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Professors as Writers: A Self-Help Guide to Productive Writing
Here is a proven book to help scholars master writing as a productive, enjoyable, and successful experience -- Author, Robert Boice, prepared this self-help manual for professors who want to write more productively, painlessly, and successfully. It reflects the author's two decades of experiences and research with professors as writers -- by compressing a lot of experience into a brief, programmatic framework. Like the actual sessions and workshops in which the author works with writers, this book admonishes and reassures. In the innovative book lies the path for sustained, highly productive scholarly writing!
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 1990
102 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 18, 2014
To be fair, I read this book but did not do the plan or the exercises that went along. It focused on overcoming writer's block and other psychological impediments to writing, like fear of failure, perfectionism, etc. I hoped for more pragmatic advice on time management and organization, versus motivation, just because that is what I feel I'm lacking. The book had some suggestions to rearrange one's writing environment and writing habits but those were not the innovative parts. So I did not find it very useful personally; I've learned more from books on writing by fiction writers like Anne Lamott and Stephen King. But Boice will undoubtedly strike a chord with others whose challenges are different from mine.
January 10, 2020
Boice knows his stuff. He has thoroughly researched writing blocks and writing anxiety and offers solutions from a clinical angle as a mental health clinician. He also has done significant research on automatic writing and free writing and their usefulness to the blocked writer.
This is an older book, but I think this book would be really helpful for anyone who is trying to develop good writing habits. It's geared toward academics, but I honestly think it could be helpful to anyone who's trying to do any kind of writing. It's very much process-oriented: lots of worksheets to fill out to figure out where you fall on the spectrum of X issue, lots of checklists for making writing productive, etc.
Boice's basic thesis is that in order to be a productive writer, you go through four stages. The first couple of stages are just focused on generating writing; so stage one is about automatic and generative writing (essentially a kind of targeted freewriting and outlining and note taking). The second stage is about stimulus control, creating external motivators to ensure that you write on a regular basis. The third is about cutting out the negative self-talk that inhibits writing, and the fourth is about making your writing public (in a support group, to a select reader, etc). I've read a lot of writing manuals at this point, and I think what Boice's has going for it that a lot of others don't is that number one, he credits Dorothea Brande instead of ripping her off (looking at you, Julia Cameron!); also despite being a psychologist or psychiatrist, he does not insist that writing blocks or writing anxiety come from trauma. Trauma can certainly be a factor, but it's not the only or even main reason that people have trouble writing, and The Artist's Way is off-puttingly full of that insistence. Finally, it's very pragmatic and concrete; nothing in this book is vague. Everything is broken down into a process with steps, and all the steps are evidence-based in Boice's research or the research of others.
This guy wrote tons of articles and books about writing (specifically anxiety and blocks), and I think his arguments are sound.
This is an older book, but I think this book would be really helpful for anyone who is trying to develop good writing habits. It's geared toward academics, but I honestly think it could be helpful to anyone who's trying to do any kind of writing. It's very much process-oriented: lots of worksheets to fill out to figure out where you fall on the spectrum of X issue, lots of checklists for making writing productive, etc.
Boice's basic thesis is that in order to be a productive writer, you go through four stages. The first couple of stages are just focused on generating writing; so stage one is about automatic and generative writing (essentially a kind of targeted freewriting and outlining and note taking). The second stage is about stimulus control, creating external motivators to ensure that you write on a regular basis. The third is about cutting out the negative self-talk that inhibits writing, and the fourth is about making your writing public (in a support group, to a select reader, etc). I've read a lot of writing manuals at this point, and I think what Boice's has going for it that a lot of others don't is that number one, he credits Dorothea Brande instead of ripping her off (looking at you, Julia Cameron!); also despite being a psychologist or psychiatrist, he does not insist that writing blocks or writing anxiety come from trauma. Trauma can certainly be a factor, but it's not the only or even main reason that people have trouble writing, and The Artist's Way is off-puttingly full of that insistence. Finally, it's very pragmatic and concrete; nothing in this book is vague. Everything is broken down into a process with steps, and all the steps are evidence-based in Boice's research or the research of others.
This guy wrote tons of articles and books about writing (specifically anxiety and blocks), and I think his arguments are sound.
