Key Takeaways
1. Writing productivity hinges on scheduling, not inspiration
"Instead of finding time to write, allot time to write."
Schedule writing time. Treat writing like a class you teach, with regular, non-negotiable meeting times. Aim for about 4 hours per week, distributed across multiple days. This approach counters the ineffective "binge writing" strategy, where writers wait for large blocks of free time or moments of inspiration.
Stick to your schedule. Write during your allotted times regardless of mood or inspiration. This habit-forming approach leads to consistent productivity and reduces anxiety about writing. Remember, writing includes all related activities: reading, analyzing data, and outlining.
Benefits of scheduled writing:
- Increased productivity
- Reduced stress and guilt
- Better work-life balance
- Steady progress on long-term projects
2. Common barriers to writing are often specious excuses
"Academics intend to publish those projects 'someday,' but 'some decade' is more realistic."
Identify and overcome excuses. Many writers cite lack of time, need for more research, or inadequate equipment as reasons for not writing. These are often procrastination tactics in disguise. Recognize that waiting for perfect conditions or inspiration is counterproductive.
Focus on action, not perfection. Instead of seeking ideal circumstances, concentrate on consistent, imperfect action. Write with whatever tools you have, wherever you are. Remember that even great writers of the past produced significant works without modern conveniences.
Common excuses to avoid:
- Waiting for large blocks of free time
- Needing to do more analysis or reading first
- Requiring new technology or equipment
- Waiting for inspiration or the right mood
3. Effective writing schedules require careful planning and tracking
"Self-monitoring—keeping tabs on your own behavior—is one of the oldest and best ways of changing behavior."
Plan your schedule strategically. Choose writing times that are defensible against interruptions and align with your peak mental energy. Consider early mornings or other times when you're less likely to be disturbed. Be realistic about your commitments and biological rhythms.
Track your progress. Monitor your writing output, whether it's word count, time spent, or tasks completed. This practice increases accountability and motivation. Set concrete, achievable daily goals to maintain focus and measure progress.
Elements of an effective writing schedule:
- Consistent, defensible time slots
- Alignment with personal energy levels
- Clear, measurable daily goals
- Regular progress tracking
- Flexibility for different types of writing tasks
4. Writing groups can provide accountability and motivation
"Academics intend to publish those projects 'someday,' but 'some decade' is more realistic."
Join or form a writing group. These groups can provide peer pressure, accountability, and support. Choose a group format that works for you, such as goal-setting and accountability groups, write-together groups, or feedback groups.
Leverage peer support. Regular check-ins with fellow writers can help maintain motivation and overcome obstacles. Share goals, celebrate successes, and problem-solve challenges together. However, ensure the group remains focused on productivity rather than becoming a social distraction.
Types of writing groups:
- Goals and accountability groups
- Write-together groups
- Feedback groups
Benefits of writing groups:
- Increased accountability
- Peer support and motivation
- Shared problem-solving
- Regular writing habit reinforcement
5. Clear, concise writing is crucial for academic success
"All written work has a sound—the sound of the page—and I occasionally wonder how to describe the sound of the typical scholarly journal article."
Prioritize clarity and concision. Academic writing often suffers from unnecessary complexity and jargon. Focus on conveying ideas clearly and directly. Use familiar, expressive words and avoid trendy phrases or overly technical language when simpler terms suffice.
Craft strong sentences and paragraphs. Vary sentence structures to maintain reader interest. Use active voice when possible, and eliminate wordy phrases. Pay attention to paragraph structure and flow, ensuring each paragraph conveys a clear point that builds on previous ideas.
Tips for improving academic writing:
- Choose familiar, expressive words over jargon
- Use active voice and varied sentence structures
- Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases
- Ensure clear paragraph structure and flow
- Revise and edit ruthlessly
6. Mastering the art of journal article writing is essential
"Writing a journal article is like writing a screenplay for a romantic comedy—you need to learn a formula."
