WriteCast: A Casual Conversation for Serious Writers: Recent Episodes
Walden University Writing Center
Kacy and Claire from the Walden University Writing Center chat about all things academic writing. Special guests include students, faculty, and Writing Center editors.
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The podcast will be on hiatus for a while. Claire and Kacy recommend 6 of their favorite episodes.
Links to Episodes and Archive:
Episode 13: 60 Minutes or 60 Seconds, Maximizing Your Time with Writing Resources
Episode 18: Student Q&A
Episodes 34 (Taking Care of Yourself with Mindful Writing) and 35 (A Brief Daily Session Walkthrough)
Episode 84: Avoiding Bias
Episode 79: How to Start Writing
Episode 72: Emotional Intelligence for Online Students
Also be sure to look over our archive and categories on the WriteCast homepage
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What is scholarly voice, anyway? Claire and Kacy discuss how to be clear and direct in your academic writing to achieve scholarly voice.
Relevant resources:
Scholarly voice webpages
What is academic writing? webinar
Scholarly Tone and Voice blog series
When should you paraphrase? What about quoting? Claire and guest host Brittany Rogers discuss four easy steps to paraphrase and more!
Relevant Resources:
Paraphrasing webpages
Plagiarism Prevention Modules
Paraphrasing Primer: How to Paraphrase Sources Successfully (webinar)
Using and Integrating Quotations (webinar)
APA Style Rules can be a confusing phrase. APA is more than just citations and references, and Claire and Kacy delve into passive voice, anthropomorphism, and numbers rules in this episode.
Relevant Resources:
Anthropomorphism webpage
Passive voice webpage
APA Style modules
APA's website on Mechanics of Style
What should you do when your assignment doesn't seem to meet APA or is a different format than a typical paper? Claire and Kacy discuss APA rules and how to adjust to different writing formats that might not use all of APA's usual standards.
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Instead of resolutions, Claire and Kacy discuss setting achievable, reasonable goals they term SMARTER goals for your writing projects!
Relevant resources:
Setting writing goals webpages
Keeping Up Your Motivation podcast episode
How to Set and Stick to a Writing Goal podcast episode
How can student writers build their confidence? Guest Grete Howland explores three main approaches students can use in this month's episode.
Relevant Resources:
How to Set and Stick to a Writing Goal WriteCast episode
Why Set a Writing Goal webpage
How to Start and Sustain a Writing Group WriteCast episode
Veronica Oliver joins the podcast to discuss universal design and learning preferences, and how students can use this information to help have more effective paper reviews from the writing center.
Relevant resources:
Can you Doodle Your Way to Better Writing? blog post on learning preferences.
Mapping your Mind with Bubbl.us blog post
Speech to Text: Prewriting by Speaking blog post
Our Paper Reviews webpage
How do you avoid bias in academic writing? We dive into the APA 7th edition guidelines on this topic including descriptors, avoiding generalization, and using singular they.
Relevant Resources:
APA webpages on bias free language
Inclusivity and academic writing blog post
WriteCast Episode 46: Inclusive Language: Gender-Neutral Pronouns and Identity-First Language
Jeannie, a Walden student and former writing instructor, discusses having her prospectus approve and moving on to the proposal. She discusses tips and her experience finding the right problem to pursue and getting support from her chair.
Relevant resources:
WriteCast Episode 76: An Interview with the Library
WriteCast Episode 44: Interview with Jeannie Croichy, EdD Student
WriteCast Episode 63: Starting the Prospectus, an Interview with Jeannie Croichy, Doctoral Student and Writing Instructor
WriteCast Episode 77: Keeping Up Your Motivation
WriteCast Episode 78: Interview with Dr. Cheryl Read: Finishing a PhD
Conclusions can be tricky, Claire and Kacy go over some successful strategies and what to avoid with conclusions.
Relevant resources:
Conclusions webpage
And So, in Conclusion blog post
WriteCast Episode 43: How and Why to Revise with a Reverse Outline
Synthesis can be tricky, but Claire and Kacy discuss how to bring ideas together using writing skills, plus some discussion of how writing is like being a lawyer and a chef!
Relevant Resources:
Transitioning into Better Writing blog post
Podcast Episode 33: Tackling Transitions
Transitions webpage
Podcast Episode 38: The Literature Review Matrix: What It Is, How to Use It, and How to Make It Work for You
Literature Review Matrix
Synthesis and Thesis Development webinar
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What should you do once you have your assignment? Claire and Kacy discuss how to start writing.
Relevant resources:
Literature Review Matrix
The Literature Review Matrix: What it is, How to Use it, And How to Make it Work for You (Episode 38)
Wrestling with Writer's Block Episode (Episode 26)
“The challenges of grad school are temporary, the degree is something you’ll have forever.” Dr. Cheryl Read, one of our Writing Instructors, discusses obtaining her PhD while working full-time, raising a family, and navigating a pandemic.
Episodes mentioned:
Episode 49: Meet Your Reviewer: Cheryl Read
Episode 62: How to Start and Sustain a Writing Group
Episode 77: Keeping Up Your Motivation
Staying motivated is tough these days. Claire and Kacy share some tips to keep your motivation for writing projects.
Resources mentioned:
WriteCast episode 34: Taking Care of Yourself with Mindful Writing
WriteCast episodes 39 & 40: Positive Writing Affirmations
WriteCast episode 61 and bonus episode: Restorative Writing
Writing retreat blog post: Writing in the Midst of Uncertainty
Pomodoro tracker website
Written?Kitten! kitten photo reward website
Librarian Kim Burton visits the podcast to discuss support for students in their research and writing projects.
