Month: March 2023

by Dr. Kristin Huggins, Consultant

**These channels are not GWC partners, nor is this post an official endorsement of their videos. These resources are merely helpful tools that some of our consultants have found personally beneficial in their own work.**

Similar to our blog post on podcasts for the academic writer, today we offer a vetted list of YouTubers who have devoted their digital voice to the academic space. All of these channels are produced by Ph.D. graduates, tenured professors, academic consultants, or current doctoral candidates at prestigious universities. With these distinct backgrounds, they all provide a unique approach to academic writing, research strategies, and life hacks for the stressed-out graduate student.

Keep in mind that these channels are meant to inspire audiences, not to supply faultless, prescriptive instructions on how to write a thesis or craft the perfect literature review. First and foremost, take your lead from your chair/supervising professor/faculty advisor. Ultimately, they will be the ones to make the call whether your paper passes muster.

Instead, peruse these channels with the intention to become invigorated by ideas that may fall outside your typical modus operandi.

Finally, my hope for you (dear reader) is that these channels serve a secondary purpose outside the realm of academic writing: to prove to you that there is a community beyond your classroom, who are seeking answers just like you.

Often, writing is interpreted as a solitary act, requiring monastery-like isolation in order to achieve academic success. This could not be further from the truth, as proven by the abundance of YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs, and online community forums.

Writing is collaborative. It is social. It is a living organism that requires room to evolve, shift, grow. The act of writing cannot be static, but requires engagement and interaction in order to improve–just like you.

Don’t fall into the trap of siloing yourself away in a library cubby without much-needed human interaction from those that understand (on a very visceral level) the degree of stress and anxiety your writing projects create in your life.

With that, I hope these channels provide you with inspiration and community for your academic writing needs!

Brisa Marie – Future Ph.D.

Brisa is a first-generation student, pursuing a Ph.D. in Culture and Performance at UCLA’s World Arts and Culture/Dance Department. Brisa created her channel after realizing how doctoral programs were frought with hidden gatekeepers, unspoken expectations, and unexpected challenges for the graduate student. While she felt overprepared entering into her program, she discovered that completing a doctorate required much more: grit, discipline, support, and a thick skin. She hopes that her channel demystifies the experience of doctoral work for others like her who dream of attaining a terminal degree in their field.

Andy Stapleton

Dr. Stapleton has a Ph.D. in chemistry, and has worked in the private sector as a chemist and in higher education as a tenured professor for ten years, where he conducted research, secured funding, taught and supervised students. He provides a very frank, honest review of how to be successful in a Ph.D. program and as an early career professor/researcher. Several of his videos are devoted to debunking the myths behind conducting and writing research at the doctoral level. He provides audiences with clear-cut strategies for how to write a grant application, how to write your professional portfolio for employment after your Ph.D., how to get your work peer-reviewed, and more.

Grad Coach

Set apart from other channels run by individuals in the field, Grad Coach is an award-winning company devoted to assisting graduate students and early career professors with their writing and research needs. They’ve been recognized by several organizations for their work (AI International, MEA, Tutor’s Association UK, Business Excellence Awards), and boast 100+ years of combined experience with their large team of 15 coaches. This channel cuts straight to the heart of academic writing, offering short, bite-sized videos with clear strategies for how to develop research questions, how to master the academic voice, how to approach different academic styles, crafting the perfect research proposal, and more.

Dr. Amina Yonis

Dr. Yonis first began her channel during her time as a doctoral student, sharing her experiences and connecting with other students around the world. Now, she leads a team of 20 with The Page Doctor, her business devoted to assisting students with their academic writing needs. Her YouTube channel is devoted to inspiring content on how to tackle insurmountable writing tasks found throughout the doctoral journey. She also provides excellent strategies on how to maximize productivity and balance priorities during this process.

TheRedHeadedAcademic

Kaelyn Apple is a History and African American studies Ph.D. student at Yale University. She is devoted to using her voice as a gateway – rather than a gatekeeper – to accessible higher education. While Kaelyn offers sound advice for the logistical aspects of writing a thesis or dissertation, she also specializes in writing professional portfolios. Her videos cover how to develop a resume, CV, statement of purpose, and writing samples at the graduate level.

PhD and Productivity

This channel is produced by a Ph.D. student in Dublin, Ireland, who uses her platform to provide tools and strategies for graduate students to organize their writing and research obligations. She also offers tutorials for keyword searches and source management, and teaches her audience how to use tools for notetaking, reading, synthesizing literature, in-field research, and academic writing.

