In this remix of an earlier episode, Christine Tulley invites you to start thinking about writing as an event—something you actually look forward to rather than squeeze in between everything else. She shares how she treats her writing sessions like a "hot date," complete with a fancy coffee, a favorite playlist, and a trip to the library to get into the right mindset. Even when writing at home, she recreates that sense of occasion with small rituals—special drinks, lo-fi music, a quick walk, or a few minutes of freewriting—to signal that it's time to focus. The key is building anticipation and making writing feel intentional and even a little indulgent.

Christine also encourages you to refresh your writing space so it supports your energy and creativity. That might mean trying a standing desk, swapping out your chair, lighting a candle, getting dressed for the day, or using colorful tools like Trello to close out a session on a high note. Simple visual cues—like keeping your thesis on a Post-it nearby—can help you stay grounded when distractions creep in.

There's no single "right" routine; the goal is to experiment and find small, joyful touches that make sitting down to write feel satisfying and sustainable.

Resources Mentioned

• The episode "Writing the Discipline, Writing Ourselves" on Rhetoricity is referenced. https://rhetoricity.libsyn.com/writing-our-discipline-writing-ourselves-an-interview-with-christine-tulley

Bonus Spotify Playlists

• Academic Writing Pregame I https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1bgFAtXJZf36jHEiEYcEBU?si=WEpJSTGfSf2CqkRefXsOkg
• Academic Writing Pregame 2 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/79TtmtQsY5EvbWPpOQwCkJ?si=YWl9CVhVRWqlVZDEAJtgxw

DPL Resources

• Tuesday Toolbox - contact [email protected] for subscription information to get more videos like Lesson 13
• 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 $25 using discount code DP25! 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.