academic publishing

Why Write a Book Review?

Some thoughts on improving your publication record. In about October last year (2021), I was discussing my dismal employment situation with an older colleague and friend. I explained that I knew I was being passed over for opportunities because my publication record was very poor – I had one paper published, and two stuck inContinue reading “Why Write a Book Review?”

Phew! Paper Published.

Roughly a year ago, I embarked upon the ‘Way of Wendy’ – I used Wendy Belcher’s magic 12-week programme to help me draft and write my very first single-author paper, based on material from my thesis. Now, I’m on the other side of that process: the paper I started in January 2021 has just beenContinue reading “Phew! Paper Published.”

How to PhD: Guest Post by Nathan Bossoh

When I finished my undergraduate degree in music performance back in 2014 I was sure that I was done with University. Three years living and studying in Guildford (UK) was great and all but the thought of being a “student” again was quite horrifying. I was now a fully-fledged adult, free from the shackles ofContinue reading “How to PhD: Guest Post by Nathan Bossoh”

Pipped to the post – and thoroughly glad about it

What is your contribution to knowledge? This question haunted me and probably haunts any academic when contemplating their own research and scholarship. We are all aware that although there is undoubtedly value in scholarship which corroborates previous discoveries or arguments, the real clincher is what’s new and different. What is your unique contribution to theContinue reading “Pipped to the post – and thoroughly glad about it”

New adventures: the ‘way of Wendy’

I am embarking on the ‘Way of Wendy’ (hashtagwayofwendy). …But instead of beginning straight away, I am procrastinating by writing a blog post about my intentions to begin. Such is the way of things. Wendy (Imma call her Wendy) has a term for this: writing dysfunction. It’s like erectile dysfunction except it’s unlimited by gender/sexContinue reading “New adventures: the ‘way of Wendy’”