We hope you found these channels helpful and inspiring!

Until next time, dear reader. Happy Writing.

by Dr. Shireen Khuwaja, Consultant

Few have heard of Maxwell E. Perkins, the twentieth century editor responsible for discovering authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The book Editor to Author: The Letters of Maxwell E. Perkins (Wheelock, 1950) is a compilation of letters written by Perkins to his writers. The following paragraphs outline how Perkins practiced appreciation, support, and humility in his communication as an editor. 

            First, Perkins’ honesty in expressing his appreciation to his authors is a lesson for modern editors. When Perkins had to decline the first manuscript by Fitzgerald with a note to make several modifications and rewrites, he was afraid about demotivating the author and losing him permanently. But when Fitzgerald made the necessary edits and submitted the second version of his manuscript, Perkins expressed his delight and appreciation unreservedly. In his letter of September 16^th, 1919, Perkins wrote to Fitzgerald, “I was afraid that when we declined the first manuscript, you might be done with us conservatives. I am glad you are not” (Wheelock, 1950, p. 20). Perkins made the authors feel valued and was known to commit himself completely to guiding authors to the best of their abilities. He did this work wholeheartedly knowing that he would not get any credit for the publications’ success.

            Second, Perkins did not allow his professional stature to cloud personal support for his authors. Perkins’ writers enjoyed a safe space with him, which made him an exemplary mentor. For example, in 1936, when Thomas Wolfe was at an impasse with Scribner’s, Perkins sent a hand-written letter to Wolfe stating, “I never knew a soul with whom I felt I was in such fundamentally complete agreement as you. What’s more… I know you would not ever do an insincere thing, or anything you did not think was right” (Wheelock, 1950, p. 115). This degree of confidence in his writers indicated that Perkins was invested in the professional, as well as personal well-being of his authors.

            Third, Perkins exercised great humility even when humility was least expected from him. In 1943, a book was published on writing and publishing in which the author attacked all editors, specifically Perkins, accusing him of unjustly using his editorial power to adulterate Thomas Wolfe’s work. In representing Scribner’s and all the editors, Perkins wrote a spirited letter informing the accusing author of the legal action that would follow. One would expect a rightfully angry missive, but, even in this letter, Perkins’ humility was extraordinarily evident. Perkins wrote that apart from the sections with allegations and personal attacks, he plans to enjoy the book. He stated, “… from what I have read from the rest of your book… you have said many right and true things that have not been said before. Editors aren’t much, and can’t be. They can only help a writer realize himself…” (Wheelock, 1950, p. 229). In this letter, Perkins was mindful about separating his ego as an editor and addressing the wrongful accusation. Appreciation, support, and humility define Perkins’ authentic self. His letters indicate that he was an editor, not just by profession, but also by character—he ensured redacting his ego from his interactions with people.

            This books highlights the importance of conflict resolution for professional development as a mentor. Editor to Author provides great insight in how to achieve this goal in a sophisticated manner. The first example showed that Perkins’ genuine appreciation allowed him to have an honest relationship with his authors. His authors were open to receiving his critique and their conversations were passionate but not confrontational. I have always believed in appreciating my teammates generously, but now I can be more intentional in my mentorship. In the second example, Perkins expresses his support for his writer wholeheartedly, even when the author was against the very institution Perkins represented. As mentors, we must always keep in mind the adage that a guide on the side is better than a sage on the stage, and empower mentees to own their decisions without feeling pressure or guilt from their editors. As an editor, I must be cognizant in supporting my authors to write about the topics they care about without discouraging them. Regarding the third example, I am forced to ask myself whether I would have the courage to compliment an author on a publication in which I was maligned. The answer currently is no! However, Perkins has set an example for me to rise above myself when managing conflict. Perkins letters will remain a source of inspiration and guidance for me in my mentoring circles and as an editor at my workplace.

by Dr. Kristin Huggins, Consultant

Writer’s Block is kryptonite for the academic scholar. You finish your coursework for the day, and open your computer to continue drafting the introduction for your article. You stare at the blank screen, the cursor blinking like a ticking time bomb. You have nothing. Your creative energy has been spent, and you’re bringing an empty tank to the table. You close your laptop and tell yourself that you’ll try again tomorrow when your writer’s block has lifted. Except it doesn’t. So you don’t write the next day. Or the next. Until a week goes by. Then another.

