How to Write a Lot

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

Last updated: August 20, 2024