Write No Matter What

1. Acknowledge Academic Writing's Unique Challenges

Our problem is that academic life offers us the exact opposite: infrequent, high-stress contact with projects that come to feel like albatrosses.

Academia's Unsupportive Environment. Unlike the romanticized "life of the mind," academic life often presents a hectic, demanding environment that is not conducive to writing. The "publish or perish" pressure, combined with the mystification of the writing process, creates a high-stakes, low-support system. Many academics yearn for an idealized writing environment, but the reality is that they must find ways to write productively within the existing constraints.

Internal vs. External Obstacles. While external factors like teaching, service, and administrative duties contribute to writing challenges, internal obstacles such as self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism also play a significant role. Recognizing and addressing these internal barriers is crucial for overcoming writing blocks and increasing productivity. It's not just about finding more time, but about changing the relationship with writing itself.

Breaking the Silence. The culture of silence and shame surrounding writing struggles in academia perpetuates the problem. By openly acknowledging these challenges and sharing experiences, academics can demystify the writing process and create a more supportive environment. This involves recognizing that struggling with writing is not a sign of unworthiness or incompetence, but a common experience that can be addressed with specific strategies and support.

2. Embrace the Craftsman Attitude

The intellectual workman forms his own self as he works toward the perfection of his craft. . . . He constructs a character which has as its core the qualities of the good workman.

Writing as a Craft. Viewing academic writing as a craft, rather than an innate talent, shifts the focus from performance to process. This involves adopting a craftsman's mindset, which emphasizes learning, practice, and the development of specific skills. It encourages academics to approach writing with humility, patience, and a willingness to improve over time.

Overcoming the Academic Pose. The "academic pose," characterized by turgid prose and intellectual pretension, hinders effective communication and fuels writing anxiety. By embracing a craftsman attitude, academics can overcome the need to impress and focus instead on clarity, directness, and the honest expression of ideas. This involves letting go of the fear of appearing foolish or inadequate and embracing the vulnerability of learning.

Focus on the Work, Not the Self. The craftsman attitude helps to detach writing from self-worth. Instead of seeing writing as a measure of intelligence or competence, it becomes a process of methodical practice and skill development. This shift in perspective reduces anxiety and allows academics to focus on the task at hand, rather than on their own perceived inadequacies.

3. Tame Your Project: Organize, Vent, and Commit

The ventilation file gives me a way to safely engage my many, constantly mutating, mostly self-generated writing obstacles.

The Project Box. This is a tangible or digital system for organizing all materials related to a writing project. It includes outlines, notes, research, drafts, and submission plans. The project box provides structure and focus, preventing the project from feeling overwhelming and chaotic.

The Ventilation File. This is a confidential space for expressing all negative thoughts, feelings, and frustrations related to the writing project. It allows academics to acknowledge and process their resistance to writing, rather than suppressing or ignoring it. The ventilation file can be a powerful tool for identifying and challenging limiting beliefs.

Fifteen Minutes a Day. This is a commitment to writing for at least fifteen minutes every day, regardless of how busy or unmotivated one feels. This brief daily contact helps to maintain momentum, reduce anxiety, and foster creativity. The fifteen minutes can be spent writing on the project itself or in the ventilation file.

4. Secure Time, Space, and Energy

Just as you optimize your other writing conditions, learn to identify the best times for your writing.

Reverse Day Planner. Track your time for a week to identify where your time is actually going. This helps to reveal hidden time sinks and unconscious priorities. The reverse day planner provides a realistic assessment of your current time allocation, allowing you to make informed decisions about how to secure more time for writing.

Prioritize Writing. Treat writing as a priority, not just another task to squeeze in. Schedule dedicated writing time and protect it from interruptions. This involves saying no to non-essential commitments and delegating tasks whenever possible.

Match Energy to Task. Identify your most energetic hours (A time) and dedicate them to writing. Use less energetic hours (B and C time) for less demanding tasks. This involves understanding your own energy patterns and aligning your activities accordingly.

5. Challenge Limiting Writing Myths

Myths show up as seemingly acceptable justifications for not getting our writing done.

The Magnum Opus Myth. The belief that every piece of writing must be a groundbreaking masterpiece. This myth leads to perfectionism, procrastination, and self-doubt. The antidote is to focus on making a valuable contribution to an ongoing conversation, rather than trying to create a definitive work.

The Impostor Syndrome. The fear of being exposed as a fraud or unqualified. This myth leads to anxiety, self-sabotage, and a reluctance to share work. The antidote is to acknowledge feelings of inadequacy, focus on the work rather than the self, and seek support from trusted colleagues.

The Cleared-Deck Fantasy. The belief that writing will be easier once all other obligations are taken care of. This myth leads to procrastination and a constant feeling of being too busy. The antidote is to accept that life is always demanding and to find ways to secure writing time in the midst of other commitments.

6. Maintain Momentum: Follow the Lilt

The lilt is a quality of voice. Almost everyone’s voice gets more energetic or musical when they are describing something that engages them.

Identify Your Passion. Choose writing projects that genuinely interest and excite you. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and sustainable. The "lilt" technique involves paying attention to the tone and quality of your voice when describing different projects or aspects of a project.

Follow the Energy. Prioritize the aspects of your project that generate the most enthusiasm and energy. This may involve shifting the focus of your research, exploring new angles, or collaborating with others who share your passion.

Avoid Obligation. Be wary of committing to projects out of a sense of duty or obligation. These projects are more likely to become sources of stress and resentment. It's better to focus on projects that align with your interests and values.

7. Cultivate Effective Feedback

Truly effective feedback involves seeing behind the smoke and mirrors we generate when we are struggling.

Process-Focused Feedback. Seek feedback on the writing process, rather than just the content. This involves sharing your struggles, strategies, and challenges with trusted colleagues. Process-focused feedback can help you identify and address underlying obstacles to writing productivity.

Insightful, Informed, and Mutual. Effective feedback is insightful, recognizing what is left unsaid; informed, offering techniques that work; and mutual, based in shared feelings and experiences. This involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to share your own experiences.

Depersonalize Criticism. Remember that critical comments are about your scholarly work, not you. Separate your self-worth from the evaluation of your writing. This will make it easier to receive feedback and use it to improve your work.

8. Relinquish Toxic Projects

Let go of a toxic writing project before it wastes any more of your valuable time.

Recognize the Signs. A toxic writing project is one that consistently generates feelings of loathing, dread, and resistance. It may be a project that you feel obligated to do, but that no longer aligns with your interests or values.

The Cost of Holding On. Holding on to a toxic project can drain your energy, damage your self-esteem, and prevent you from pursuing more rewarding opportunities. It's better to cut your losses and move on.

Symbolic Burial. To relinquish a toxic project, box up all related materials and remove them from your workspace. This symbolic act can help you to let go of the project and create space for something new.

9. Build a Supportive Writing Community

Writing support is tremendously helpful—almost miraculously so.

Overcome Isolation. Recognize that writing is often a solitary activity, but it doesn't have to be isolating. Actively seek out opportunities to connect with other academic writers.

Form or Join a Writing Group. A writing group can provide accountability, support, and encouragement. Focus on process, not content, and create a safe and confidential space for sharing struggles and successes.

Seek Mentorship. Find mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support. Mentors can help you navigate the academic system, identify opportunities, and overcome obstacles.

Last updated: March 3, 2025