Photo by 
Writing is central to your scholarly work and identity. And yet, you struggle to find time and motivation to do it. I argue that it is more effective to focus on the process of writing as a whole and establish an effective writing practice that enables you to pursue your curiosity, create knowledge, and communicate that knowledge […]
Read More »Welcome to the Library
The Library is an archive of my writing about academic work since launching this website in 2009. The top section contains the most recent additions. If you are new here, scroll down to see a few suggestions for good posts to start with to get a sense of my general approach. The Spotlight section at the bottom highlights a series of posts on a specific topic, and is updated regularly.
Most of my writing is sent to Studio members or my newsletter before appearing here. Since 2020 I’ve been creating audio versions of most new posts. They are embedded here but you can also follow me on Soundcloud if you prefer to listen.
Recent posts
Of Many Minds: An interview with Lee Skallerup Bessette
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Of Many Minds: An interview with Lee Skallerup Bessette When I saw that Rebecca Pope-Ruark and Lee Skallerup Bessette had a new book out that focused on the experience of neurodiversity and mental illness as faculty and staff in higher education, I knew I wanted to talk to them. […]
Read More »
Focus isn’t just a mind problem
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Focus isnt just a mind problem The idea of doing your writing work at home sounds lovely, easeful. But the reality is often like wading through molasses. The soft couch and soft cat call you to nap. Your partner’s loud on Zoom. Laundry and dishes are never done. Your […]
Read More »
Introducing: The Academic Writing Studio
The Beginning When I started A Meeting With Your Writing back in September 2011, I didn’t even know if it would work. All I knew was that virtual accountability and community was needed, and that I was prepared to facilitate something that might help. Now, it feels central to everything I do. Participants have told […]
Read More »
Optimizing Focus: 3 elements to consider
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Optimizing Focus: 3 Elements to Consider Everyone struggles with focus. This is why I prompt participants in A Meeting With Your Writing to think about what they’d like to try that day to optimize their focus. In this rather long post, I set out the fundamental principles that underpin […]
Read More »
Hope works better than fear
The tension between the reality of now and your hopeful vision of the future creates forward momentum that helps you achieve your vision. There are good reasons to be fearful in general and in relation to your academic career. There are also reasons for hope. Those may be tiny glimmers right now. It is important to notice those glimmers and find ways to expand and multiply them. This is how change happens. Slowly. Collectively. Building on the positive to create new possibilities.
Read More »Spotlight On: You Need A Writing Practice
Writing is central to your work and includes much more than just preparing articles and books for publication. All academic writing projects are long projects. You need a writing practice that enables you to keep them moving, even when they are nowhere near a deadline to finish.
This Spotlight includes key qualities to consider as you establish a writing practice that works for you.
An older post that has been updated as it is core to my approach to supporting writers. It now includes audio for all linked posts. Read or listen now:
Explore the whole Spotlight here, or if you prefer to listen, you can find a playlist of this introduction and all the posts mentioned over on my Soundcloud.
You can do this!
