Write For You

On this episode, we talk with Sikose (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of English studying underground literature in South Africa during apartheid. Together, we talk about how her research informs her perspective on writing and why writing matters to her. Please note that this episode contains discussions of police and state violence. Historical context:1948 – the first apartheid law is enacted in South Africa1952 – Regional pass laws, which required Black South Africans to carry identifying documents to travel through internal checkpoints within the country, are replaced by a national pass law1953 – The Bantu Education Act is enacted, effectively restricting education access for non-White South Africans1960 – Sharpeville Massacre occurs when police ambush crowds protesting against the national pass law1963-64 – The Rivonia Trial takes place, sending many leading anti-apartheid activists to prison for life, including Nelson Mandela1976 – Soweto Uprising, a protest that begins as a response to planned language policy instituting Afrikaans as the language of instruction for Black South African students, becomes a broader challenge to the authority of the apartheid government1990 – Negotiations begin to end apartheid in South Africa; Nelson Mandela is released after 27 years of imprisonmentMaterial and resources discussed:South Africa Belongs to Us: A History of the ANC – Francis Meli (Zimbabwe Publishing House, 1988; accessible via UW Libraries)Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto – Tricia Hersey (Little, Brown Spark, 2022; accessible via UW Libraries)On the Stage of Time – Sikose Mji (Beyond the Vale Publishing, 2024; available soon via UW Libraries)Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature – Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (Heinemann, 1986; accessible via UW Libraries)The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-love – Sonya Renee Taylor (Berrett-Koehler Publishers; accessible via UW Libraries) Storytelling Fellows – a program for UW students, faculty, and staff organized by the UW Libraries offering beginner-level workshops on podcasting, digital exhibition, and video storytelling. Audio transcript: Episode 4

In this episode, we hear from Richa (she/her), a Master's student in Communications with a background in business and marketing. With her current studies and professional experience, Richa brings an informative perspective on practical writing, focusing on the audience, and the value of reading broadly.Material and resources discussed:The Culture Code: An Ingenious Way to Understand Why People around the World Buy and Live as They Do – Clotaire Rapaille (Crown Business, 2007; accessible via UW Libraries) The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion – Jonathan Haidt (Crown Business, 2012; accessible via UW Libraries) Audio transcript: Episode 3

In this episode, we chat with Gabrielle (she/her), a Ph.D. candidate from the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering. Listen in as we talk about writing, technology, and finding confidence in your work. Material and resources discussed:How the Page Matters – Bonnie Mak (University of Toronto Press, 2011; accessible via UW Libraries) Otter.ai – An AI-based transcription and notetaking softwareThe Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World – Iain McGilchrist (Yale University Press, 2010; accessible in print or ebook via UW Libraries)Association for Computing Machinery – a major professional association focused on computing science and technologyThe Notebooks of Simone Weil – Simone Weil (Routledge, 2004; available via UW Libraries.Tim Ingold – Emeritus Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of AberdeenPhenomenology of Perception – Maurice Merleau-Ponty (Routledge, 2012 [1945]; available via UW Libraries.Writer's Routine podcast – a chat-based podcast in which published authors describe and reflect on their writing routineAudio transcript: Episode 2

In this episode,  we hear from Alyssa (she/her), a Ph.D. candidate in Biology. Speaking with me from her fieldsite in Colombia, Alyssa shares her approach to writing across genres, working in collaboration, and finding the strategies that suit your writing process. Resources and material discussed:​​The Pomodoro Method/Technique – This productivity strategy is summarized uses a cycle of work and break time to avoid creating burnout. Learn more via UNC-Chapel Hill's Writing & Learning Center here. Explore OWRC's resources on starting your own writing group using our guide to social and independent writing.Learn more about UW's Sharepoint access here.R Markdown – A software that allows users to code and embed data within the document.Scrivener – Scrivener is an app designed with lengthy writing projects in mind. Learn more here.Audio transcript: Episode 1

In this episode,  we talk with Lizzy (she/her), a Ph.D. candidate in the University of Washington's Archaeology Program. Listen in as we talk about getting organized, thinking about audience, and confronting the blank page.  Find out more about the material and support mentioned in this episode: Zotero – Zotero is a citation manager. Find links to Zotero and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity” Dian Million – Associate Professor of American Indian Studies Sapiens – a digital magazine that poses anthropological perspectives for non-specialist readers  Nature – a longstanding and well-respected peer reviewed journal publishing on topics related to the natural sciences and technology Science – a longstanding and well-respected peer reviewed journal publishing on topics related to leading scientific discoveries An audio transcript for this episode available here.

In this episode, we talk with Jenna (she/her), a Master's student in the College of Education in the midst of writing her final thesis. Together we talk through the tips, strategies, and habits that have helped her, and where she's hoping her writing takes her next. Listen in to hear more. An audio transcript for this episode available here.