Suddenly you’ve missed a whole month of drafting potential. All because of writer’s block.

The truth is that even the most experienced writer (no matter the genre) experiences writer’s block–a term used to describe that “stuck” feeling writers encounter, as if your synapses suddenly stopped firing and you forgot how to form words on a page. And the temptation is to wait it out.

But the reality is that writer’s block is patient. It has all the time in the world. And it can outwait you any day of the week. You, on the other hand, cannot afford to sit and wait for creative genius to strike! You have to go on the offensive, utilizing strategies to become “unstuck”.

If you feel stuck in your writing, try these five strategies below for overcoming writer’s block.

Step Away for a Moment (But ONLY a Moment!)

If you’ve stared at your computer screen for several hours in the last few days, chances are you need to allow your eyes (and brain) to do a soft reset. Stepping away from your workspace and getting sunlight on your face will do wonders for your creative flow. If you’re unable to go outside or leave your desk, simply standing up and stretching for 5 minutes will help encourage blood flow and give your eyes a much-needed break from staring incessantly at the blue screen of your computer.

Try Switching Your Writing Medium

Utilizing various writing mediums is a great way to break through writer’s block and brainstorm new ideas. If you’re writing your paper on a computer, pull out a journal or legal pad and try handwriting the next section of your paper.

I’ve also found it incredibly helpful NOT to write in Microsoft Word. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but I find the process of drafting in Word very intimidating since this is the program I use for final drafts and formatting seminar papers, articles, and book chapters. If I try to begin a writing project in Word, I end up editing as I write, which hinders my creative output.

As a result, I remove myself from this space and draft in a basic writing tool like Wordpad, OneNote, or Notes (for Mac users). These are very basic text-editing programs that don’t carry all the bells, whistles, and pressure that comes with Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Once the initial drafting process is complete, I then copy and paste into Word to begin the revision process! (Plus, it’s always exciting to see my page count expand once I double-space my text.)

Storyboard Your Idea/Thesis/Problem

For my Kinesthetic Drafters: Using a whiteboard or an easel pad can help you conceptualize big-picture items in your work and group categories, themes, and seminal sources accordingly underneath those macro-level items. I find the use of a whiteboard especially helpful when working on a complicated literature review.

Storyboarding also provides a great opportunity for you to test the congruency and linearity of your project by mapping out your work with visuals. If you want to read more about how to use storyboarding to prototype your research project, check out this fantastic article:

Use a Writing Playlist to Generate New Ideas

For my Audio Drafters: Spotify and Youtube are both excellent sources for curating the perfect writing playlist. While drafting the first two chapters of my dissertation, I assigned specific tracks to sections of my literature review and methodology sections, based on the topic, the level of writing required, or how I felt about that particular area of my dissertation draft.

For example, I had a very difficult time working through my historical analysis section of the literature review, compiling vocal pedagogy treatises in several languages from 1592 to 1873. To help with my writing flow in this section, I listened to the soundtrack from Leigh Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” Netflix series (deeply rooted in traditional Russian motifs) and the soundtrack to the Elder Scrolls: Skyrim video game (an interesting blend of medieval themes, harpsichord, and lush orchestration). For me, these albums transported me into a similar space as what I was describing in my historical section.

Listen to what makes you feel your best and most creative when you are drafting!

Break Down Your “Drafting To-Do List” into Smaller, More Manageable Tasks

When my cohort began to analyze their data and draft the results chapter of our dissertation, we were completely overwhelmed. It seemed like an insurmountable task: our data didn’t make sense, or the statistical test we planned to run didn’t work because the assumptions failed, or our response rate was skewed. The obstacles standing in our way made it feel as if we would never get done writing up our work.

It was then that a faculty advisor reminded us of her favorite saying: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

And she was right.

When you reframe your focus from your end result (a finished paper/article/thesis/dissertation) to the smaller, bite-sized chunks you need to complete, the impossible suddenly feels possible. Look at your project. Look at the components of your work. What can you tackle today with the time you have available? What steps do you need to take before you can tackle that item? Break things down as small as you can. (Plus, the extra dopamine hit when you remove the to-do item in your planner is a lovely bonus!)

I hope you found these tips for overcoming Writer’s Block helpful! Remember that everyone approaches writing from a different perspective and a different background, so what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try several things to break through your roadblock. Don’t give up!

