Recently, I launched a needs assessment survey to gauge the current writing and research challenges facing WV and Appalachian scholars. Although 37% were making adequate progress, 63% responded that they were not at the level of productivity that they wanted to be. It is noteworthy that no one said that they were exceeding expectations.
What kinds of challenges do WV writers acknowledge? The results of the survey suggest that several factors are limiting our current productivity. Most scholars (71%) report difficulty finding time to write. Others (54%) report having trouble staying focused or motivated. It’s no surprsie that so many writers (40+%) feel burned out. But the good news is that community, structured writing plans, and some specific guidance / coaching can make those barriers more manageable!
Because none of the respondents reported that they were exceeding productivity expectations, I have put together a list of strategies to conquer or tame these challenges. For a copy, reach out by leaving your email address:
Writing in the Wild: A Research Launchpad 