To be a successful academic writer, maintaining focus is crucial. While this may seem like an obvious principle, it took me years to fully grasp its significance. This blog, the second in a series on strategies for academic writing, delves into the power of writing with others and how it can enhance productivity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself trapped in a debilitating writer’s block. As a precariously employed academic, the inability to write was nothing short of disastrous. Papers and grant applications serve as the currency that secures the next academic contract, making the stakes even higher.
Like many people, my anxiety levels soared during this period. Endless worries consumed my mind. My children suffered from isolation and inadequate homeschooling, which fell on my unqualified shoulders. My family, residing thousands of miles away, became unreachable due to travel bans. The fragile state of the Malawian health system added to the weight on my shoulders. Insomnia became my constant companion, exacerbating the challenges I faced.
However, hitting rock bottom ultimately became a transformative moment in my journey. It was during one of those despairing nights, at 3 am, that I stumbled upon Rowena Murray’s Facebook group—a discovery that opened the doors to a world of structured writing retreats. Even amidst the pandemic, researchers ingeniously adapted Rowena’s renowned approach, originally designed for in-person events, and transformed it into virtual gatherings. Within this virtual space, I found solace in a community predominantly composed of women who, like me, struggled to balance their academic writing pursuits with their childcare responsibilities.
The approach itself was surprisingly simple yet remarkably effective. By joining the group, setting goals, eliminating distractions (such as phones, internet browsing, and email), and keeping the camera on to maintain accountability, I experienced a newfound focus solely on writing. Each session concluded with reflections on the progress made, with quantifiable measurements such as the number of words written or pages edited. Through this process, I gained fascinating insights into my own writing process:
- I discovered how long it took me to write 100 words.
- I recognized my tendency to get stuck on the first sentence.
- I realized how little time I had previously dedicated to editing.
- I learned that I was not alone in finding academic writing challenging.
- I understood how sharing writing struggles with others could foster greater productivity.
Within this supportive space, women had the opportunity to share their writing struggles and celebrate their successes—a radical experience in its own right. It was here that I also met my incredible academic writing partner, Pip, with whom I continue to collaborate on a weekly basis. The impact of this approach is evident in my CV, boasting the publication of 10 academic papers.
If you find yourself grappling with a writing project, I encourage you to give this approach a try:
- Consider asking a friend to become your writing partner.
- Explore Rowena Murray’s Facebook group for a supportive community.
- Experiment with Focusmate, a free platform that allows you to match with people working on tasks.
Although I have since transitioned away from full-time academia, the power of this approach remains ingrained within me. It has become an invaluable tool that I carry forward, empowering me in all areas of my life.
