The global pandemic has produced its own ‘productivity’ rhetoric. Time away from classrooms, offices, libraries, and archives is often assumed to translate into more time for activities that academia measures as productive – more teaching and supervision, more meetings, more writing, more publishing. Of course, the gendered assumptions that underpinned this mindset were exposed quickly. But, they also continue to be ignored and those who take on the bulk of this under appreciated work will experience its detrimental effects for a very long time.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about a new writing routine to suit (Warning: overused expression here) “these unprecedented times.” Six months on, you’d think that I’d have a new routine for academic writing in the global pandemic.
Not so.
I’m still figuring it out, and at best, I’m trying to develop some general principles to guide my academic writing during my sabbatical year.
‘More writing’ isn’t on that list.
There are good reasons for this. Writing is an intensive activity. It requires planning, concentration, and focus. It consumes a lot of energy. This is a moment to practice adaptation, not precision planning. Or precision execution. We’re all limited in our ability to plan. Will I be able to meet a quick publishing turn-around, take up invitations, or travel to conferences in 2021? I have no idea. Some days, my concentration and focus drift. My energy comes and goes. Sometimes, I’d just prefer to direct it towards limiting my social media use.
The guiding principles I’m developing are entirely my own and aren’t intended to suit other researchers or their circumstances. They’ll include reassessing priorities, slowing down, writing alongside others but spending less time at the keyboard, and doing other things. Well, perhaps not travel, or at least not immediately.
I’m not doing scientific, virus-related research, so no one’s life hangs on what I publish or when I publish it. (In fact, most academic writing isn’t a matter of life and death, but you might now know this from the way that some academics talk about their careers.) As part of my sabbatical appointment, I’ll be writing alongside a newly established, virtual group of Research Associates. I’m sorry that I’m unable to meet them in person, but am looking forward to writing with them and hearing about their research in a shared, adapted virtual space. I’m planning to limit the time I spend at the keyboard so when I’m there it’s because I’m focussed enough to write. I might also be thinking about my writing while I’m walking, meeting with my book club, joining Zoom workshops and other virtual events, and relaxing.
For all intents and purposes, we’re still in the midst of this pandemic and I’ll be using this time to (Warning: another overused expression) establish “a new normal” and to practice adaptability.
upalonger 