WISE sponsors workshop on writing goals, plans

WISE recently sponsored a workshop with presenter Rena Seltzer, LMSW, who coaches professionals to help them reach their writing goals.

In discussing the writing of dissertations, Seltzer recommends writing every day in short blocks; she further advises to write as though the reader knows nothing of the topic, as she says that reviewers reject articles simply because they don't understand them.

Other goals of the workshop including plans for dealing with procrastination and having more patience for the process and less judgment of your own work.

In her practice, Seltzer goals include deepening learning, forwarding action, and getting writers to be accountable. For scientists, Seltzer defines these goals more narrowly; she advises writing earlier than you think you're ready, since you must get into the habit to develop it.

During the course of the talk, Seltzer gave her 4 tools for successful academic writing. First is positive reframing; Seltzer asked the attendees for a metaphor for their dissertation writing – someone suggested pushing a rock up a hill, while another attendee suggested "a black hole". Now, Seltzer says, change that metaphor to something positive and energizing. For instance, one of her clients liked putting together jigsaw puzzles, so she suggested she use puzzles as a metaphor for her writing. Every time she wrote, she was finding another piece of the puzzle that fit. Seltzer recommends posting a picture or words near your workspace to remind you of this metaphor.

Secondly, make a timeline with goals. What does the final product look like in 2 years? 6 months? 90 days? Get goals and write them into your planner. Some audience members started with the Rackham dissertation deadlines. Seltzer finds external deadlines to be helpful, helping you to develop flexibility to avoid punishing yourself later.

Seltzer also advises writers to write every day; research on binge writers vs. regular daily writers suggests that daily writers much more productive. The advantage is that it is less physically taxing, allowing you to think in between sessions and synthesize information. It also keeps you motivated – it's a reminder of what you're doing and why you're here.

Lastly, create positive writing structures that involve all your senses. This could be anything from making a cup of tea to playing a sound track, and from using a good pen to setting a timer. Other helpful structures include group brainstorming, closing the door, wearing comfortable clothing, meeting with others, and having writing buddies and a reward system.

WISE will be forming writing groups as a result of this workshop. Seltzer's website can be found at www.leaderacademic.com.

December 2008 eNews

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