOU need to be productive?

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