This too.
Writing clearly is something with which a lot of academics (especially in the STEM fields, where I am) struggle, so it's a major advantage if you're already good at it.
Academic Writing?
- Thread starter JSSchley
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This too.
Writing clearly is something with which a lot of academics (especially in the STEM fields, where I am) struggle, so it's a major advantage if you're already good at it.
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Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my question. I can't really ask my professors, as I am not currently enrolled in any university.
As far as fiction and academic writing, I definitely also became a lot better at researching for my fiction from writing papers. However, I've noticed it's harder for me to get into an academic mindset the longer I write fiction. I haven't had any particular trouble the other direction though.
As far as fiction and academic writing, I definitely also became a lot better at researching for my fiction from writing papers. However, I've noticed it's harder for me to get into an academic mindset the longer I write fiction. I haven't had any particular trouble the other direction though.
You got your MA last year. Surely some of your professors still remember you. Just send 'em an email. It doesn't matter you're not currently enrolled.
Sure you can. And it's important to keep in touch with them--you'll later want letters of reference in order to apply for fellowships, or gain access to special collections.
Just email someone you like.
And there's a collegial thing too, with peers in your field; even if they don't remember you specifically, let them know you took this class in that term and you're working on some publications and what journals do they suggest?
Or if you have specific ideas for an article ask what journals they might suggest you look into submissions for?
Also, while you're looking at journals, look out for which ones do book reviews, and what they want/need from reviewers. It's a good way to get books you might not afford and it's good practice.
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I just always feel like I'm imposing on Professors, especially if I'm not in their class or a prospective student of theirs. I know it's silly, and that most of them love to help students, former or otherwise. It's just my academic insecurity.
Medi, I'm very interested in doing book reviews, but I didn't realize you could get requested to write the reviews if you're not kind of a big-shot in the field. I'll keep a lookout for that.
I just always feel like I'm imposing on Professors, especially if I'm not in their class or a prospective student of theirs. I know it's silly, and that most of them love to help students, former or otherwise. It's just my academic insecurity.
Yeah. You'll need to get over that.
I just always feel like I'm imposing on Professors, especially if I'm not in their class or a prospective student of theirs. I know it's silly, and that most of them love to help students, former or otherwise. It's just my academic insecurity.
Email is easy to ignore if they choose to. Try to make it friendly and personal (i.e. why you're asking them) without being obsequious.
Also: Join some academic listserves! Lurk for at least a month before you post.
Check out history.net
It depends on the journal. They typically have a statement re: reviews somewhere if they print them.
But it's often the kind of thing new grads or post docs do. And I think journal editors are often aware that it's the only way non-tenured folk can get books, often.
Speaking as a professor, I'm always glad to hear from former students. When someone who's recently graduated writes me, I assume there's a request for a letter of recommendation or a reference involved, and I'm almost always happy to oblige. When they write after graduation, even if it's for a favor, I appreciate it. I may not speak for everyone in the business, but write your old professors with the sense that we'll be glad to hear from you. We want to see you do well, and we're still rooting for you.
Kind of agree with that. As a person with academic background (not PhD yet), I feel like my writing is weak and I struggle at getting straight to the point. Basically, the only sorts of text I used to write were articles, thesis, technical descriptions... whatever needs to have lots of abbreviations, references, and use of a really unnatural language. Now, when I am trying to write something more "natural," it's just turning into a nightmare. Having English as a fourth language does not help either, because I only know how to write technical stuff and how to curse.
Would be nice to have a discussion somewhere on how to re-learn writing and change the habits for academic folks. The worst part is, I can't even outline the language problems that need to be fixed. Hoping that someone else had similar issues and can give some initial advice.
So glad I found this thread. I'm about to begin writing an academic book even though I'm not in academia anymore. I've written essays and journal articles before. Anybody else in this boat?
Try blogging about something unrelated to the thing you're trying to write.
You don't even have to make the blog public.
ETA: I think blogging may have saved my sanity during the dissertation. It was Something Else. Not related, and independent.
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I completely failed as a book review coordinator for a journal because I people didn't write the damn reviews as promised. I assure you, follow through and something interesting to say about the book, that's all that is needed.
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Same here. I'd rather write fiction, but haven't had much luck in getting published, despite finding an agent and getting down to the final decision process at big trade publishers a couple times.
Never was part of academia, but while researching for a potential novel, I discovered some stuff, decided the historic footnotes would actually be of more interest than the novel, and wrote them up into an academic book, which was just accepted by an academic press.
But in researching that academic book, I ran across something new about one of the minor people in that research, and now I'm working on an academic book manuscript that will be a biography focussed all about him. It's a never-ending treadmill.
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What a great thread. So happy I found it. I'm working on my PhD in sociology. I'm ABD and in the field right now. My first article was published last August. I was so excited. Anyway, hello, fellow academics.
I've discovered that academic writing has made me better able to take critiques of my fiction writing. I was pretty sensitive in college, but getting my papers ripped to shreds by my professors and my writing group (in a good way) has given me a thicker skin. Other than that, I would say fiction writing has made me very conscious of the readability of academic writing. I want my articles to be pleasurable to read for more than just the ideas. As maybe you can tell by my signature, Donna Haraway is one of my favorite theorists and I love the way she writes.
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I agree with this. I'm only an ABD adjunct professor, but I love hearing from former students and I'm always happy to help them out with things like letters of recommendation or advice. It reminds you why you teach.
Hello, fellow academics,
PhD in History in 2000, thesis about the cult of saints in southern French cities from 5th to 16th century. But my main field are military orders, especially the Templars. I've published some articles and a book about the subject, and I have an online database.
At the moment I'm working on "The picture of Ancient Egypt in the European Middle Ages" - simultaneously to my fiction - projects.
Has academic writing influenced my fiction writing? Hm... Vice Versa It's useful to use the once gathered resources and knowledge in both ways. Sometimes I have to check a thing out and have to dug that deep into a matter, I can use the results for a little article. Or I find an interesting thing I think might be good to turn into some fictional tale. Now that I've started writing contemporary stuff, it isn't of so much use, but maybe I start writing historical fiction again.
Writing fiction has helped me to write understandable for a broader market (even if I don't think I'm already there where I want to be), but I always try to bring across "dry topics" vivid and interesting.
PhD in History in 2000, thesis about the cult of saints in southern French cities from 5th to 16th century. But my main field are military orders, especially the Templars. I've published some articles and a book about the subject, and I have an online database.
At the moment I'm working on "The picture of Ancient Egypt in the European Middle Ages" - simultaneously to my fiction - projects.
Has academic writing influenced my fiction writing? Hm... Vice Versa
It's useful to use the once gathered resources and knowledge in both ways. Sometimes I have to check a thing out and have to dug that deep into a matter, I can use the results for a little article. Or I find an interesting thing I think might be good to turn into some fictional tale. Now that I've started writing contemporary stuff, it isn't of so much use, but maybe I start writing historical fiction again.Writing fiction has helped me to write understandable for a broader market (even if I don't think I'm already there where I want to be), but I always try to bring across "dry topics" vivid and interesting.