Happy Writing, Dear Reader.

by Jasmine Stovall, Consultant

Picture it: You’ve been working diligently on a writing project for quite some time and have reached a point in your writing process where you think you could benefit from the feedback of a second set of eyes. You make the very wise decision to reach out the GWC to make an appointment for your very first consultation. You login to the online portal, input all the necessary information, and successfully submit your request. Within a couple days’ time, a consultant contacts you and after a brief e-mail exchange, your appointment is officially set.

So… now what?

Well, I’m glad you asked! If the scenario above sounds like an experience you’ve had or are currently having, you’re going to want to keep reading. This blog post is to serve as a guide for preparing for your first GWC consultation. I will talk about things you can do beforehand to prepare, what you can expect during your consultation, and offer some tips that will be helpful in making you your consultant’s favorite client and ultimately result in a successful, productive consultation session.

Let’s begin by discussing some things to do before your consultation:

1. Be prompt and communicative – The GWC prides itself on our flexibility and short turnaround time. With that being said, we do operate on a first-come-first-served basis. So, essentially, the more prompt you are in your responses, the sooner you and your consultant can plan to meet. Being prompt and communicative from the first contact is an immediate green flag to consultants because it tells us that you are serious about seeking help, that you want actually want to be here, and that you are intentional when it comes to time and planning. Remember, when it comes to longer documents like dissertations or class assignments with known deadlines, you can make an appointment with a consultant as far in advance as you need to receive assistance in enough time to submit your project by the deadline. Of course, we understand that life happens, and grad student schedules can be unpredictable at times, but generally, communicating with your consultant and being respectful of deadlines (i.e., sending the consultant your document within the requested timeframe) will only help you leading up to your consultation and even after.
2. Don’t be afraid to make your needs known up front – As consultants, our number one priority is to help you become a stronger, more confident writer, but we can’t help you if we don’t know what you need. So, as you are preparing for your consultation, don’t hesitate to communicate any specific needs you may have or anything you’d like us to pay close attention to as we read. Worried about whether your argument is clear and consistent throughout? We can help with that. Need help organizing your thoughts into an outline? We’ve got your back. Struggling with word choice and transitions in your intro? No worries. Or maybe you want us to focus specifically on the organization and sentence structure of your discussion section and only read the remaining sections if time allows? Can do. This allows us as consultants to be more intentional about how we allocate our reading time. When we can focus specifically on your requests, it makes for a more productive meeting overall and ensures that we are meeting your needs to the best of our ability.
3. Set goals for yourself and for the meeting – This one is self-explanatory. Make some time beforehand to set goals and have an idea of what you hope to accomplish over the course of the meeting. If you have clear expectations for yourself and your consultant, the meeting is generally more productive. 
4. Provide your consultant with any supplemental materials – In addition to your document, we encourage clients to send us anything else they think might be helpful in understanding the nature of the assignment. Whether it be a rubric, assignment description or instructor feedback, the more information we have regarding the context of your project before we begin reading, the more tailored your feedback will be.

Now that you are well prepared for your consultation, let’s talk about some things you can do during your appointment to get the most out of your session:

1. Don’t be afraid to take the driver’s seat – While we are here to help you, we also want you to take ownership of your writing and your GWC experience. You are free to lead the meeting to ensure that you get out of it what you want to get out of it.
2. Keep an open mind and be open to suggestions – As consultants, we are here to serve you and do what we can to provide feedback that will strengthen your paper. However, keep in mind that our suggestions really are just suggestions, not law. That means you can take or leave them, no harm no foul. Even still, I would encourage you to make it a point to at least be open to new ideas and changing the way you think about communicating your ideas and the practice of writing in general.
3. Be open to both asking and answering questions – Some of the most productive consultations come from discussion and collaboration. While we are your consultant, we are also your peers. Some of my most enjoyable meetings have been a result of me feeling as though I am talking with my client rather than at them.  
4. Come with questions – Our job as consultants is to not only help you improve the piece of writing for which you are seeking feedback, but also to make you a stronger writer overall. This means your questions do not have to be limited to your project by any means. We welcome broad writing questions as well with hopes that our session will help you write with more confidence for this piece and all those to come.

