In this episode of the "Not That Kind of Doctor" podcast, hosted by Guy and Nick, the focus is on the academic writing process. The hosts delve into the challenges and intricacies of managing academic writing, emphasizing the importance of planning, time management, and the unique hurdles that come with publishing academic work.
Guy and Nick discuss the concept of publication pipelines, underscoring that these are real considerations that academics must navigate. The conversation touches on the stress associated with publishing for the first time and acknowledges that while the process never becomes stress-free, it does get easier with practice.
The episode also addresses the critical aspect of receiving and interpreting feedback from journals and reviewers. Understanding how to gauge and respond to feedback is crucial in the academic writing and publication process. Guy and Nick emphasize the significance of working with more experienced individuals in the field, which can help in navigating the publication pipeline more effectively.
A key theme of the discussion is time management and prioritization in academic writing. The hosts stress the need to schedule writing time and to treat it as a non-negotiable part of one's academic duties. They advocate for setting specific, achievable goals for each writing session, rather than vague objectives like "write a manuscript."
Furthermore, Guy and Nick explore the psychological aspects of academic writing, such as dealing with the 'immediate needs of other people' (INOPs) and setting boundaries to protect writing and research time. They advise against academic binge writing, suggesting instead that regular, scheduled writing sessions lead to more sustainable and productive academic careers.
The episode concludes with insights into finding inspiration for new research directions and maintaining a diverse portfolio of writing and research projects at different stages. This approach not only keeps the academic work dynamic and interesting but also ensures a constant stream of output, which is essential for a successful academic career.
