I think everyone needs to print this quote and tape it someplace clearly visible on his or her desk, computer, or writing space. Look at it every time you sit down to write. Quiet the voices of negativity and just write. You are capable of writing well, of writing that is worthy of others to read, you just have to believe it and shut down the voices that tell you otherwise! One of my favorite quotes, and one that fits perfectly here, was said by Muhammad Ali, “To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.” Believing in your abilities to write is half the hurdle. Once you believe that, getting words onto the page will become easier. Happy writing!

Professors cite more organized, focused teaching when using own textbooks in class
Two professors give their insight on writing and teaching from their own textbook. Richard Campbell, chair of the Department of Media, Journalism and Film said, “Writing the textbook causes me to be involved, engages me in the material in a way that for me is much richer than if I hadn’t written the textbook.” What benefits can you add from writing your own textbook that you teach from?

How Procrastination Can Improve Efficiency
Procrastinate to get things done? Tell me more! 😉

Why You Should Write Down What You Accomplished At The End Of Every Day
Although this piece isn’t specific to writers, if put into practice in terms of what you accomplished in your writing everyday, you will likely see the awards described. I do something similar with my workouts to keep me motivated, see progress, and keep me on point.

Leveraging Your Book and Platform Strategically
If you are planning to self-publish a book in the future, I suggest you read this piece for tips on leveraging and marketing your book.

Please fit your oxygen mask before helping others
When you are stressed, do you go into flight or fight mode? If you answered ‘yes’ than this post on self-compassion is a must read for you. It offers interesting facts on self-compassion and how practicing more of it can be beneficial to you.

Scholars Talk Writing: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
The third installment in Rachel Toor’s Scholars Talk Writing series, interviews Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. Goldstein gives an interesting perspective on academic writing and insight into her writing process. A somewhat thought provoking piece entwined with useful advice for academic writing.

Strategies (and reasons) for being more productive with fewer hours
With 25 strategies on this list, you are bound to find a few that you can use to help you become more productive. I used to do number 16, but haven’t in some time and I need to start again. I also need to implement numbers 9 and 13 a bit more. How about you?

Why the Dean of Harvard Medical School Tweets
It’s really no secret that I love Twitter and think you all should be on it! So that’s why I’m sharing this piece. Here’s just a bit of what Jeffrey Flier, the dean of Harvard Medical School, says about Twitter, “I have a new way of communicating with interesting folks outside my normal circle, some of whom have become valuable Twitter friends or actual friends.” Follow him on Twitter: @jflier.

Article Throwback

Simple but powerful tricks for proofreading | November 20, 2014
Helmut Hauser offers some excellent advice for proofreading. One piece of advice he suggests implementing is to “change the font size and type.” I think that’s a brilliant suggestion! Do any of you already do that when you proofread?