Academic Writing

Sometime during my PhD, I developed a strong interest in academic writing. What this means is that I have attended workshops on writing (e.g. by Helen Sword and Danelle Stevens), I read about writing (books, blogs, etc), and sometimes tweet about it (@isabeauiqbal).

I have been a member of different writing groups, have participated in Academic Ladder’s Writing Club, and frequently join the chats in Phinished where I write with others from across the world.

I have a regular writing practice; my goal is 30 minutes per day/5 days week.

Resources

Blogs on writing

http://getalifephd.blogspot.ca/ (scroll down and see section “recommended posts on Get a Life, PhD” for a number of excellent posts on writing)

http://www.raulpacheco.org/ (search “my #AcWri strategies” to read some great posts on writing)

http://thesiswhisperer.com/

http://patthomson.net/

http://explorationsofstyle.com/

Other great sites and resources

Text and Academic Authors Associatio. Don’t be fooled by the formal name — this site if dynamic! Go straight to the Blog tab for excellent resources.

Writer’s Diet by Helen Sword.  Is your writing “fit or flabby” — take the test! I really like Dr. Sword’s work and have had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Her 2012 book, Stylish Academic Writing, is wonderful.

The Chronicle of Higher Education regularly has great posts on writing

Some books on writing that I have especially enjoyed

  • Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
  • How to Write a Lot (fast, fun read) by Paul Silvia
  • Stylish Academic Writing by Helen Sword
  • Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success by Wendy Belcher

Photo credit: Handwritten by A. Birkan ÇAGHAN (CC BY)