Category: Writing

  • Steven Pinker: The sense of style

    The Sense of Style, by Steven Pinker, is an evidence-based guide on writing that blends linguistics, cognitive psychology, and practical techniques to help writers achieve clarity and readability. This modern approach, suited for academics and professionals, emphasises the “classic style” that presents ideas conversationally to engage and inform readers.

  • [Note] Treat perfection like a process

    “Treat perfection like a process, not an achievable state. Perfectionism is crippling to productivity. I’ve known academics that can’t even start projects because of perfectionism.” – Matt Might

  • Improve academic writing with classic style

    Good writing prioritises clear presentation of ideas with a focus on structure, logic, and function, akin to architecture rather than decoration. Classic style, which advocates simplicity, truth, and conversation-like diction, is recommended for its clarity and authority. Overly complex academic writing should be avoided in favor of minimalism and functionality to effectively convey research and…

  • Goal-driven motivation: Writing when you don’t feel like it

    Goal-driven motivation is the incentive to do something I know is valuable when I don’t feel like doing it at all.

  • [Note] Write what the reader wants

    “Great writing requires you to position your idea in a way that will resonate with the reader. Average writers start with what they want to say without considering how it will land with the reader. Great writers understand the journey starts with what the reader desires.” – Farnam Street

  • Using AI to overcome writer’s block

    Struggling with writer’s block? Learn how to use AI tools effectively to move past blank page paralysis and create workable first drafts of your academic writing. While AI can’t replicate your unique voice, it can help you overcome writer’s block and focus on refining your ideas.

  • Increase your writing output with distraction free text editors

    Regular short bursts of writing with distraction free text editors will add up over time more than more sporadic long sessions.

  • Writing to understand

    Writing to understand challenges how academics typically approach writing as a final step in research. Rather than waiting until we have complete knowledge, this post explores how writing itself can be a powerful tool for thinking and discovery, helping us make connections and clarify our understanding through the act of writing.

  • Writing at four levels

    Tackle writing in four stages: capture high-level concepts, develop a coherent structure, craft consistent paragraphs, and write concise sentences. This structured approach makes the writing process more manageable, allowing you to focus on one element at a time and produce polished, effective work.

  • Giving early drafts substance with plain text

    The early drafts of any piece of writing aren’t meant to ‘be good’. They’re about giving early drafts substance.

  • [Note] Information is exchanged but knowledge is constructed

    “Information is exchanged. Knowledge is constructed.” – Amy Rae Fox

  • Paul Silvia: How to write a lot

    How to Write a Lot by Paul J. Silvia is a practical guide for academics struggling to boost their writing productivity. Silvia emphasizes disciplined scheduling, self-monitoring, and overcoming perfectionism to make writing a consistent part of one’s routine. His strategies empower scholars to publish more without compromising personal time.