SS1 Ep1 Why Can't I Just START?!

Why is it so hard to start writing in summer, even though you finally have the time?

In this Summer Office Hours episode of Crayons in My Manuscript, I'm getting honest about a question that haunts graduate students, faculty, adjuncts, working professionals, and nontraditional scholars alike:

"Why can't I just start?!"

If you've ever stared at a blank document, avoided opening your dissertation chapter, delayed a conference paper, or spent an entire writing day doing everything except writing, this episode is for you.

We'll unpack the hidden reasons behind writing procrastination in summertime, including:

✏️ Changes in caregiving rhythms
✏️ Lack of structured time
✏️ Fears that emerge
✏️ Why struggling to start isn't always a discipline problem, but rather a case of the “should”s.

You'll also hear a personal reflection on my own writing procrastination and a simple reframe that has helped me begin projects when motivation is nowhere to be found.

Because sometimes writing doesn't start with what we think of as “writing.”

Rather, sometimes it starts with opening the document, annotating a source, drafting one terrible sentence, or simply admitting what's making the work feel difficult.

💬 I'd love to hear from you in the comments:
What barriers do you face when you start writing?

 

🎙️ Crayons in My Manuscript is a writing productivity podcast for graduate students, faculty, first-generation scholars, military-connected academics, parents in higher education, and anyone trying to build a sustainable scholarly life.

 

If you're looking for practical writing advice, academic productivity strategies, dissertation support, and honest conversations about life in academia, subscribe and join us.

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