Academic Writing Amplified

On today's bonus episode I'm addressing a thought that might be keeping you from applying or enrolling in Navigate. Fear that you may fail at Navigate? Join me as I address this common fear.    We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your application process  here .   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigat...

The Navigate program takes about two hours per week over the course of 12 weeks: one hour to watch the recorded material and do the exercises, and one hour to attend the live call. Instead of investing in the program, should you just write for two more hours a week? Catch today's bonus episode to hear more about this.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roa...

You deserve to have the best career possible. If you are struggling with writing and a clogged pipeline, don't wait for it to get better.  In today's episode, I discuss why academics don't get professional development or writing help because they wait for circumstances to change. When you say, "I'll wait until it gets better," you are really saying, "I'll wait until it gets worse." The "it" is str...

Working closely with Navigate clients in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the program, breaking writing projects into tasks and estimating how long it will take to finish those tasks has been a consistent sticking point. And finally, a few months ago, I had an "ah-ha" breakthrough to address this sticking point. In today's bonus episode I explain the latest update to Navigate-which officially joins the...

In today's bonus episode I answer the most frequently asked questions about our Navigate program. I explain the structure, content, and benefits of Navigate, including the coaching sessions, writing support, and the application process. If you're considering joining, I'll guide you through what to expect and how to make the most of the program. Join me as I answer common questions and share insigh...

In this next segment of the co-authoring series, I address common thoughts and problems academics have when writing with students. Working with students is a learning process, a part of the professorship that no one teaches you how to do. The guidelines for co-authoring with students are the same as for co-authoring with colleagues. The main difference is the teaching and mentorship elements, whic...

If you're a long-time listener, you might be considering the Navigate program, but also wondering, "What else could you possibly have to teach me, Cathy?" In today's bonus episode I explain why Navigate is right for you even if you have heard every podcast episode.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your ap...

In today's bonus podcast episode, hear Dr. Noor Sayed as she reflects on the connections she made during the Navigate program and how they helped her face some of the most difficult moments in her career so far. If you are looking for other academics who share your desire to publish your backlog of papers and to live a fulfilling life and career, Navigate is the program for you.   More about Noor:...

Today's episode is another segment in the co-authoring series. Many academics attribute a clogged pipeline to working on a project with a co-author. This episode is dedicated to discussing the potential obstacles of co-authoring with a colleague and how to avoid delays in publishing team projects. First, I will give an overview of the definition of a publication pipeline. Then, I dive into the rea...

Welcome to the new podcast series on co-authoring! Each week, I will tackle a new topic related to co-authoring so you can confidently navigate collaborations and avoid publication backlogs. Today's episode is the cornerstone of our series, Co-Authoring 101. I provide a 'co-author checklist' and detail essential steps you should take before writing with a co-author. I explain the importance of get...

Are you overwhelmed by your backlog of papers? Today's episode is a master class in clearing your pipeline. Most academics get trapped in a cycle of fear and blame that stalls their writing process and keeps them from creating the career they want. My master class on publishing your backlog of papers addresses the critical mindset shift you need to make to free up your pipeline. I also discuss the...

Today, I am spotlighting a problem so many academics cite as the reason they are delayed in submitting articles or books for publication: perfectionism and self-editing. Specifically, I am addressing the writing stage, where the project is nearly done, but something beyond formatting or copyediting is holding you back from submitting it for review. First, I explore the top three reasons academics...

Today's topic—You Can't Write When You're Mad—came to me after a conversation with my friend. We have all experienced how emotions, especially anger, can seriously impact our writing ability. Whether it's dealing with unfair treatment at work, frustrating feedback from reviewers, or just the general stress of academic life, these emotional hurdles can stall our writing. Writing is not just about m...

Today, I welcome Jane Jones back to the podcast! Jane is a development editor and writing coach specializing in supporting women and non-binary scholars in academia. She focuses on developing sustainable book-writing practices to prevent burnout and overwhelm. Join us for a conversation about replicating hierarchies when seeking or responding to feedback. We discuss the pitfalls of disguised permi...

Today's episode concludes the podcast series focused on outlining the real stages of the academic career. The final career stage in academia is 'Enjoying Your Legacy.' Now that you have established a foundation for others to continue your work, it is time to enjoy the relaxed institutional pressure and uplift other individuals in your field. The Enjoying Your Legacy stage is all about freedom and...

We are progressing through the podcast series focused on the real stages of the academic career based on your development as a professional. In today's episode, I introduce the fourth career stage: Building Your Legacy. Building Your Legacy comes post-tenure. It is the most challenging career stage in academics because it demands a radical shift and reorientation. Building your legacy means ensuri...

Welcome to episode three of my podcast series, The Real Stages of the Academic Career. Today, I am discussing the 'Planting Your Flag' stage closely linked to tenure.    Planting Your Flag is a crucial stage because it revolves around declaring your academic mission and showing why you're indispensable to your institution. This stage can be high-stakes and nerve-wracking, but it's also empowering...

Welcome back to the ongoing series on the real stages of the academic career! In the last episode, I introduced the apprenticeship stage. Today, I am focusing on "Stepping Into Your Own," a pivotal phase where scholars begin to carve out their unique identities separate from their advisors.  The 'Stepping Into Your Own' stage is complex, demanding, and most importantly, your chance to define who y...

Welcome to the first episode of my new podcast series, Understanding the Real Stages of the Academic Career. I will discuss writing, relationships, research, and time management strategies for each stage and share best practices from my experience as an academic writing coach. Today's episode focuses on the first career stage, learning/apprenticeship. I explain the learning/apprenticeship stage an...

The "received" stages of an academic career are very linear and do not capture the true responsibilities, workload, or goals within an academic career. I have worked with hundreds of women and nonbinary professors, so I have a unique perspective on the academic career–one built through observation of many different scholars in many different types of institutions. In today's episode, I explain the...

In today's episode, I introduce special guest Karen Grace-Martin, the owner of The Analysis Factor, a statistical support business. Karen's company is a resource every academic should lean on. Regardless of your field, The Analysis Factor will help with quantitative data analysis. Every researcher needs statistical support, and utilizing statistical support resources will improve and expedite your...

In this episode, I discuss publishing for promotion within academia. As you navigate and plan your academic career, it's essential to understand how publishing intersects with each stage of a professorship. From the early years leading up to the first promotion to the later stages of tenure and beyond, strategic publishing plays a crucial role in shaping our professional trajectory.   I emphasize...

Today's podcast episode is designed to help you figure out your summer writing plan while you listen. If you have a backlog of papers and you want to maximize your summer writing, start with this podcast episode.  Then, if you like my style of teaching,  apply for this summer's cohort of Navigate , where you'll experience the training, co-writing, and coaching that will help you clear your backlog...

Kirstie McAllum is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Kirstie shares her experience in Navigate. In Navigate, Kirstie worked to develop her decision-making skills through mission-driven time and project management (which–spoiler alert!–is the REAL way you will learn to say "no," cut back on overwork, and reclaim your weekends). If you are ready to...

You have the deep-rooted knowledge and experience to create the career and life that you want! But first, you must filter through all the messages about what work looks like and the social and cultural nuances in academia so you can act on your self-trust.     In today's episode, I explore the importance of trusting oneself amidst the bombardment of societal and cultural expectations. I present fi...