In this summer-themed episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley addresses the common challenge academics face during summer months: distinguishing between work time and personal time while managing writing projects effectively. She provides practical strategies for creating sustainable boundaries around scholarly work during the less structured summer period.

Christine begins by acknowledging a widespread issue among her clients - the tendency to view summer as an unlimited reservoir of time to "catch up" on writing projects that may have stalled during the academic year. However, she warns against this all-or-nothing approach, noting that summer brings its own challenges including schedule changes, family vacations, travel commitments, and the natural desire to enjoy pleasant weather rather than remaining confined to an office.

The episode focuses on two key time management strategies that can transform how academics approach summer productivity. The first strategy involves establishing a realistic weekly hour commitment for scholarly work before each week begins. Christine emphasizes that attempting 40 hours per week of reading and writing is unrealistic due to the mentally taxing nature of screen-based, high-stress academic work, particularly for those working on dissertations or tenure-track requirements.

Drawing from her personal experience, Christine shares her approach of targeting 8-12 hours per week during the regular academic year, with 8 hours as her minimum threshold and 12 hours as her maximum before she allows herself to stop. She explains the psychological benefits of using a range rather than a fixed number, as it provides flexibility while ensuring minimum productivity standards are met. For summer intensification, she suggests scaling up to ranges like 16-20 hours per week for those with reduced teaching loads.

The range system offers several advantages, including the ability to track progress throughout the week and make informed decisions about additional work sessions. Christine illustrates this with an example of checking progress on Thursday and determining whether additional hours are needed by week's end to meet the minimum threshold.

The second major strategy involves deliberately scheduling non-work days during the summer. Christine recommends intentionally designating certain days as completely writing-free, whether for vacation, service obligations, or simply personal choice. This planned approach to rest prevents the guilt and uncertainty that often accompanies unstructured time off.

Christine concludes by emphasizing that this systematic approach to work-life boundaries helps answer the persistent question of "how much writing is enough?" She acknowledges that while there's theoretically no limit to academic productivity, realistic physical and mental constraints require thoughtful planning and self-imposed limits.

DPL Resources

• Summer Coaching Opportunity: Defend, Publish & Lead is offering a limited-time summer burst sale with 100 coaching hours available at reduced rates. Whether you're a current client or new to their services, email [email protected] to learn more.
• Free Consultation Available: New clients can schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss projects, summer writing planning, or fall preparation strategies.
• Need help with your academic writing goals or semester transitions? Contact Defend, Publish & Lead for personalized coaching support tailored to your specific needs and timeline.

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley provides essential strategies for effectively wrapping up the spring semester and preparing for a smooth transition into summer. Christine focuses on specific end-of-academic-year tasks that differ from typical semester closures, offering practical advice for academics looking to tie up loose ends before the fiscal year ends.

Christine emphasizes the critical importance of addressing deadline-driven tasks first - from spending remaining faculty development funds to completing annual productivity reports and tenure-track requirements. She stresses that these tasks often involve funding or have significant consequences if missed, making them the top priority for spring semester closure.

The episode covers essential organizational strategies including managing digital files from spring classes, deciding what materials to keep versus delete, and developing effective naming conventions for future use. Christine shares her approach to handling physical materials like books and printed articles, recommending binder clips with descriptive notes over traditional filing systems that can bury important documents.

For educators, she discusses the nuances of course management between semesters, explaining why copying fall-to-fall courses often works better than adapting spring materials due to calendar differences and energy variations between semesters. She also suggests creating a dedicated folder for fall prep ideas without actively working on them until August.

Christine concludes with the importance of annual CV updates, timing this task to coincide with required annual reports. This systematic approach ensures nothing gets overlooked while maintaining professional documentation current.

Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 74 – CV and Online Profile Updating

DPL Resources

• Summer Coaching Opportunity: Defend, Publish & Lead is offering a limited-time summer burst sale with 100 coaching hours available at reduced rates. Whether you're a current client or new to their services, email [email protected] to learn more.
• Free Consultation Available: New clients can schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss projects, summer writing planning, or fall preparation strategies.
• Need help with your academic writing goals or semester transitions? Contact Defend, Publish & Lead for personalized coaching support tailored to your specific needs and timeline.

In this longer episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley and coach Heather Witcher share valuable insights on balancing academic writing with parenting responsibilities during summer breaks. Drawing from their personal experiences, they discuss strategies for maintaining scholarly productivity while managing childcare for children of different ages - from preschoolers to college students.

The episode explores how to create effective summer routines that accommodate both professional goals and family needs. Christine and Heather share their summer writing plans and offer practical advice on carving out productive time amid the parenting demands of summer. From creative activities to keep children engaged to community-based childcare solutions, they provide realistic approaches for academic parents to make progress on their professional work.

This conversation highlights how different institutional contexts shape summer writing strategies - whether using summer for intensive writing to meet annual review requirements or focusing on smaller projects while recovering from a demanding academic year. The hosts share honest perspectives on managing the logistical challenges of summer while acknowledging the importance of enjoying this special time with children.