February 28, 2018
This was a great book with very practical advice for writers. Especially academic writers. Initially, I resisted the exercises but they proved to be helpful in getting over my own roadblocks. I highly recommend this book and the methods described.
Want to read
May 20, 2017Dr. Tom Hanks highly recommends this book.
June 4, 2018
This book on unblocking writers deals mainly ( almost exclusively) with scholarly writing. However, the framework should work just as well for any writer that is blocked.
Robert Boice does have a framework laid out in these pages. I plan on applying them in my own life.
Robert Boice does have a framework laid out in these pages. I plan on applying them in my own life.
October 19, 2022
An interesting book and goes into the depth of the subject with clarity and substance . The book is a good read meant for professors and gives productive ideas . It is well written
March 20, 2009
Based on his research on scholarly writing and his experience counseling authors, Robert Boice devised a four-stage approach to writing consistently and productively: (1) establish momentum, (2) develop external controls, (3) foster intrinsic motivation, and (4) leverage sociality. In this book, Boice introduces techniques for mastering each of these stages and offers insightful advice to keep the words flowing. Whether you're currently experiencing a block or are simply looking for preventive measures, this book is a worthwhile read.
July 12, 2016
Don’t be off-put by the title of this work. Any writer (or artist) can benefit from this readable, highly researched book that will help you develop as a writer or artist. The first section of the book is a rehash of common techniques used to prevent writers block. For me, the real value in this book lies in the second section that deals with spontaneous and generative writing, and clustering and logical ordering (write first, outline second). Despite the redundant first section, anyone who wants to improve his or her practice of writing would benefit from this book. For the person who enjoys writing and wants to elevate their practice to a craft, this book is a must-read.
September 29, 2008
This is a marvellous practical book on how to get going with academic writing. Lots of really useful tips about how to organise oneself and how to overcome academic writer's block.
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November 9, 2017Read this because of a post at Publishing in the Archives Profession here: https://archivespublishing.wordpress....
"Despite its problems, writing brings more professional rewards than anything else a professor can do. Writing for publication weighs heavily in decisions about hiring, promotion, and tenure in academic and other professional settings. It brings rewards of visibility and portability. And, writing offers a unique kind of self-education" (7).
"Avoid writing in binges. Abandon the notion that writing is best done in large, undisrupted blocks of time. Wating for such times does more than reinforce procrastination; it demands excessive warm-up times and it encourages you to write until you are fatigued" (79).
"Write in small, regular amounts. If you're writing regularly, 30-minute session may be adequately productive. Resist the temptation to extend normal sessions into binges that leave you feeling burned out on writing" (79-80).
"Writing also brings enormous rewards such as public recognition. Why should it be different from any other complex and worthwhile challenge? (125).
"Despite its problems, writing brings more professional rewards than anything else a professor can do. Writing for publication weighs heavily in decisions about hiring, promotion, and tenure in academic and other professional settings. It brings rewards of visibility and portability. And, writing offers a unique kind of self-education" (7).
"Avoid writing in binges. Abandon the notion that writing is best done in large, undisrupted blocks of time. Wating for such times does more than reinforce procrastination; it demands excessive warm-up times and it encourages you to write until you are fatigued" (79).
"Write in small, regular amounts. If you're writing regularly, 30-minute session may be adequately productive. Resist the temptation to extend normal sessions into binges that leave you feeling burned out on writing" (79-80).
"Writing also brings enormous rewards such as public recognition. Why should it be different from any other complex and worthwhile challenge? (125).
May 20, 2018
"Teachers or writers who await mood and inspiration before beginning court trouble. Conversely, writers and teachers who create mood and inspiration by performing on demand tend to prosper.” (Kindle Locations 1181-1183)
No wonder this book from 1990 is still so widely cited. A great guide with useful and well-fundamented advice which generates a four step self-assessment and action-oriented approach to unblock writing while developing a sustainable writing practice. I wish I had read this a long time ago!
No wonder this book from 1990 is still so widely cited. A great guide with useful and well-fundamented advice which generates a four step self-assessment and action-oriented approach to unblock writing while developing a sustainable writing practice. I wish I had read this a long time ago!
