How to start writing again after a break

Taking a long break from anything, writing included, can make it difficult to know how or where to start again. Two of the biggest hurdles to overcome are allowing yourself to let go of any guilt you have from not writing and putting to rest the infinite “I’ll do it tomorrow” mentality. Of course that isn’t to say that breaks are often necessary. They allow you to come back to your writing rejuvenated, more motivated, and re-inspired. However, when a break turns into weeks and months without writing, the daunting task of how and where to start again is often suffocating. So what can you do to get back into your writing routine?

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The most useful textbook & academic writing posts of the week: January 15, 2016

This week brings you a unique mix of topics. From Bringing Your Own Work Into the Classroom to Writing: How to Take Care of your Hands and Wrists. From How do people read mathematics? to How to Focus: 5 Research-Backed Secrets to Concentration. All of the articles below are insightful and full of useful advice. Is there an article you read this week that you think should be on this list? If so, share it in the comments section at the bottom of this post! Happy writing!

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Tips & tools to reach your writing productivity peak

“I’m master of my universe.” This is a mantra that Kathleen P. King, author of more than 30 books, including 147 Practical Tips for Emerging Scholars and The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology, both practices and encourages fellow academics to use when deadlines or writing anxiety start to set in. Have a plan, set deadlines, and be flexible—be master of your universe. You are in control of the deadlines you set for yourself and how dedicated you are to your writing. However, she says, you also need to reflect on what your writing habits are, how you can improve them, and how you can leverage your strengths and preferences to be most productive.

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Featured Member Meggin McIntosh – Deliberate strategies to improve your productivity and sanity

Meggin McIntosh is a Professor and Director Emerita of the Excellence in Teaching Program at University of Nevada, Reno. In 1996 she founded Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., a company dedicated to providing productivity and organizational resources to faculty, individuals, and the private sector. With topics ranging from writing productivity and professional development to children’s and young adult literature, McIntosh is widely published with nearly 50 scholarly articles, two academic books, 29 curriculum publications, 14 instructional guides, textbook and scholarly book chapters, a teaching guide, and more than 1,500 blog and online articles.

Here McIntosh shares deliberate strategies to help improve your productivity and sanity.

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