In this episode, we talk with Sue (she/her), a Ph.D. candidate from the Department of History, who talks us through a creative approach to writing academically, and how working in different genres and languages helps her avoid writer's block. Listen in to hear more.  Find out more about the material and support mentioned in this episode: Dramatists Guild of America – an American trade guild for writers in theatre and musical theatre Red Poppies – Alai (Houghton Mifflin, 2002; accessible via UW Libraries) What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – Haruki Murakami (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008; accessible via ⁠UW Libraries⁠) “How Writing Leads to Thinking” – Lynn Hunt (in Perspectives on History, Feb. 2010) Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity – Judith Butler (Routledge Classics, 2006 [1999]. An audio transcript for this episode available here.

In this episode, we talk to Runhua (she/her), a first year Ph.D. student in Information Science. Drawing from a wealth of graduate and professional writing experiences, Runhua shares her practical approach to making peace with imperfection and why her writing is the dog's pajamas.  Listen in to hear more.  An audio transcript of this episode is available here.

In this episode, we talk to Renee (she/her), a recent Ph.D. from the University of Washington Department of English, about how she finished her dissertation, the importance of community, and what comes next. Listen in to hear more! Find out more about the material and support mentioned in this episode: Suhanthie Motha – Associate Professor in the Department of English "Every Semester Needs a Plan," from the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD), which can be accessed through the University of Washington's institutional membership. Buying into English – Catherine Prendergast (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2008) Audio transcripts available here.

In this episode, we talk to Andrew (he/him), a Ph.D. Candidate in the University of Washington's Department of History and Associate Director of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies, about navigating a changing writing process, writing across a range of genres, and the richness of editorial feedback. Listen in to hear more! Find out more about the material and support mentioned in this episode: Zotero – Zotero is a citation manager. Find links to Zotero and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity." National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) – Access the NCFDD's vast range of resources and support for free through the University of Washington's institutional membership. Additional access to programs and support, such as the Write Now program, are available on a pay-to-register basis. “Revisiting ‘Streetwise'” – Andrew Hedden (Real Change, 2021) "Even blue-chip companies fail. Here's how to save their workers, and towns, when they do.” — Andrew Hedden (The Washington Post, 2019). “Streetwise/Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell: Qualities of Life” – Andrew Hedden (The Criterion Collection, 2021) Audio transcripts available here.

In this episode, we talk to Jeevan (he/him), a recent graduate from the University of Washington's Master of Arts for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) program (Department of English) and future first-year Ph.D. student, about inspiration, writing with goals in mind, and the importance of knowing when to take a break. Listen in to hear more! Audio transcripts available here.

In this episode, we talk to Madalena (she/her), a first-year Ph.D. student in the University of Washington's  Department of Geography, about gaining confidence, working through translation, and getting to know your process. Listen in to hear more! Audio transcripts available here.

In this episode, we talk with former graduate students Sarah and Maria. Now a few years out from earning their doctorates, Sarah and Maria reflect on writing both within and beyond the scope of their dissertations, and what they wish they knew before they finished. Listen in to hear their tips, insights, and recommendations! Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) – Access the NCFDD's vast range or resources and support for free through the University of Washington's institutional membership. Scrivener – Scrivener is a an app designed with lengthy writing projects in mind. Learn more here. The Pomodoro Technique – This time management strategy is summarized by Dr. Amrita Mandal in “The Pomodoro Technique: An Effective Time Management Tool.” Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success­ – Wendy Laura Belcher (University of Chicago Press, 2019) Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life – Anne Lamott (Penguin Random House, 1995) Find collected essays from John McPhee on writing through The New Yorker here. How to Write a Thesis – Umberto Eco (The MIT Press, 2015)

In this episode, we hear from Anna and Safi, doctoral candidates in the fields of history and English. Together, they talk about writing and research practice, reflections on their own habits and processes from a teaching perspective, and clarifying the audiences and stakes of their work. Listen in to learn more! Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life – Anne Lamott (Penguin Random House, 1995) This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage – Ann Patchett (2014, HarperCollins) The Creative Habit – Twyla Tharp (Simon & Schuster, 2006) A Disability History of the United States – Kim E. Nielsen (Beacon Press, 2013) “Beach Boys” – Barb Rabe (poem) Yến Lê Espiritu – Learn more about Espiritu's work on critical refugee studies and peruse her publications here The Theory of the Novel – Georg Lukács (The MIT Press, 1974)

In this episode, we hear from Megan and Mikhail, graduate students in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies and Archeology, respectively. In their discussion, we hear about utilizing multiple forms of communication, negotiating audiences, and the ongoing process of refining your approach. Listen in to learn more! Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: The Pomodoro Technique – This time management strategy is summarized by Amrita Mandal in “The Pomodoro Technique: An Effective Time Management Tool.” Zotero – Zotero is a citation manager. Find links to Zotero and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity." StatQuest with Josh Starmer – Find engaging digital content about statistics and mathematics from Josh Starmer on his YouTube page. Atul Gawande – Learn more about Gawande's work in writing, medicine, and public health on his website here. “To Save The Science Poster, Researchers Want To Kill It And Start Over” -- Nell Greenfieldboyce (NPR, 2019). “Why Doctors Hate Their Computers”– Atul Gawande (The New Yorker, 2018) Bitch Doctrine: Essays for Dissenting Adults – Laurie Penny (Bloomsbury, 2017)

Season 3 is here!