October 20, 2017
Worth reading if writing is daunting for you
Scientific writing is, well, writing! And as scientists we do not have the luxury to avoid writing. This book contains several interesting methods to begin overcoming that fear.
Scientific writing is, well, writing! And as scientists we do not have the luxury to avoid writing. This book contains several interesting methods to begin overcoming that fear.
October 9, 2020
I am not a Professor and have read this as a creative writer with intense writer's block. As someone who prefers processes and science-based approaches to problems, this helped immensely. I have since begun, tentatively, to write my novel again and have continued for over 3 months.
July 21, 2020
There are some tips that will work for some folks, myself included. But the studies upon which the advice is based are presented as generalizable despite extremely small, unrepresentative samples.
December 21, 2020
Most of this is similar to advice in another or Boice’s books I read long ago, but solid reminders of specifically how good habits produce consistent work are always helpful...
May 17, 2022
Good self help book. Just now sit down and write
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2012
Overall this book was helpful. Boice has helped unblock professors with writing difficulties for years and has really done his research on the subject of writing difficulties. The book mirrors his real-life program in which problem writers seek his assistance to get back on track. Boice includes some interesting interludes in which he examines the history and scholarship on issues such as spontaneous writing and negative self-talk. It's interesting to find out that any anxieties you have about writing are probably normal, and to hear anecdotes about academics who find writing to be truly agonizing. There is a little too much about feelings in here for my tastes, but it's all worth a read.
The core point of the book, though, is that writing is best done daily or almost-daily, and when it is scheduled in blocks of time from 30 min to 2 hours. At the point where productivity begins to diminish, you stop before you wipe yourself out or fall prey to decreasing returns. Binge writing is heavily discouraged. The people who have the most ideas for writing and who get the most pleasure out of the process are the same ones who write according to a schedule and for fairly short spans of time. Also interesting was the suggestion that academics work on 2 or 3 projects at a time to help break up monotony when writing.
Not only does Boice have solid writing advice for academics who want to be more productive, but he has the research and experience to back it up.
The core point of the book, though, is that writing is best done daily or almost-daily, and when it is scheduled in blocks of time from 30 min to 2 hours. At the point where productivity begins to diminish, you stop before you wipe yourself out or fall prey to decreasing returns. Binge writing is heavily discouraged. The people who have the most ideas for writing and who get the most pleasure out of the process are the same ones who write according to a schedule and for fairly short spans of time. Also interesting was the suggestion that academics work on 2 or 3 projects at a time to help break up monotony when writing.
Not only does Boice have solid writing advice for academics who want to be more productive, but he has the research and experience to back it up.
October 24, 2012
This book acts as a therapy session on writing blockages. In fact Boice uses narratives of real therapy sessions he conducted with faculty members throughout the book to illustrate the practical response and some objections to the programs outlined in the book. This book, therefore, is most meaningful for those people who feel they have trouble writing in a professional setting.
It works from outlining why professors don't write, to the phenomenology of writing blockages, advising the reader to fill out an extremely helpful questionnaire in the back appendices. From there it breaks down into two main sections: strategies for the short run (results first writing), and strategies for the long run (cognition based habit-forming techniques and standards from the field). The latter of the sections can really be applied to any part of ones life, with due caution. This last part is the driver of the last chapter, which signs off by recommending mastery of the form, in order to keep it from burning a writer out, or letting it consume ones life.
The book was drawn from extensive research and experience. Evidence was given in a conversational tone, and explained masterfully. It was fantastic to read as an aspiring productive writer.
It works from outlining why professors don't write, to the phenomenology of writing blockages, advising the reader to fill out an extremely helpful questionnaire in the back appendices. From there it breaks down into two main sections: strategies for the short run (results first writing), and strategies for the long run (cognition based habit-forming techniques and standards from the field). The latter of the sections can really be applied to any part of ones life, with due caution. This last part is the driver of the last chapter, which signs off by recommending mastery of the form, in order to keep it from burning a writer out, or letting it consume ones life.
The book was drawn from extensive research and experience. Evidence was given in a conversational tone, and explained masterfully. It was fantastic to read as an aspiring productive writer.
