It’s the second week of January. Universities, workplaces and our mindsets are getting back into the swing of things. Before you get too embedded in all that, let me ask one thing: did you make any New Year writing resolutions? Yes? Is this the year you’re going to finish your PhD? Or maybe you’re going to write that novel that’s been bouncing around your brain since 2016? Are you an academic wanting to draft an Read more…
Remember back to when you wanted to make your first big purchase? Mine was a bass guitar. As red and glossy as early summer cherries, it beckoned from the music store window. I’d stand on the pavement outside, palms pressed to the glass, day-dreaming like the protagonist in the opening scenes of a coming-of-age movie. I’d just got my first job, which boded well. I’d be able to buy it myself! Only thing was, when Read more…
Ever missed a writing deadline? Missed one in the past few months? Maybe even a few of them? Crucially, have any of these been self-imposed deadlines? If so, it’s probably time to reassess your relationship with your writing targets. In the early days of a long-form writing project (and particularly for a PhD), it’s easy to shrug off tasks as they dozily hum in the background like fuzzy bumble bees. They can be rescheduled. There’s weeks, months, Read more…
This weekend I supported a talented group of PhD students to reach and exceed their writing goals at the University of Bristol’s first Thesis Boot Camp. I created Thesis Boot Camp back in 2012 as a supercharged space for thesis writing, and soon after roped in my friends Dr Katherine Firth and Dr Liam Connell to further develop the concept. Since, all three of us have continued to refine and enhance our writing events and Read more…