How to Write More
Psychology has a lot to say about how people write and how they can write more, so it not surprising to find three books on this topic by psychology faculty. Written to help faculty be more productive, each is useful, even if somewhat obvious at times. The major point in all three is that writing is a habit and if one waits for inspiration, mood, or other such fuzzy states, the most likely outcome is nothing. Writers must learn to schedule writing daily and develop a habit—just as they brush their teeth everyday at regular times (to use one of the authors’ analogies).
The classic of the three is Professors as Writers by Robert Boice. This is my least favorite, but I feel a bit guilty because Boice’s research was crucial in clearly showing that writing every day, with contingencies attached, works. Perhaps a better way to characterize Boice’s book is that it might be best as a guide for someone working with a nonproductive writer (as Boice himself has done). My impression is that someone already overwhelmed and anxious about the lack of written output might not be able to digest or carry out the book’s plan without supervision and encouragement.
My favorite for writing style and getting to the point is Paul Silvia’s How to Write a Lot. In the first few chapters, Silvia focuses on the main behaviors that need to occur (write regularly using a plan, and stick to your schedule), and he has a particularly engaging way of keeping one’s attention. For example, when discussing typical excuses for not writing, he uses grant writing to contradict the notion that a writer must “feel like it”:
Some kinds of writing are so unpleasant that no normal person will ever feel like doing them….Who wakes up in the morning with an urge to write about “Specific Aims” or “Consortium/Contractual Arrangements” (pp. 25-26).
The second half of this short book focuses on specific types of writing and how to submit for publication. Although not quite as humorous as the beginning of the book, these chapters would be particularly useful for beginning professional writers in psychology.
Silvia’s book deservedly has gained the most attention recently (e.g., here, here, here, and here), but some reviewers (and commenters) still chafe at the basic prescription. Is there really no such thing as writer’s block? Can people tolerate being scheduled? Is it really applicable outside psychology? Boice’s research clearly supports his own and Silvia’s recommendations.
Write to the Top! by W. Brad Johnson and Carol A. Mullen is more in the Silvia style, with humorous looks at all the excuses academics use to avoid writing. It also has a wider range of suggestions and coping mechanisms to survive in academia in general while still accomplishing the goal of writing more. But the wider range also diffuses the central points on writing productivity. I also do not understand the title (maybe I missed the explanation somewhere in the book) and I definitely do not like the exclamation point.
My quibbles aside, all three books are worth reading. Impatient and looking for quick improvement? Read Silvia first. Struggling in academia in general, not just with the writing part of the job? Read Johnson and Mullen first. Mentoring a struggling writer? Read Boice yourself but give Silvia or Johnson and Mullen as an assignment.
Boice, B. (1990). Professors as writers. Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Johnson, W. B., & Mullen, C. A. (2007). Write to the top! New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Silvia, P. J. (2007). How to write a lot. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.