“Summer was here again. Summer, summer, summer. I loved and hated summers. Summers had a logic all their own and they always brought something out in me. Summer was supposed to be about freedom and youth and no school and possibilities and adventure and exploration. Summer was a book of hope. That's why I loved and hated summers. Because they made me want to believe.” ― Benjamin Alire Sáenz “Come with me,' Mom says. To the library. Books and summertime go together.” ― Lisa Sc

One of the listservs I'm a part of compiles some resources for literature reviews. I am resharing them here since the lit review can be a...

If you have read much of this blog, you will have seen other posts that discuss the fact that sometimes you have to make sacrifices when...

Comparison may in fact be the thief of joy. AND sometimes we can look at the challenges others face and appreciate that we are not them...

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Happy Spring "Break."

It is important to do the work. And it is important to pay attention to other things. Your academics - homework, projects, presentations, dissertation - these are important. However, there are times when it will feel as if these things are all-encompassing. And they are not. Or at least they should not be. Take time to breathe and reflect. Notice things around you. Try to keep your work in context. It matters, but it is not the only thing that matters. Appreciate the privileg

While part of my job is to do research and academic writing, I am a creative writer at heart. I have read lots of books about writing. A few I recommend to everyone - creative, academic, or other types of writers include: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Strunk and White's Elements of Style , A Year of Writing Dangerously 365 Days of Inspriation and Encouragement by Barbara Abercrombie, and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. I also HIGHLY recommend that everyon

Truer words were never spoken. When you hit a wall, you can push on because you love what you are doing or you can push on because you're...

And to get done, you need to do the work. Go do the work. NOW.

As you think ahead to the semester before you, consider this article . Make sure your work - including your academic work - aligns with...

When you get stuck, ask for some kind of assistance. It doesn't have to be what is described above, but there are people who can help if...

Mind mapping can work. Just come up with a way to get those thoughts organized and then into your dissertation. And don't get upset with...

Duckpin bowling alley. Portland, Maine. A few years ago when I went to visit my nephew, my brother and his family took me Duck Pin...

Start your literature review last semester. Start the reference list for your dissertation before today. Seriously, if you start a list...

What if?

A road somewhere in Virginia. Earning a doctoral degree is hard. It just is. It should be. Not a lot of people do this thing you are...

Some resources light the way better than others. As you navigate your courses and writing, remember that there are resources available to...

We can find inspiration in the stories of others. Here is one for you: Dr. Courtney Cain

There is a story about a man who goes to a Zen master to learn how to master meditation. He asks, "How long do I have to meditate each...

"Sometimes you get lucky and your work stalks you like a tiger, and all you have to do is stand there and let it leap on you. Most of the...