June 17, 2011
I have actually read this before, and feel stupefied by his psychobabble and his bizarre numbering of forms rather than labeling them. I think it is a trait of the social sciences.
However, the 4 or 5 pages in which he describes step by step how to rework/revise your article is really good.
The suggestions for making yourself write every day are also solid but not different from everyone else's advice.
Where he does differ is in the emphasis on self-care and being kind to yourself -- advice not often heard in academia.
So I can't really say that I LIKE this book, but it survives every purge of my bookshelves and I skim through it again every few years.
However, the 4 or 5 pages in which he describes step by step how to rework/revise your article is really good.
The suggestions for making yourself write every day are also solid but not different from everyone else's advice.
Where he does differ is in the emphasis on self-care and being kind to yourself -- advice not often heard in academia.
So I can't really say that I LIKE this book, but it survives every purge of my bookshelves and I skim through it again every few years.
September 16, 2016
I found this somewhat helpful in understanding the reasons why it's oftentimes difficult to write. Boice also offers very practical steps to overcome writers' block. I gave it a somewhat low score because I found the advice a little repetitive why was a little tiresome after half the book e.g. even if one is not a perfectionist writer, one would have to read through advice to that group or at least skim read in every chapter.
One aspect that the book does really well is provide the reader with further resources if they wish to use them. Boice is clearly very knowledgeable in this area, so respect where it's due.
One aspect that the book does really well is provide the reader with further resources if they wish to use them. Boice is clearly very knowledgeable in this area, so respect where it's due.
December 18, 2016
The book focuses on developing good writing habits to become a productive writer. The tips are general and good for all "stuck" writers, but I often felt as though much of the focus was a bit more on writers in humanities and some social sciences. There was a lot of discussion about creativity and getting a lot of words out, but not so much about the other parts that go into writing a science paper (data collection, analysis, etc.). In any case, the tests for determining what is causing someone to get stuck in their writing process, and the subsequent discussions on how to work with those stuck points, are useful for all writers.
December 1, 2011
This book begins by suggesting that it is merely about combating Writer's Block. Though this is the ostensible focus, many of pragmatic suggestions for writing and controlling the thoughts and environments that surround and are associated with writing might be equally useful to non-blocked writers. Boice imagines that people can overcome writing problems through both cognitive and behavioral attention to their problems, which is a refreshingly rounded approach.
November 15, 2014
A psychologist helps you diagnose your writing problem and suggests some solutions. He offers some good suggestions but unfortunately for how much I liked this book, I either didn't need them or had heard them all before. Plus he calls them things like "stimulus control procedures" and prescribes exercises like "GWS-II." Sample sentence: "Then, when you've given GWS-II a try, do things you've already done with the SWS and GWS-I exercises." Typical psychologist.
January 22, 2016
Many helpful suggestions, though I'm not sure it required book-length treatment.
A little pamphlet, maybe, to be passed out by writing evangelists outside university libraries and large lecture halls.
"Did you know that your graduate school career didn't really prepare you for writing?"
"Aren't you tired of writing to deadlines?"
"Hey, mister, wanna be a more productive scholar? No, yeah, I meant Doctor, not Mister."
A little pamphlet, maybe, to be passed out by writing evangelists outside university libraries and large lecture halls.
"Did you know that your graduate school career didn't really prepare you for writing?"
"Aren't you tired of writing to deadlines?"
"Hey, mister, wanna be a more productive scholar? No, yeah, I meant Doctor, not Mister."
Read
July 4, 2007Good ideas for organizing one’s writing life. Boice speaks of becoming an effective, efficient and joyful writer—three things that I’d love to be. I’ll try the strategies and report back.
Read
August 13, 2015Great book to read if you ever have writer's block. Boice offers advice that's proven to work. Repetitive at times, but quite helpful and an easy read.
June 7, 2012
Read it in an hour. Some interesting suggestions. I particularly liked contingency management.
January 6, 2013
A book you read for functionality more than entertainment. Useful tips
May 22, 2014
It isn't very well-written, but the advice in it is great. It is motivating and has many clever tricks.
January 26, 2016
Some good advice, but I am not into all the charts and stuff. I think this would have been really useful if I were actually blocked and not just in need of some organization strategies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews