Dying to Write After Tenure

Dear Real Academics,

Confession: I'm dying to write.

I am one of those strange people that enjoys writing (most of the time). 

The last 12 years have demanded quite an enormous amount of writing from me. From writing doctoral level papers, to a dissertation, to over 25 publications (and counting), and everything else (e.g., job applications, award letters, letters of support, conference presentations/papers, annual review reports, course materials for online work). 

I've enjoyed this writing for the most part, mainly because I love to learn, achieve, and keep growing. But...after waiting to hear if I received tenure (I did!) and the pandemic hitting at the same time last Spring (yes, THE Spring of 2020), I stopped writing. I was burnt out, thrown off, exhausted, and even de-motivated. 

Well, I didn't completely STOP. I've kept writing. I've provided an insane amount of writing feedback for others (students, colleagues, journals -- oh so many journal reviews!). And I've accepted several writing requests that I normally do not do (e.g., book reviews, invited chapters). So I haven't stopped completely, but my writing just feels different.

I started this blog for two reasons. 

  • The first reason is a selfish one (though I believe it will critically support my second reason): To write for myself in order to continue developing, learning, and creating = motivation.
  • The second reason is my main reason: To put writing out in the world that is useful to others and, most importantly, transformative to you, the reader.

So, dear Real Academics, I hope this blog helps you also fuel your passion and motivation to keep developing through learning and producing writing and research of your own.

Until next time,

Maggie

www.therealacademics.com

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