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.