The Academic Edge

A quick update at the end of season 1

In this episode, I talk about the critical importance of setting boundaries in academia. I clarify that boundaries are not a sign of personal failure but an essential professional tool that protect cognitive energy and enable academics to focus on their core work. If you're ready to reclaim your writing time, I help academics do this inside my Accelerator✅ The Accelerator

In this episode, I talk about navigating departmental politics, particularly for new scholars entering mid to large-sized academic departments.

In this podcast episode, I discuss the critical importance of choosing administrative roles wisely within academia. I emphasize that while administrative duties are a necessary part of academic life, not all roles are equal in terms of their demands and impact on one's capacity for research and writing.

...And What This Means For You. In this episode, I talked about the challenge faced by junior academics in navigating the academic environment, particularly the lack of institutional memory within departments.

In this episode, I talk about the concept of slow productivity, from the book by Cal Newport, Slow Productivity, The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I discuss and apply the idea of working at a natural pace as an academic and what this means for writing and writing productivity.

In this episode, I talk about various writing advice books that have influenced her and her coaching. I emphasize the importance of not adhering strictly to every piece of advice, as different techniques may resonate at different times in a writer's life. The discussion covers key insights from notable books, including Stephen King's 'On Writing', Paul Silvia's 'How to Write a Lot', Cal Newport's 'Deep Work', Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird', Jolie Jensen's 'Write No Matter What', and Dani Shapiro's 'Still Writing'. Each book offers unique perspectives on writing, productivity, and the creative process, encouraging writers to embrace imperfection and maintain focus amidst distractions.

In this conversation, I talk about the components of stylish academic writing. If you want my help in refining your academic writing you can find it here:✅ Editing for ExcellenceWhere I take you through my 6 stage editing process to refine your papers.

In this podcast episode, I talk about the critical role of planning in academic writing. I emphasize that planning is often misunderstood and maligned, yet it is essential for productivity and career advancement. The episode outlines four types of planning.

In this episode, I talk about the essential elements that make a journal article transformative, particularly in the context of the UK's REF cycle. If you would like my feedback on your journal articles, you can find information here:➡️ MASTER JOURNAL ARTICLE WRITINGAnd you can find some free training on getting started here:➡️ FREE TRAINING

In this episode, I talk about the inefficacy of academic meetings, highlighting how they often serve as a waste of time rather than a productive use of resources.

In this episode, I talk about the Academic Success Pyramid, emphasizing the importance of quality writing as the foundation for academic success. I explore the barriers that prevent academics from focusing on their writing and building career capital, such as pseudo productivity and distractions.

How to get writing done in term time with my guided academic writing sprint.

In this podcast, I talk about the prevalent teaching versus research dichotomy in academia, emphasizing the detrimental mindset that separates the two. I argue that this division creates barriers to academic success and fosters resentment among faculty. Being a great teacher and great researcher are not mutually exclusive. If you want help structuring your academic worklife so you can do both, it all starts with becoming a more efficient and effective writer.That's exactly what I help with inside my Academic Writer's Collective. You can get some free training here:➡️ Free Training➡️ Join my Collective Here

In this episode, I talk about the complexities of managing chronic illness within the academic environment. I share my personal experiences with chronic illness, particularly endometriosis and MCAS, and explores the fears and challenges faced by academics dealing with health issues.

In this episode, I discuss the nuances of coaching, particularly in the academic context. I explore the distinction between coachable and uncoachable problems and clients, emphasizing the importance of motivation and personal investment in the coaching process. Is coaching for you?

In this episode, I talk about burnout's manifestations, including physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing burnout. The conversation covers practical strategies for recovery.

In this conversation, I delve into the pervasive issue of academic burnout, exploring its causes, warning signs, and the cultural factors that contribute to it. If you want help with your managing your academic workloads so you can get your writing done without burning out, you can find my free resources here:➡️ FREE COACHING

In this episode, I talk about the formula of writing journal articles and the common pitfalls that lead to rejection. I emphasize the importance of understanding this particular genre so you can avoid the 5 big pitfalls of journal article writing to maximise your publication success rates. If you want free training on this, you can find this at:➡️ Free Training

In this episode, I talk about the common reasons why academic writers feel stuck and presents a four-part framework to help identify and overcome these obstacles.

In this episode I discuss the importance of identifying 'drainers' and 'drivers' in academic writing. I emphasizes the need for a personal audit to recognize what hinders productivity and what supports it.

In this episode I share valuable writing advice derived from my own experiences and the insights of my direct mentors.

In this episode I explore the intricate relationship between academic writing and the feelings of shame that often accompany it. She discusses how shame can prevent academics from seeking help and how it is deeply embedded in the culture of academia.

In this episode, I delve into the complexities of workload management, emphasizing the distinction between stress and time management. The conversation also explores strategies for managing workload and stress, including the necessity of bargaining for control over one's tasks and environment to enhance productivity and mental well-being.

In this episode I talk about the concept of deliberate practice and its application to improving writing skills, particularly in an academic context.

In this episode, I talk about the multifaceted nature of academic success, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by titles or positions. I encourage listeners to define their own version of success while highlighting key characteristics that contribute to a fulfilling academic career.

In this episode, I talk about the intricacies of writing a monograph. I outline the challenges faced by writers and introduce a structured approach to writing a monograph efficiently.

In this episode, I talk about the final essential element that contribute to the success and sustainability of academic writers. I focus this time on the importance of constant improvement in writing skills, strategic choices in project selection, and the critical role of reading in enhancing writing technique.

In this conversation, I talk about the critical habit of writing first for successful academic writers. I address common 'reasons' for not prioritizing writing, emphasizing the importance of establishing a consistent writing routine. By challenging self-imposed narratives and protecting writing time, academics can enhance their productivity and develop sustainable writing practices.

In this episode, I talk about the second characteristic of successful and sustainable academic writers: having a writer's identity. I emphasize the importance of self-identification in academic writing and how it influences the prioritization of writing in one's career.

In this episode, I talk about the key actions of successful and sustainable academic writers, focusing on the importance of time management and time tracking. I explain how tracking time can reveal the reality of one's work habits, confront long-held narratives, and ultimately lead to more intentional and focused writing practices. The episode serves as a call to action for academics to adopt time tracking as a tool for improving their writing productivity and effectiveness.

In this episode, I talk about binge and bust writing among academic writers. I explain how this writing pattern, characterized by procrastination followed by intense writing sessions, leads to stress, burnout, and lower quality work. Being a sustainable academic requires writing habits that foster momentum and productivity, not burnout, and ultimately to a more fulfilling academic career.

In this conversation, I discuss the concept of career trap doors in academia, particularly focusing on writing and the choices that can hinder an academic's career progression.

In this conversation, I discuss the inadequacies of academic training, particularly in relation to PhD programs, and emphasizes the need for essential skills that are often overlooked. I outline six critical areas of training that academics should focus on to enhance their careers. I encourage listeners to reflect on their own practices and identify areas for improvement to foster a more sustainable and fulfilling academic career.

Keywords: writing, thinking, academic writing, drafting process, creativity, writing process, coaching, productivity, writing techniques, academic successIn this conversation, we talk about the idea of 'writing to think,' addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of a structured writing process. Successful writers refine their thoughts through a structured drafting process.A rigid writing process can enhance creativity rather than stifle it.Polishing a single paragraph for hours is not an effective writing strategy.Academics often avoid the upfront thinking required for clear writing.Understanding the difference between writing to think and writing as a process is crucial.Interrogating others' writing processes can provide

Key Words: academia, career advice, academic success, writing skills, networking, work-life balance, strategic thinking, boundaries, mentorship, professional development In this conversation, I share valuable insights from my academic career, focusing on 5 key lessons I wished I had known when starting her career, and 5 things that served me well. Academia is not a meritocracyUnderstanding your institution's reality is crucial.Work allocation often lacks equityPhD training does not equate to writing skills for academia.Building an external network is essential for collaboration.