The bitter truth about scholarly writing is that it is really hard work, and that no matter how much better or more confident or more experienced you become as a writer, it never stops being hard work. Every new paper or chapter or book makes a new argument, and that argument needs to be built, … Continue reading Book writing: The thin line between love and hate
Category: metaphor in doctoral writing
Not ‘that’ kind of doctor
On a flight home from a teaching block last week, there was a medical emergency on the plane. The crew, as they do in these situations, asked for a doctor to make himself or herself known (and then asked for any medical professional to come forward). A Swedish doctor sitting next to me stood up, … Continue reading Not ‘that’ kind of doctor
PhD workout: warming up your writing muscles
So, I am writing a book. I have been sort-of-kind-of writing a book for a long time now. We have an on and off relationship, my book and I. But, a proposal is being reviewed, and the hope is that the feedback will be a green light, so I have to get writing. And soon. … Continue reading PhD workout: warming up your writing muscles
What does it mean to ‘sound academic’ in your writing?
I have been reading a lot of other people's writing lately, which has kind of sapped my own creative energies. However, it really has got me thinking about a few issues related to helping other people to improve their writing, which I'll share over a few posts. This one is about 'sounding academic', and what … Continue reading What does it mean to ‘sound academic’ in your writing?
Fairy castles, ramshackle cottages and writing in the real world
I have this problem: I am not always a huge fan of reality. It's often far less interesting and well-ordered than the world I can create in my head. For example, it can take 2 years to publish a paper - writing, revising, reviews, more (crushing at times) feedback, more revising, and this goes on … Continue reading Fairy castles, ramshackle cottages and writing in the real world
