It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is here and next week is Christmas. Which means not only the end of the semester for many of you, but also grading tests and papers for hours on end. I have many memories that involve my father sitting at our dining room table, stacks of papers piled around him, grading tests from the time he got home until late into the evening (I even got to help him from time to time). I know how crazy this time of year can be for academics, but hopefully amid the chaos you can still find a place of quietude for your writing.

Whether you just need a break from grading, are looking for ways to stay motivated or become a more productive writer, or want to learn more about the future of the monograph, you’ll find it here. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas. See you back here in 2015! And of course, happy writing!

Daily Writing: How Prolific Scholars Do It
If you’re looking to become a more productive writer, this piece by Tanya Golash-Boza is a must read. Golash-Boza gives her own experience using the suggested model (you have to read the article for that!), research that proves the model, and tips and strategies for you to use to become more productive. As always, Golash-Boza does not disappoint with her advice.

How To Think Like A Writer (Over 13,000 Likes on Facebook!)
It seems to me that so many writers use writing as a way to clarify their thinking; an observation also made by many writers themselves. Sometimes in order to find inspiration and motivation to sit down and write, we need to take a break and read, or, do something to get our minds off of the task before us. This piece is my ‘feel good’ piece of the week. And maybe, just maybe, it will spark some inspiration to help you get back to writing. As the author of this piece, Carolyn Gregoire says, “…there’s only one way for it to be done: One word, sentence, and paragraph at a time.”

The “Wild West” of Academic Publishing
What is the future of the monograph and what does this mean for junior scholars seeking tenure? How does open access come into play? For an in-depth look into the realm of academic journal and book publishing and their futures, I strongly recommend you read this piece.

How to target a journal that’s right for your research
Although I had hoped this article would offer more concrete information on how to select a journal—the focus is on open access journal selection and publishing, which is still relevant—I still find it worth the read. For those of you seeking to publish using an open access model, this article needs to be on your radar. If you are seeking a more in-depth look at finding a journal to submit your article to, I recommend you read Dannelle D. Stevens, “Stretch, reach and fall back: Targeting your submission to the journal”.

What Is the Point of Academic Books?
This piece also explores the purpose of an academic book—such as producing a profit or providing knowledge to the masses. It also briefly explores the future of academic books and the idea of an open access model. For a look into academic book publishing in terms of publishers’ perspectives, this article is worth the read.