Many academics approach writing as a means to an end – focusing entirely on reaching publication while treating the actual writing process as something to endure. This mindset turns the academic writing process into a source of stress rather than an opportunity for intellectual growth and discovery. We chase outputs, meet deadlines, and tick boxes, but in doing so, we risk losing the deep thinking and creativity that should be at the heart of scholarly writing.
When conversations about academic writing focus solely on productivity metrics and publication counts, we overlook something crucial: the quality of our relationship with writing itself.
Think about your own writing practice. Do you:
- Treat writing as a necessary burden to be tackled in desperate bursts?
- Focus so much on the end goal that the process is painful?
- Find yourself dreading writing sessions rather than looking forward to them?
- Judge each writing session solely by word count or pages produced?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But there’s a more sustainable approach to thinking about and planning your writing sessions.
Reimagining the writing process
Instead of viewing writing simply as a means of production, what if we approached it as a practice to be developed and refined over time? This shift in perspective – from product to process – can transform writing from a source of stress into a sustainable scholarly practice.
The key is to build a writing process that you genuinely enjoy. This doesn’t mean every writing session will be easy or that you’ll always feel inspired. But by creating an environment and routine that supports thinking and creativity alongside an increasing word count, you make it more likely that you’ll actually want to show up and do the work.
Building an enjoyable writing practice
A sustainable academic writing process isn’t about forcing yourself to write more – it’s about creating conditions where writing becomes a natural part of your scholarly life. Start by examining your current writing environment and routine:
- When and where do you feel most energised to write?
- What conditions help you think most clearly?
- How can you make your writing space more inviting?
- What small changes would make writing sessions more enjoyable?
Then, focus on developing practices that enhance both the quality and experience of your writing:
- Create rituals that signal it’s time to write
- Design your workspace to support focused work
- Build in time for reflection and incubation of ideas
- Allow yourself to write imperfect first drafts
- Celebrate the process of developing ideas, not just finishing drafts
Remember, a sustainable writing practice isn’t about forcing yourself to write more – it’s about creating conditions where writing becomes a natural part of your scholarly life.
The long view
When you shift focus from just the output to building a sustainable process, something interesting happens: not only does writing become more enjoyable, but the quality of your work will probably improve. By removing the pressure to produce and instead cultivating a practice you enjoy, you create space for deeper thinking and more original ideas to emerge.
The goal isn’t to write more papers – it’s to develop a writing practice that supports your long-term growth as a scholar while maintaining your well-being.
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