Academically Newsletter September 2019

ACADEMICALLY “Developing the scholar in you”

The Monthly Newsletter of The Scholar Mentor

September 2019 | Issue 5 www.TheScholarMentor.com

LET THE WORDS FALL ONTO THE PAGE Seasons come and seasons go, and for the academic writer, the autumn

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season is a great time to map out a plan for a “fall” semester of productivity.

IN THIS ISSUE

Autumn is often called fall in the United States because leaves fall from the trees at this time. As an academic writer, think about the words falling from your mind to your paper. As you know, words do not automatically fall onto the page, but there are some ways to allow the autumn season to inspire you and jumpstart your productivity.

I have been asked by current students, former students, colleagues, and others I mentor and advise about my productivity. There is one answer—you plan for it. It has to be a priority, but I also enjoy academic writing. There are

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Let the Words Fall onto the Page Like Leaves Falling from a Tree Personal Mentoring Writing Log Template Example The Scholar Mentor Bio

writing habits you can develop that will support your productivity and allow you to move toward your writing goals. Mentioned above, the start of an

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academic year with the fall semester allows you to begin your process of productivity that can span three to four months (from September through December). During this time, plan and outline your writing projects to allow the words to fall onto the page. Often our words do not fall onto the page because writers think the process has to be perfect. It is not. Allow your thoughts to flow, and do not interrupt them. See page 2 for strategies to help your words flow.

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The Scholar Mentor Newsletter is designed to advise, encourage, and mentor scholars in academic writing, and successful navigation and attainment of career goals in academe.

Felicia Moore Mensah, PhD | @docmensah | #thescholarmentor | https://www.facebook.com/TheScholarMentor

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LIKE LEAVES FALLING FROM A TREE There are several challenges academic writers may face in their writing process. The infamous writer’s block is opposite of the free flow of words and ideas we hope happens when we sit down to write. Writer’s block may consist of staring at a blank page or screen, being unable to write, feeling frozen or anxious about writing, or not having anything to say. There are hundreds of resources available and articles to read about it. Still, the strategies I use have been helpful in my process and productivity, and they have been helpful with those I work mentor. Below are a few strategies you can try alone or in a small group with other writers.

Exercise #1: Write Quickly, Edit Slowly Sometimes call free-write, this exercise focuses on interrupted writing. For example, based upon your research interests, or a topic you are writing or conducting research, set a timer and write as quickly as you can for 5 minutes, without stopping to make any corrections or edits. After you are done, then take 5 minutes to edit what you wrote. You can repeat this process for longer periods of time (10 or 15 minutes).

The goal is to allow your words to flow.

Exercise #2: Word Substitution Often in the process of writing, you get stuck trying to come up with the right word or phrase. Taking time to find the right word can stump your flow. Instead, think of a word (i.e., favorite color, food) or phrase (i.e., “whoever said that” or “blah blah”) to serve as your placeholder. For example, when I get stuck, I use ‘what I mean is…” or I pause and think to myself, “What am I trying to say”, and I just type what I am thinking. No need for academic language when it is not there! Recall from a previous issue of Academically that your writing does not have to be perfect. Writing is a draft, so treat it that way. Take the pressure off yourself and allow the words, thoughts, and ideas to fall for your mind onto the paper.

Just keep writing!

Exercise #3: Make Writing a Priority In the busy life an academic, one of the biggest challenges that impacts everything else you do is time. We all want more of it. We have the time, so it matters how we use it. When people say time management and balance, I do not think this works as ideally as we want. Instead, I set priorities. Therefore, writing has to be a priority. Better yet, set specific a time and definite goals. Just like setting an appointment to the doctor or to the hairdresser, or taking your car in for repair, you have a date, time, and place to go. Do the same for your writing time, set goals, and keep track of them, and have a place for writing.

(Continued on page 3)

Felicia Moore Mensah, PhD | @docmensah | #thescholarmentor | https://www.facebook.com/TheScholarMentor

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Writing Priority (Continued from page 2) For example, set up a Writing Log such as a Google Drive document or spreadsheet, or use Google Calendar tasks. The purpose of making writing a priority means you will be consistent, you know what to do for each session, and you do not have to take time to figure out next steps. Here is an excerpt from my Writing Log. I have used the log with my doctoral students and junior faculty I mentor. The entries in the log were from last spring as I was working on a book chapter.

Notice, you want to keep track of the date and time, and how long your writing session lasted. Some writers note that daily writing is good, but this depends on your schedule and even your writing projects and goals. Still, by making writing as a priority, decide the time(s) and day(s) that are good for you and make your appointments. For example, set an hour a day, or aim for 6 hours per week which can be a great start for the fall semester to help you progress & keep track of your ideas. Making writing a priority will let your words fall onto the page, the page like leaves falling from a tree!

Get your calendar out and set your writing appointments for the fall!!

Felicia Moore Mensah, PhD | @docmensah | #thescholarmentor | https://www.facebook.com/TheScholarMentor

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www.TheScholarMentor.com

Current Bio Felicia Moore Mensah, Ph.D. I have an exceptional and successful record in advising doctoral students and developing early career scholars. I enjoy teaching and serving as a mentor and coach to my students and many others I adopt along their academic trajectory. As I also work with junior faculty and assisting them in obtaining tenure and promotion and improving classroom practice. From my 15+ years in the academy, I have personal stories and insights to make your journey less frustrating and more pleasurable. I have published extensively in top-tier academic research journals, written book chapters, and developed curriculum materials, teacher resources, and other scholarly products. As a researcher, my work addresses issues of diversity and equity in science teacher education, with an emphasis on culturally relevant teaching, multiculturalism, and critical theories. As a workshop provider, I can design a program that meets your particular needs for student, teacher, and faculty development.

Felicia Moore Mensah, PhD | @docmensah | #thescholarmentor | https://www.facebook.com/TheScholarMentor

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