Professors as Writers: A Self-Help Guide to Productive Writing

The author has worked with many blocked writers and has evolved many techniques over the years for helping them. Although he himself is a cheerfully non-blocked writer, he has a great deal of kindness for those less fortunate than himself. He has corralled many ideas, some older than he is, and some from the latest cognitive behavioral therapy. Questionnaires allow one to determine where one’s problems lie, whether in procrastination, perfectionism, impatience, apprehension of various sorts, dislike of writing, or lack of flexibility. And he provides “pre-writing” exercises in order to get the juices flowing. Contrary to the twaddle one finds on writing sites, he does NOT insist that if you’re not bursting with ideas and tremendously excited about writing, you’re better off not writing. Nor does he insist on marathon writing sessions; at first he suggests limiting writing sessions to 10 minutes at a time. In my opinion, much better than anything else I’ve seen on this subject.

I am halfway complete with my first textbook project. I purchased this book and "How to Write a Lot" at the same time. The latter I should have returned, but this one is very good.. Good ideas.. puts writing into perspective. Easy reading. The analysis and suggestions regarding writers block were very helpful.

Face it, all of us academics would like to think that someday a muse will descend upon us and infuse us with the capability to write the great work in our field without self-doubt, procrastination, etc. Boice shows empirical evidence that demonstrates these hopes are in vain (which is no big surprise to anyone), but even better, he provides the solution: writing is like physical exercise--the more you do it, the easier and more pleasant it becomes--if you write a little bit every day, even if you think it's pointless, at the end of a six month period, you will have 150 pages of writing to edit. It makes sense and it works. He even talks about reasons that people want to resist this truth, and how to trick yourself out of your writer's block. Grad students especially should benefit from the strategies he suggests.

I’ve only skimmed the book. It appears excellent.

For years, I wanted to write but hid behind the excuses that separate writers from those who simply want to write. Robert Boice's workshop-like approach to the problems that writers face provided a well-defined foundation for his specific suggestions on getting started, maintaining momentum, and managing multiple projects. Not just for professors, "Professors as Writers" is a great resource and guide for students and anyone who wants to find a way to get those long-trapped thoughts into print.

It was a simple book. Very insightful, but overall not very different from what I've seen in college.

A good book expanding on the idea of professional writing for college professors who are not only interested in writing for professional development and tenure, but who actually enjoy writing as an art. The book contains good information on the process of productive writing across several venues.

Dont know how to start writing? Read this book and it will make a world of difference! Just write!

the self assessment part is very educative and is supported by ways to improve and empower ourselves.

Very good and on time!

Very handy book. Provides insight into the writing journey. Lots of anecdotal examples and practical exercises provided.

Interesting psychological perspective on writing blocks and associate issues. Helpful guide to researchers willing to be more productive writers. It includes step-by-sted program fo overcome common problems with scientific writing.

I think it is probably useful, but it is hard going. Having it in the Kindle edition does not help as table come up very small, and it is harder to flip backwards and forwards. I think I would have got on better with the paper version.