In Episode 265, Christine Tulley offers practical advice for overwhelmed academic writers on how to make progress when time is limited by focusing on completing just one paragraph. She explains that paragraphs can serve various purposes—proposing new frameworks, introducing evidence, synthesizing literature, or challenging established views—and that working on a single paragraph is a manageable, non-threatening way to advance your writing even in small fragments of time. Tulley emphasizes that paragraphs have singular goals and typically take less than a full page, making them ideal units for focused work during brief writing sessions, and she encourages writers to start with key structural paragraphs or troublesome ones that need revision, noting that these small efforts accumulate toward completing larger projects.

Resource Mentioned

  • Lesson 13: Establish Originality (Tuesday Toolbox)
  • Episode 233 - Paragraphing

DPL Resources

  • Tuesday Toolbox - contact christine@defendpublishandlead.com 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 christine@defendandpublish.com
  • 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 DP26! 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.