It is starting to look like my dream job will be just a dream for now. I contacted someone at the Law School who stated that they have completed their hiring for the 2009 academic year. I also saw a posting on the school's website announcing the newly hired faculty. The contact person did say that she would forward my email to the head of the faculty committee, but I am not holding my breath for anything to come of it.
I looked at the credentials of the newly hired faculty. What do these people have that I don't? Maybe there is something I can do for the next round. Maybe there is something that will make me feel better.
I found the answer. They have publishing cred. I don't.
At Former College and at Private College, there was not much push to publish. And since I was an adjunct, why would I? I am not getting paid any more money; I wouldn't expect it. It's just something that has been the big pink elephant in the room for me. I know I should do it. I need to do it if I want to run with the big dogs.
So, why haven't I done it?
OK here goes...it's anxiety. Not so much about getting published or the fear of rejection. It's the anxiety of the entire process. It seems so overwhelming to me. What's strange is that I should not be afraid of this, hell, I've written court and appellate briefs. While it's not entirely the same, someone is still evaluating your thoughts and theories. The major difference is that someone paid you a shitload of money to advocate for his or her life, liberty or money.
So, it should be no big deal, right?
I love to write and I have several great ideas for articles. I am just at a loss of how, when and where to start. The thought of the process just makes me want to curl up somewhere and hide.
But, I can't do that.
So my wonderful academic gurus. How did you get started? Did you have fear? Am I crazy?
About Me
- Seeking Solace
- I am a college professor who is fumbling through the chaos of academia, rheumatoid arthritis, working on my PhD and just being a 40 something woman. I used to be a lawyer, which made me a snarky little person. I have a wonderful Husband and a German Shepherd named Junior. They help keep me sane.
Paws to Consider
My Sister's Keeper
6 comments:
Not crazy, publishing is scary, especially the getting started part.
What about finding a co-author? Someone who you click with professionally and might be able to help you get started? It might be less intimidating for you to have a partner to write with.
Another idea would be to start outlining your article ideas. Put together some literature reviews (or whatever you might need for your article) and see where it takes you. Keeping your mind on the next step rather than the overall goal of getting published.
I think once you got started you'd be fine, it's jut getting over that hump that can be frightening.
Bummer. Sorry to hear that dream job didn't happen. I wonder why they didn't let you know.
I like Psych Post Doc's idea of working with someone else. Doing so will give you an idea of how to get started. It sounds like that is your biggest hurdle. It is like that blank piece of paper that has to be filed. Once you get started you'll be okay.
Another idea is to check out law journals. Perhaps see if you can get on the review board for one of them. That'll give you an insider perspective of what they are looking for in articles.
Why not start a professional blog/website where you write about those issues, then perhaps you'll pick up some freelancing jobs writing for internet magazines or other law things? It isn't academic publishing, but it is related (and there may be money in it if you get commissions).
I knew my wonderful blog friends would come through. These are great ideas.
I think getting started is probably the hardest and scariest part. I like all the ideas I've seen here but I would add one more. If you already have a few ideas for articles than start writing a little bit each day. Write a little bit one day on one and the next day on another and then go back to the first one. And when I say writing, I mean "dirty writing." Try not to worry at this point about the finished product. Just start jotting down your ideas...the way you would in a blog or if you were trying to explain it to a friend. This often helps with anxiety and gets you interested and invested in the idea so you want to keep going and take the next step. Also writing every day (or almost every day) is the only way I've found to get published.
Good luck.
I really like the suggestions for collaboration. That is really an excellent way to get started on anything in academia, whether it's research, teaching, article-writing, or proposal-writing. It's also important to be as thick-skinned as possible- just like putting yourself out there on the job market, you are putting your work out there for scrutiny. Also keep in mind that it's a long process. If you want to do it, you should go for it, though!! I'm sure you can do it!
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