5 minute read – Book Review of “How to Write a Lot”
In general writing productivity and particular academic
productivity boils down to simply how much one can write & publish. The
book “Write
a Lot” by Paul Silvia
addresses this issue and gives practical solutions. Book is prescriptive and is
a quick read. I could complete it in one sitting on the weekend. Few nuggets
from the book:
productivity boils down to simply how much one can write & publish. The
book “Write
a Lot” by Paul Silvia
addresses this issue and gives practical solutions. Book is prescriptive and is
a quick read. I could complete it in one sitting on the weekend. Few nuggets
from the book:
· It quoted William
Zinsser, “If writing seems hard, it’s because it is hard. It’s one of the
hardest things people do.” Author
provides ways to simplify it. He points that finding a block of time or waiting
for inspiration is a catastrophic. Also he shuns the idea about writers block, particularly
for academic writers. Writer’s block hits only those who believe in it.
· First advice he
gives is to make a schedule, allot a time and stick to it. Daily two hours or
so. One must protect this writing slot ruthlessly. Build and get into the habit
of writing. This is single most important take away from the book.
gives is to make a schedule, allot a time and stick to it. Daily two hours or
so. One must protect this writing slot ruthlessly. Build and get into the habit
of writing. This is single most important take away from the book.
· He suggests writing first and revising later. But
just produce something in the allocated slot.
just produce something in the allocated slot.
· Author gives the example of, Trollope – who despite full time job at post office
published 63 books. That’s stunningly productive. Trollope’s writing schedule
included 3 hours of writing every day before breakfast. He wrote average 250
words in 15 minutes.
published 63 books. That’s stunningly productive. Trollope’s writing schedule
included 3 hours of writing every day before breakfast. He wrote average 250
words in 15 minutes.
· Second advice author gives is about goal setting.
Goals for every month and then goals for the particular day. He suggests
writing the goal down. Stick to them and emphasizes monitoring. He also advises
rewarding oneself after goal achievement. Full cycle of goal setting theory included.
Goals for every month and then goals for the particular day. He suggests
writing the goal down. Stick to them and emphasizes monitoring. He also advises
rewarding oneself after goal achievement. Full cycle of goal setting theory included.
· Third advice author gives on agraphia (inability to write) is to form a support
group. A small group of academic only (He advises separate group for doctoral
scholars). Group should meet once a week and focus on writings of each one. He
advises to confront anyone who is lacking in writing or goal completion. And
provides some tactics to bring him in the habit of writing (first advice). This
is a kind of constructive social
pressure to maintain the habit.
group. A small group of academic only (He advises separate group for doctoral
scholars). Group should meet once a week and focus on writings of each one. He
advises to confront anyone who is lacking in writing or goal completion. And
provides some tactics to bring him in the habit of writing (first advice). This
is a kind of constructive social
pressure to maintain the habit.
· He demonstrates how single habit of regular writing
can bring good balance in work and life.
can bring good balance in work and life.
· Book also gives a list of reference books on style,
grammar, punctuation and motivation.
grammar, punctuation and motivation.
· There are dedicated chapters on style, journal
article and book writing. But I didn’t find them much in sync with the book
topic. May be just filler.
article and book writing. But I didn’t find them much in sync with the book
topic. May be just filler.
· I read that the new edition of the book is published
in September,
2018 -with added
chapter. The one I read is an older edition.
in September,
2018 -with added
chapter. The one I read is an older edition.
Paul
Silvia himself writes a
lot, daily from 08:45 to 10:00 AM in mortifying location. Being a social
psychology faculty, he has beautifully blended the scientific principles of habits,
motivation, and way to maintain them in this behavioural prescription for poor
writers. I am also getting in the habit of daily writing, but couldn’t form the
support group yet.
Silvia himself writes a
lot, daily from 08:45 to 10:00 AM in mortifying location. Being a social
psychology faculty, he has beautifully blended the scientific principles of habits,
motivation, and way to maintain them in this behavioural prescription for poor
writers. I am also getting in the habit of daily writing, but couldn’t form the
support group yet.
Finally the book is
persuasive, quick and essential read for anyone who wishes to be a productive
writer. I am looking forward to read another book from him on writing – it is specific on research or journal
writing in psychology.
persuasive, quick and essential read for anyone who wishes to be a productive
writer. I am looking forward to read another book from him on writing – it is specific on research or journal
writing in psychology.