Understand the IMRAD structure. Most academic articles follow the Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD) format. Familiarize yourself with this structure and the expectations for each section. Tailor your writing to the specific requirements of your target journal.
Craft a compelling narrative. Even within the constraints of academic writing, strive to tell a clear, engaging story about your research. Start with a strong introduction that hooks the reader, maintain focus throughout, and conclude with a discussion that places your findings in a broader context.
Key elements of successful journal articles:
- Clear, focused research question or hypothesis
- Well-structured introduction and literature review
- Detailed but concise methods section
- Clear presentation of results
- Thoughtful discussion of implications and limitations
- Adherence to journal-specific guidelines
7. Book writing requires long-term commitment and strategy
"Writing a book is like injecting anabolic steroids: If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger and hairier."
Plan for the long haul. Book writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Develop a clear concept, thesis, and chapter outline before beginning. Set realistic timelines and milestones, understanding that the process may take years.
Maintain consistency. Apply your regular writing schedule to book writing, even if it means dedicating only a portion of your writing time to the book. Avoid the temptation to wait for large blocks of time or sabbaticals. Instead, make steady progress through consistent, scheduled writing sessions.
Strategies for successful book writing:
- Develop a clear concept and outline
- Set realistic timelines and milestones
- Maintain a consistent writing schedule
- Balance book writing with other projects
- Seek feedback and support throughout the process
- Be prepared for the publishing and marketing process
8. Grant proposal writing demands persistence and strategic thinking
"Writing your first grant is like teaching your very first class—there's so much more to it than you thought."
Adopt a long-term perspective. Success in grant writing often comes from persistence and learning from each attempt. Plan to submit multiple proposals over time, refining your skills and approach with each submission.
Focus on your strengths. Compete for grants in your area of expertise, where you have the strongest reputation and track record. Avoid chasing funding opportunities that are far from your core research interests, as you'll be competing against established experts in those fields.
Tips for successful grant writing:
- Start early and follow submission guidelines meticulously
- Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors
- Study successful proposals in your field
- Develop collaborative relationships for multi-investigator grants
- Tailor your proposal to the specific funding agency's priorities
- Be prepared to revise and resubmit
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FAQ
What's "How to Write a Lot" about?
- Practical Guide: "How to Write a Lot" by Paul J. Silvia is a practical guide aimed at helping academics become more productive writers.
- Behavioral Approach: The book emphasizes a behavioral approach to writing, focusing on specific actions rather than changing one's identity or values.
- Routine and Efficiency: It advocates for making writing a routine part of the workweek, reducing stress and guilt associated with writing.
- Applicable to All Academics: While it includes examples from psychology, the strategies are applicable to a broad scholarly audience.
Why should I read "How to Write a Lot"?
- Overcome Writing Barriers: The book helps readers identify and overcome common barriers to writing, such as lack of time and procrastination.
- Develop Writing Habits: It provides strategies for developing consistent writing habits, which can lead to increased productivity.
- Balance Work and Life: Silvia offers advice on balancing writing with other professional and personal responsibilities.
- Improve Writing Quality: The book includes tips on improving writing style and clarity, making your work more engaging and effective.
What are the key takeaways of "How to Write a Lot"?
- Schedule Writing Time: Allocate specific times for writing during the workweek, treating it like a class you teach.
- Set Concrete Goals: Break down writing projects into manageable tasks with clear, achievable goals.
- Track Progress: Monitor your writing output to stay motivated and identify areas for improvement.
- Join a Writing Group: Consider joining or forming a writing group for accountability and support.
How does Paul J. Silvia suggest overcoming writing barriers?
- Identify Specious Barriers: Recognize common excuses for not writing, such as waiting for inspiration or needing more time.
- Create a Writing Schedule: Allot regular, defensible time slots for writing, much like scheduling a class.
- Focus on Behavior: Change writing habits by focusing on actions you can take immediately, rather than waiting for the perfect conditions.
- Use Peer Accountability: Leverage writing groups to maintain motivation and accountability.