Here are some final thoughts and additional tips for success in your first consultation:

1. Don’t feel like your writing has to be perfect or even complete before you meet with us – Part of our job is to help you get to the finish line (or as close to it as possible) at any point in the writing process. The finish line looks different for everyone. For some it may mean going from an outline to full paragraphs, while for others it could mean reviewing a polished article ready to be submitted to a journal for review. Either way, it is perfectly acceptable to seek help with a work in progress as opposed to a finished product.
2. Remember that vulnerability is a part of the process – Writing is personal. When you think about big writing projects such as dissertations and theses that often are a result of research that has been years in the making, your connection to it goes deeper than just the words on the page, it means something to you. Therefore, it takes a lot of courage to surrender something you’ve put so much of yourself into to a stranger placing yourself at the mercy of their feedback. Keep that in mind as you go into your consultation and remember that while it may not seem like it in the moment, being vulnerable makes for a stronger, better you in the long run.

As with most things in life, showing up is the hardest part, and if you’ve managed to successfully do that then you’re already winning in my book. The same principle applies to your first GWC consultation. Start by showing up. Communicate your needs, set your goals, take ownership, keep an open mind, and let the rest the unfold from there. I hope after reading this you feel equipped with the necessary tools and confident in your abilities to prepare for a stellar first consultation with the GWC.

by Dr. Kristin Huggins, Consultant

**These podcasts are not GWC partners, nor is this post an official endorsement of these podcasts. These resources are merely helpful tools that some of our consultants have found personally beneficial in their own work.**

Calling all podcast and audiobook enthusiasts! If you are a graduate student or early-career professional with a long laundry list of writing projects ahead of you, you need to integrate these podcasts into your weekly routine!

When I began my doctoral journey at Baylor, I felt overwhelmed by the nuances and unspoken rules of academic writing. I had amazing professors, advisors, and writing consultants to help me find my feet, but I knew it would take much more to feel confident as an academic writer. Which is how I stumbled across the academic writing niche of podcasting.

Apparently, I was not alone. I discovered that there were several podcast channels dedicated to helping graduate students, early-career professionals, and tenure-track professors succeed as academic writers. Fast forward three years later, and the number of channels has exponentially increased! We are not alone!

Whether you are a seasoned podcast listener or a newbie, consider integrating these channels into pockets of your day: when you commute to work, when you workout, when you cook dinner, when you take a walk around campus… However and wherever you listen, the act of listening will help you not feel so isolated and overwhelmed with what’s in front of you.

The Academic Writing Amplified Podcast, by Dr. Cathy Mazak, Ph.D.

Description: This is a great podcast for doctoral students nearing the end of their dissertation process, and for early career faculty looking to secure tenure while maintaining a healthy publication pipeline. In addition to her podcasts, Dr. Mazak also offers several programs through her website The Scholar’s Voice, that provides coaching opportunities and writing groups to scholars of all levels.

Defend and Publish Podcast, by Christine Tully, Sr. Writing Coach

Description: This is my absolute favorite podcast to listen to on my way to work. Her episodes are “bite-sized” and much more approachable than others in terms of content and length of time. I also appreciate that her content revolves primarily around academic writing, and rarely dabbles in graduate student lifestyle topics like other podcasts. I already know I need to drink water, so give me a podcast that helps me tackle that systematic literature review, please!!

Hello PhD, by Dr. Joshua Hall and Dr. Daniel Arneman, Ph.D.s

Description: If you’re a STEM student or recent graduate, this is the podcast for you! Led by a duo of quirky, hilarious scientists, this podcast jumps between writing for STEM, field research tips, postdoc advice, and common research traps in the sciences. I believe their earlier episodes document their experiences at the end of their Ph.D. journey just before they defended. Check out their website for the full listing of episodes.

Office Hours with Dr. Lacy, by Dr. Marvette Lacy, Ph.D.

Description: What I appreciate the most about Dr. Lacy is that she doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. When I was stuck in my dissertation and tempted to throw myself a pity party, Dr. Lacy pulled me out of it with hard love and great tips for academic writing practices. This is a great podcast for those of you who are mid-way through your doctorate program and are diving into the first drafts of your second and third chapters.

The Happy Doc Student, by Dr. Heather Frederick, Ph.D.

Description: When you do need a virtual hug, Dr. Frederick is the gal for you. She bases her podcast content on her horrible experiences as a doctoral student, in the hopes that by sharing her story she will save some of us from the same pitfalls and traps. Honestly, this is a great podcast for scholars of all levels, in that she reviews writing tips and research strategies while also covering topics like work/life balance, mental health, and maintaining your relationships during your doctoral journey. This is the rom com of academic writing podcasts: you leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside!