Overview

Paul Silvia’s How to Write a Lot offers a pragmatic approach for academics looking for strategies to support more consistent and productive academic writing. The book demystifies writing as an act that doesn’t require inspiration or elaborate preparation but instead benefits from routine and discipline.

Key takeaways

1. Writing doesn’t require inspiration. Writing regularly rather than sporadically or only when inspiration strikes is essential. Routine is more reliable than waiting for the “right moment.”
2. Scheduling is paramount. Success in writing is less about finding time and more about making time. Dedicated, non-negotiable blocks for writing each week are the foundation of productive writing.
3. Track progress and goals. Tracking word counts or project completions offers clear goals and accountability, fostering a sense of accomplishment and forward momentum.
4. Embrace imperfection. Let go of perfectionism and instead focus on completing drafts. This approach makes the act of writing less daunting and more achievable.
5. Leverage peer accountability. Writing groups or accountability partners can create a sense of responsibility and a supportive environment for mutual encouragement.

Practical implications for academics

1. Set up a weekly writing schedule. Academics should carve out blocks of time for writing, treating these as fixed appointments. This approach shifts writing from a reactive task to a proactive priority.
2. Define writing goals and monitor progress. Setting measurable goals (such as a daily word count or chapter target) allows academics to track progress, giving them a sense of control and motivation to achieve more.
3. Use tools to block distractions. Digital tools, such as site blockers, can help create a focused writing environment by removing common distractions like social media, email, or non-urgent tasks.
4. Prioritise projects. With multiple writing obligations, creating a project hierarchy based on deadlines, visibility, and career goals can help streamline efforts and make significant progress on essential work.
5. Build a writing community. Engaging with other writers through a writing group or accountability partnership helps maintain consistency and offers support, reducing the isolation that often accompanies academic writing.

Silvia’s book challenges academics to view writing as a structured, disciplined practice rather than a creative struggle. By implementing these principles, academics can potentially increase their productivity significantly while avoiding burnout and preserving personal time. These strategies support a sustainable balance that allows academics to meet publishing demands in higher education without feeling overwhelmed.

Silvia, P. J. (2018). How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing (Second Edition). APA LifeTools.