Resources Mentioned

• Related Episodes: EP 227: Summer Writing Strategies for Restoration and Project Completion (if you missed the summer planning 2026 webinar, email [email protected] and ask for a copy).
• Don't miss our upcoming FREE webinar! Join us Monday, June 2nd at 11 am Eastern for "Academic Parents: Summer Time Management Strategies" where we'll expand on these strategies in more detail. Register now or email [email protected] for the recording if you miss the live event.
• The Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) conference is approaching on June 6-7 with full virtual access. Christine highlights an especially valuable session on "Succession Planning, Onboarding and Training New Co-authors" - perfect for academics managing collaborative projects. Registration includes TAA membership and provides access to numerous valuable resources for academic writers.
• Need personalized support with your book proposals? Our team of experienced writing coaches can help you develop strategies tailored to your needs. Email [email protected] to learn more.

In this informative episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley interviews coach Heather Witcher about the growing trend of short form academic books. Learn what these publications are, who they're for, and why they're becoming increasingly popular among academic presses. Heather shares her personal experience publishing in Palgrave's Pivot series and offers valuable insights about the proposal process for these focused, timely works.

This episode explores how short form books provide an excellent option for niche topics that may be too focused for traditional monographs but too extensive for journal articles. At 30,000-50,000 words, these publications occupy the perfect middle ground while still counting as book publications for most universities. Discover how these more accessible texts are aimed at both academic and general audiences, requiring authors to demonstrate current relevance and impact.

DP&L Resources

• Don't miss our upcoming FREE webinar! Join us Tuesday, May 20th at noon Eastern for a detailed workshop on "Short Form Book Proposals" with Heather Witcher. Learn specific writing strategies for developing these shorter academic works. Register now as seats are still available! If you miss the live event, email [email protected] for a recording.
• The Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) is sponsoring their Academic Authoring Conference on June 6-7, with registration still open. Don't miss their free pre-conference workshop on Thursday, June 5th featuring Danielle Stevens' session "Book Proposals: 5 Myths and 5 Action Steps" - a perfect complement to our short form books webinar!
• Need personalized support with your book proposals? Our team of experienced writing coaches can help you develop strategies tailored to your needs. Email [email protected] to learn more.

In this valuable episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley explores the two common speeds of academic writing during summer breaks. Learn how to navigate between intensive project work and necessary rest periods while maintaining productive writing habits. Christine shares five practical strategies for integrating writing sessions into a more relaxed summer rhythm, with a focus on restoration that supports both your wellbeing and manuscript revision.

This episode provides essential guidance for academics seeking to establish sustainable summer writing routines that balance productivity with much-needed restoration. Discover how to set realistic writing goals that allow for both project completion and rejuvenation during academic breaks.

Resources Mentioned

• Don't miss our upcoming summer writing FREE webinar! Join us Monday, May 12 at 11 am for "Summer Writing Strategies for Restoration and Project Completion" where Christine will expand on these concepts in detail. A link will be sent to all registrants 48 hours before the webinar, and everyone who registers will receive the recording. Perfect for enhancing your summer writing productivity while maintaining balance! Register here to attend live or get the recording: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-writing-strategies-for-restoration-and-project-completion-tickets-1316411755999?aff=oddtdtcreator If the webinar is full, email [email protected] to get a seat
• Summer Writing Episode Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s16isKCmgoc&list=PLn-Rqihgv9UHK2BODjgiflbY31dV9hVVI

DP&L Resources

• Need personalized support with your summer writing projects? Try us out in a free consultation. Our team of experienced writing coaches can help you develop strategies tailored to your needs. Email [email protected] to learn more.

• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]

• The Textbook and Academic Authors Association continues to offer excellent resources for academic writers. Visit them at: https://www.taaonline.net/

  TAA Conference (use DEFEND25 for $25 off for podcast listeners!)

  TAA Membership New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors

In this essential episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley identifies warning signs of burnout and shares effective academic writing strategies for navigating a "maxed out" season, particularly during finals week. Learn practical writing productivity techniques and establish sustainable writing habits to maintain momentum even during your busiest periods.

Christine explores how structured writing sessions and realistic writing goals can help academics regain balance while maintaining scholarly output. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone struggling to maintain writing routines amid overwhelming academic demands.

Episodes Mentioned in this Episode

• Episode 68 - Final Grading vs. Writing Time

DP&L Resources

• Set your writing goals with us!. Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net/

  TAA Conference (use DEFEND25 for $25 off for podcast listeners!)

  TAA Membership New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley interviews Kiley Thornton, Director of Membership and Programs, about TAA's upcoming conference.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• TAA Conference (use DEFEND25 for $25 off for podcast listeners!)
• TAA Membership

Episodes Mentioned

• Episode 201 - The Academic Author Newsletter
• Episode 40 - Post Your Thesis on the Wall

DP&L Resources

• Set your writing goals with us!. Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net/
• New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors.

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley describes actions to make sure your journal article meets a target journal's norms.

Resources

• Free ebook Decoding Academic Journal Articles
• How to Make a Template from a Model Journal Article

DP&L Resources

• Set your writing goals with us!. Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net/
• New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors.

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley describes actions to take to complete a dissertation.

Resources

• Complete that Dissertation FREE webinar
• DPL Dissertation Playlist on YouTube

DP&L Resources

• Set your writing goals with us!. Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net/
• New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors.

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley describes three steps she's taking upon publication of her latest book.

Resources

• Rhet Comp Moms
• TAA Conference Bookstore

DP&L Resources

• Set your writing goals with us!. Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net/
• New to TAA? Join for just $30 using discount code TAA70 for 70% off!!! Returning TAA members can use the coupon code TAADP10 for $10 off an annual membership. You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors.