This Academic Writing Month let’s celebrate originality!
Get ready, November is AcWriMo!
Our changing world calls for new thinking, not just another dry discussion of findings from research that doesn’t offer ways to make a difference. We have the potential to build original insights into our writing. While it is essential to reference the scholars whose shoulders we stand upon, we can take a step further and add our own original contribution to this scholarly discussion.
We can view problems from different perspectives, bring in previously ignored or forgotten voices, or suggest new directions for other researchers to explore. We can express our ideas in creative ways, online or analog. We can share knowledge in visually-interesting and engaging ways and present research in ways that inspire and motivate readers.
What is stopping us? We aren’t robots!
Let’s explore the meaning of originality in scholarly writing and the significance for our work. Take a fresh look at a new (or languishing) project with the support of this AcWriMo group on Substack.
I’ll share ideas through posts and podcasts, offer open-access resources, make suggestions and offer prompts. I’ll tailor materials to the interests of the group. You’ll also learn from some special guests including
, featuring posts from her excellent Publish Not Perish newsletter, and qualitative methodologist Margaret Roller. We’ll communicate through a private community chat throughout the month.
Ready for a breakthrough? Join me for AcWriMo on Substack!
AcWriMo is a one-month series for paid subscribers. It is relevant for anyone in the social sciences, humanities, or related fields who wants to learn new skills or advance a writing project. If you teach, supervise researchers or run a writing program, you’ll find tips for encouraging students to appreciate originality.
This is a one-month paid event. Subscribe and pay for one month, and your payment will cover content or access specifically for the month of November.
The When the Field is Online newsletter and related posts remain free to all subscribers.
A little background…
One of my first publications was a chapter called “Expect Originality!” in an edited volume called Student Plagiarism in an Online World. In this chapter I suggested that rather than focus on policing students’ cut-and-paste behavior, we should create collaborative, active learning-oriented assignments that asked them to do something original. It occurs to me that we can use some of these principles today!
Also, from 2017 to 2023 I championed AcWriMo on Sage Methodspace, where I was the research community manager and editor. Each year we focused on a different aspect of writing through webinars, guest posts, and suggested resources. This year I look forward to a lively and interactive month with you!
Oh yes, I’ve written a dozen books, including Publishing from your Doctoral Research: Create and Use a Publication Strategy with Helen Kara.