Keeping your momentum going into summer can be hard, but here are a few suggestions to help design a summer writing plan that will work for you.

Step 1: Make a plan. Some people look to summer as a time to relax, wind down and forget about academia for a little bit. Others see summer as the unfettered time to dive deeply into their writing projects without the distractions of the academic year. Either way, as during the academic year, you will probably find the most satisfaction with your progress if you set realistic goals and don’t try to make it all or nothing. Consider what other commitments your summer holds —lab work, teaching, seeing family who the pandemic has separated you from for years— then, set an achievable goal based on those restrictions. (See step 3)

[Image Description: A grey cat in a green striped t-shirt types furiously on a laptop’s keyboard.]

Pictured: Prepare for writing success.

Step 2: Take a break! It may seem counterintuitive, but everyone needs some down time. Sometimes a moment away from your writing is just what you need to come back to it fresh with new insights. The key to this step is deciding in advance how long the break will be. If you decide to wait for inspiration to strike to return to a project, you could be waiting a long time. A little time away may be beneficial; too much time away and you may find yourself having to reacquaint yourself with your project.

[Image Description: A hedgehog floats in shallow water on his back, all four paws in the air.]

Pictured: You, taking a well-earned break.

Step 3: Set a SMART goal for your summer writing: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Maybe you want to measure your progress by pages, committing to write a certain number every week. Perhaps you prefer the Pomodoro Method, committing to write for a certain amount of time each week. Perhaps you want to commit to finishing a chapter, journal article or conference paper. Whichever method you choose, you can celebrate little victories along the way by breaking big goals down into micro-tasks. If you plan to complete a conference paper, try mapping out which section you will write each week. Then, end each writing session by leaving yourself some notes about where to start the next session so don’t lose momentum.

[Image Description: A brown dog figures out how to turn the long stick he is carrying in his mouth to fit through a narrow space. Geometry equations appear in white above the dog’s head as he thinks.]

Pictured: Making a plan that will work for your writing needs can take creativity.

Step 4: Find an accountability buddy. Knowing that you have shared your goals with someone else, and will therefore have to keep them updated on your progress, can be useful motivation when the lazy days of summer call. Just as you plan out your writing for summer, you might want to schedule out your accountability check-ins. How often will you meet and what type of support will you offer one another? 

[Image Description: Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh, hugs a reluctant Eeyore.]

Pictured: How will you and your colleagues support each-other's writing?

Step 5: Come see us in the Graduate Writing Center! Whether you want to make a few appointments as soft deadlines for yourself or just come to brainstorm ideas for a new project, we are here to support you. The GWC will remain 100% remote this summer, so you can arrange to meet with us from any place you may be traveling.

 

[Image Description: An animation, showing a girl sitting hunched over a laptop typing as the word “write”appears multiple times in the air around her.]

Caption: You, achieving your summer writing goals.