Other Services
In addition to offering direct support on writing
for research or publication, the scope of my consultancy work also extends
to what I consider to be some relatively neglected aspects of scholarly
life. I offer the following services on the basis of limited consultation
fees, and as time allows.
Effective Handwriting for Academic
Professionals and Other Adults
Scaling Down a Scholarly Book
Collection
Effective Handwriting for Academic Professionals and Other Adults
The ability to write by hand, legibly and rapidly, is a skill that yields enduring benefits even in the computer age. Our handwriting is part of our public and professional persona; legible handwriting enhances communication with students and others, while a handwriting script that is produced without difficulty and looks mature is part of what marks us as an adult among colleagues.
Writing by hand is also a vital part of a connection between mind and body. Fluent handwriting frees us from the predictability of being chained to write only at the computer. Noting our ideas using the more portable alternative of pen and paper can free up how and where we do our writing, and give us greater leeway to listen to our own thoughts in a reflective mode.
Accordingly, writing by hand is an intrinsic part of my consulting work with scholarly clients. I have found that in general, handwriting is far preferable to typing at the computer during the idea-crafting stage of the writing process. Handwritten ideas can then be pieced together and reassembled to create a blueprint to serve as a guide for drafting at the keyboard, making the entire writing experience far less stressful and physically taxing.
If you are an adult interested in working on the handwriting style you already have to make it more legible or write more rapidly, please contact me so we can discuss your needs further or set up an appointment.
Scaling Down a Scholarly Book Collection
An auxiliary peer professional service of The Writing Practice offering one-to-one support to anyone in scholarly life facing the practical and emotional work of reducing or parting with a scholarly book collection.
The act of building and maintaining a scholarly book collection is an integral part of how we, as academics, build and maintain our own professional scholarly identities. Over time, however, we may change locations or jobs, develop different interests, move into smaller quarters or retire, and as life changes we may need to tailor our material possessions accordingly.
By your own choice or due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be considering the prospect of parting with some or many of your scholarly books. You may even be thinking of letting go of an entire personal collection. The challenges of doing so should not be underestimated.
If you are in this position and desire extra support, I can offer professional peer assistance as someone who has gone through this process myself and is interested in helping others who, for whatever reason, need to do the same. On a strictly confidential basis I can be available for on-site consultations as you sort through your collection and decide what to keep and what to sell, donate, or pass on to others. Unless you indicate otherwise, my role is solely as a sounding board for you as you work through your own feelings and decisions about what to do, as I have no personal stake in the outcome of what you ultimately decide. My involvement can be at any stage of the process.
Please contact me if you need more information or wish to set up an appointment.