In our final episode of the season, we chat with doctoral students Christina and Ayda and get their takes on beginnings, challenges of interdisciplinary practice, seeking out feedback, and finding inspiration. Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: Evernote – Evernote is a notes and productivity app. Find links to Evernote and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity” https://guides.lib.uw.edu/c.php?g=341991&p=2300129 Muddying the Waters: Coauthoring Feminisms Across Scholarship and Activism — Richa Nagar (University of Illinois Press, 2014) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71226542700001451 Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide – Boaventura de Sousa Santos (Paradigm Publishers, 2014). https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71208530250001451 Unruly Visions: The Aesthetic Practices of Queer Diaspora — Gayatri Gopinath (Duke University Press, 2018) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71287365330001451 The OWRC facilitates regular semi-formal open writing circles for University of Washington graduate students. To learn more, check out the program webpage here: https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/open-writing-circles. For resources on starting your own writing circle, see here: https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/startyourownwritingcircle Borderlands: The New Mestiza = La Frontera (Fourth edition, 25th anniversary) — Gloria Anzaldúa, Norma E. Cantú, and Aída Hurtado (Aunt Lute Books, [1987] 2012). https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP99109694020001452 Dicteé — Theresa Hak Kyung Cha (University of California Press, [1982] 2009) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71166731740001451

In this episode, we talk to Brittney and Christopher, doctoral candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences. Listen in as they discuss transformation, problematizing the production of knowledge, sustaining oneself, and engaging conversations outside of traditional academic spaces. Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: Image Matters: Archive, Photography, and the African Diaspora in Europe — Tina Campt (Duke University Press, 2012) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71338954830001451 Heaven – Emerson Whitney (McSweeney's Publishing, 2020) https://store.mcsweeneys.net/products/heaven “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” – Audre Lorde in Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches (Crossing Press, 1984) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71327239980001451 The Black Embodiments Studio – The Black Embodiments Studio is a creative residency program from the Jacob Lawrence Gallery and the School of Art + Art History + Design at the University of Washington. https://www.blackembodiments.org/ #CiteBlackWomen – https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CiteBlackWomen&src=typeahead_click Evernote – Evernote is a notes and productivity app. Find links to Evernote and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity” https://guides.lib.uw.edu/c.php?g=341991&p=2300129

In this episode we hear from pre-candidacy doctoral students Biljana and Lily as they chat about experiences of writing early on in a doctoral program, finding your niche, balance, and thinking about feedback. Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: Actionable Community-Oriented Research Engagement (ACORN): https://pcc.uw.edu/research/acorn-program/ Zotero – Zotero is a citation manager. Find links to Zotero and other similar apps in the UW Libraries' research guide on digital history tools under “Productivity” https://guides.lib.uw.edu/c.php?g=341991&p=2300129.

In this episode, Lily and Madison – both nearing the end of their dissertation writing – share their takes on time management, responsibility in writing, and the specter of critique. Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – Haruki Murakami (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kjtuig/CP71174932920001451

In this special episode, we hear from Karen and Elyse, graduate students in the University of Washington's Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Arts for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages programs, respectively. Listen in as they chat about they chat about their experiences, including grappling with perfectionism, navigating pressure, and reflecting on one's one writing. Find out more about the material mentioned in this episode: How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy – Jenny O'Dell (Melville House, 2019) https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/lvbsh/TN_cdi_proquest_ebookcentral_EBC6061544

Season 2 is coming this spring.

In our final episode of this season, we listen in on doctoral candidates from UW's Department of Philosophy, Sam and Michelle, who discuss how to manage expectations from yourself and others to find a productive balance between academic work, writing, and everyday life.

In this episode, we talk with graduate students Caroline and Aaron from the Art History and China Studies programs at UW, who discuss their master's theses, the challenges of adapting to writing at home, seeking input from others, and the ongoing work of refining one's writing process.

This episode brings together doctoral candidate in archeology, Yoli, and museology master's student, Glenys, to discuss how they have navigated writing for different contexts, aims, and audiences with a special focus on public-facing work. Resource Mentions: https://www.facultydiversity.org/curriculum

In our first episode, we hear from doctoral candidates Hollis and Hope from UW's Department of Anthropology as they discuss their changing processes of writing and one of the most common challenges of writing – revision.