What is the "writing schedule" method in "How to Write a Lot"?
- Regular Time Slots: Schedule specific times each week dedicated solely to writing, treating it as a non-negotiable appointment.
- Defensible Times: Choose times that are less likely to be interrupted by meetings or other obligations.
- Consistency Over Quantity: The key is regularity, not the number of hours; even a few hours a week can lead to significant progress.
- Flexibility for Windfall Writing: While sticking to the schedule is crucial, additional writing outside these times is a bonus.
How does "How to Write a Lot" address writer's block?
- Writer's Block as a Myth: Silvia argues that writer's block is not a real affliction but a label for not writing.
- Focus on Routine: By following a writing schedule, you can write regularly regardless of feeling inspired.
- Separate Writing Tasks: Distinguish between generating text and revising it to avoid perfectionism during initial drafts.
- Embrace Imperfection: Accept that not every writing session will be productive, but consistency will yield results over time.
What are the benefits of joining a writing group according to Paul J. Silvia?
- Accountability and Goals: Writing groups provide peer pressure to meet writing goals and maintain a schedule.
- Variety of Formats: Groups can focus on setting goals, writing together, or providing feedback, depending on members' needs.
- Voluntary Participation: Successful groups are formed by members who choose to be there, fostering a supportive environment.
- Avoid Hierarchies: Separate groups for faculty and students can prevent power dynamics from hindering open discussion.
How does "How to Write a Lot" suggest improving writing style?
- Choose Good Words: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or trendy phrases that obscure meaning.
- Write Strong Sentences: Employ varied sentence structures and use punctuation like semicolons and dashes effectively.
- Avoid Passive Voice: Write in the active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
- Revise Separately: Focus on generating text first, then revise for style and clarity in separate sessions.
What advice does Paul J. Silvia give for writing journal articles?
- Pick Your Audience First: Tailor your article to the specific journal and audience you are targeting.
- Follow the IMRAD Structure: Use the Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion format common in many fields.
- Submit Great First Drafts: Aim for a polished first submission to increase the chances of acceptance.
- Handle Revisions Wisely: Address reviewers' comments thoroughly and resubmit promptly to improve acceptance odds.
What are the reasons for writing a book according to "How to Write a Lot"?
- Make a Difference: Books can reach practitioners and the public more effectively than journal articles.
- Explore Big Ideas: Some concepts require the depth and scope that only a book can provide.
- Learn and Grow: Writing a book can be a way to learn a new field or synthesize existing knowledge.
- Establish Expertise: A book can establish you as an authority in your field and attract opportunities for public engagement.
How does "How to Write a Lot" approach grant writing?
- Write Multiple Grants: Treat grant writing as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort.
- Compete on Home Field: Focus on proposals that align with your core expertise to increase success rates.
- Be Strategic: Choose whether to be an "elephant" (few, well-crafted proposals) or a "seahorse" (many, less detailed proposals).
- Balance with Publications: Ensure that grant writing does not overshadow the need to publish articles and books.
What are the best quotes from "How to Write a Lot" and what do they mean?
- "Writing is a skill, not a gift." This emphasizes that productive writing comes from learned behaviors and habits, not innate talent.
- "Decide what you want to do, then decide to do it. Then do it." A call to action, encouraging readers to take control of their writing habits.
- "Writing isn’t a race." Reminds readers that the goal is not to publish the most but to write meaningfully and sustainably.
- "Want less and do more." Encourages focusing on actionable steps rather than waiting for ideal conditions or inspiration.
Review Summary
How to Write a Lot is praised for its practical, no-nonsense approach to academic writing. Readers appreciate Silvia's humor and straightforward advice, which centers on creating and sticking to a writing schedule. Many find the book motivating and helpful for improving productivity. Some criticize it for being overly simplistic or reinforcing a potentially harmful work culture. Overall, most reviewers found value in the book's core message and writing strategies, particularly for academic writers and graduate students.
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