This page uses the standard blog layout: posts in reverse chronological order of publication date with this "sticky post" at the top to explain how things work. I've also created a list of good places to start for those unfamiliar with my approach. The things I write are often not time sensitive, … [Read more...] about Recent additions vs good starting points
Optimism in the face of uncertainty
There is a difference between optimism and positivity, or at least the kind of positivity that tries to pretend that bad things never happen, or never happen to good people. I am an optimist. I read something recently that helped me clarify what that looks like for me. It's a bit like "It'll be … [Read more...] about Optimism in the face of uncertainty
Resting & recharging is preparation for the new academic year
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Resting & recharging is preparing for the new academic year I wrote this just before taking a 2 week holiday and mentioned how important it is to prioritize rest at this time of year. Fatigue impairs cognitive function. This is a fact. There is lots of … [Read more...] about Resting & recharging is preparation for the new academic year
Where does teaching preparation fit in your summer plans?
In April I wrote about Writing and Research in the Summer of the Pandemic because I know a lot of academics look forward to summer as a time when they can make that their primary focus. My focus there was on the writing and research itself. What you can do. How stress and uncertainty affect your … [Read more...] about Where does teaching preparation fit in your summer plans?
How do you think about meetings when you are planning your day/week/month?
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · How do you think about meetings when you are planning your day/week/month? When you are planning your week (or your day or your month) and you look over what's already in your calendar what is your reaction to scheduled meetings? When someone contacts you … [Read more...] about How do you think about meetings when you are planning your day/week/month?
Are meetings really a waste of time?
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Are meetings really a waste of time? One of the core practices of my work with clients, and my engagement with academics on social media, is to remind you to notice what they've done. I wrote about this practice several years ago: You get a lot done. I send out … [Read more...] about Are meetings really a waste of time?
Prioritising and planning
I really need to share this post by Helen Kara with you. She makes some excellent points that fit very well with my approach to planning. And she made me realise something: There is a big difference between project planning and workload planning. What I focus on here most of the time is workload … [Read more...] about Prioritising and planning
Your home office setup during the pandemic
I start and finish A Meeting With Your Writing with some gentle stretching. During the current circumstances it has occurred to me that you might be more tense and also that your office space may not be set up as well as would be ideal. While academics like to think of their work as mental … [Read more...] about Your home office setup during the pandemic
Writing & research in the summer of the pandemic
One of the issues that has come up in the Academic Writing Studio is the relationship between motivation to write and finding the writing you need to do meaningful. This is not a new problem but the current crisis may have brought it to the fore. You may already struggle to prioritize writing or … [Read more...] about Writing & research in the summer of the pandemic
Prioritising non-academic audiences during the pandemic
One of the issues that has come up in both Office Hours (a group coaching session for members of the Academic Writing Studio that I’m holding weekly at the moment) and in the Establishing a Writing Practice class is: the relationship between motivation to write and finding the writing you need to … [Read more...] about Prioritising non-academic audiences during the pandemic
Shifting priorities within your research during the pandemic
One of the issues that has come up in both Office Hours (a group coaching session for members of the Academic Writing Studio that I’m holding weekly at the moment) and in the Establishing a Writing Practice class is the relationship between motivation to write and finding the writing you need to do … [Read more...] about Shifting priorities within your research during the pandemic