Resources mentioned:
Library website: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library
Ask a Librarian and Quick Answers homepage
Citation Management Software overview webpage
Library review of Zotero
Library tips on organizing research
Writing Center literature review matrix
Claire, Kacy, and guests Miranda and Christina discuss their work collaborating on writing an academic article, with additional tips for student writers to keep in mind!
Resources mentioned:
WriteCast Episode 8 (Rebroadcast as episode 48): Top 10 Tips for Group Papers
WriteCast Episode 49: How to Set and Stick to a Writing Goal
WriteCast Episode 61: Restorative Writing
When learning and writing in a language other than your first, there are many challenges. Guest Amy Bakke and Claire discuss their experiences with learning secondary languages and tips for students learning and writing in English.
Relevant Resources:
- Webpages for multilingual students
- Grammar modules
- Writing at the Graduate Level webinar
- Grammar webinars
Switching from APA 6 to APA 7th edition? This episode is for you! Claire and Kacy discuss 10 top revisions for your course papers as you make the shift to APA 7.
Resources mentioned:
APA 6/7 comparison tables
APA 7 Transition webinar
Emotional Intelligence can help students and individuals connect, be more self aware, and achieve positive outcomes. How does emotional intelligence apply to online learning? Claire and Kacy explore some ways Walden students can use EI to benefit their online interactions.
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APA 7 is new and exciting! Claire and Kacy discuss APA 7 for Walden students and go over a few favorite changes in this month's episode.
Resources discussed:
APA transition page
APA's website
APA 7 is out! In this episode, Claire discusses what Walden students need to know regarding this update and what to expect moving forward in 2020.
Resources:
Writing Center APA 7 update page: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa/7transition
Beth returns to WriteCast to talk with Claire and Kacy about writing an award application. Beth is a 2016 winner of an Online Learning Consortium's Effective Practice Award for the Writing Center's interactive modules.
Resources:
- Beth's award application, “Walden University Writing Center Interactive Modules: Student Writing Support Any Time, Anywhere”
- Online Learning Consortium's Effective Practice Awards information
To help celebrate Walden University's Global Days of Service that takes place each October, we're rebroadcasting our 56th episode featuring two Walden Writing Center instructors who work toward positive social change in their communities by writing to their local representatives. Hosts Kacy and Claire talk with Melissa and Meghan about how this writing is similar and different to academic writing, tools they use, and what they have experienced as a result.
Resources:
- Scholarly Voice
- Audience
- Using Evidence
- WriteCast episode #51: Using Evidence in Academic Writing
- Writing for Social Change webinar series
- Walden Writing Center Blog posts on writing for social change
- Social Change at the Writing Center
- Walden Writing Center weekly e-newsletter (e-mail writingsupport@waldenu.edu and ask to be added to the distribution list)
- ResistBot
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Kacy and Claire discuss two strategies students can use to turn a discussion post from an assignment that feels like busywork to a useful tool in developing a longer course paper.
Resources mentioned:
- "From Prompt to Post: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Effective Discussion Posts" blog post
- "Writing Introductions for Discussion Board Posts" blog post
- "To Cite Yourself or Not To Cite Yourself: That Is The Question!" blog post
- "A Discussion About Discussion Posts (Episode 25)" WriteCast episode
- "A Philosophical (and Practical) Look at Self-Plagiarism (Episode 30)" WriteCast episode
- Webpage on citing yourself and avoiding self-plagiarism
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Claire and Kacy explain the concept of "killing your darlings"--removing pieces of your writing project that you are reluctant to get rid of, even if doing so would improve the piece. They share three tips to help cope with the difficulty of deleting parts of your work and how to get the most out of this revision process.
Resources:
- Revision
- Revising Strategies web resources
- Revision Strategies: A Three-Part Blog Series
- "Use the Paramedic Method to Resuscitate Your Writing" blog post
- "The 5 Rs of Revision (Episode 14)" WriteCast episode
- Recorded webinar: "Improving Your Writing: Strategies for Revising, Proofing, and Using Feedback"
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We're excited to introduce our first Book Club episode! Writing instructors and PhD students Kacy and Cheryl chat about Paul J. Silva's How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. Whether you've read the book or not, listen in to hear what Kacy and Cheryl found particularly useful, what advice was less relevant for them, and how they are using the suggestions in their own writing practices.
Resources:
- How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing
- Productivity 101: An Introduction to the Pomodoro Technique
- Mytomatoes.com
- WriteCast episode "How to Start and Sustain a Writing Group (Episode 62)"
- WriteCast episode "Meet Your Reviewer: A Conversation with Cheryl Read, Writing Instructor and PhD Student (Episode 49)"
- WriteCast episode "5 Tips for Establishing a Writing Practice (Episode 17)"
Kacy's favorite quotes from the book:
- Specious Barrier #1: “I can’t find time to write." "Why is this barrier specious? The key lies in the word find. When people endorse this specious barrier, I imagine them roaming through their schedules like naturalists in search of Time To Write, that most elusive and secretive of creatures...If you think that writing time is lurking somewhere, hidden deep within your weekly schedule, you will never write a lot...Finding time is a destructive way of thinking about writing. Never say this again. Instead of finding time to write, allot time to write" (12).
- “Struggling writers who ‘wait for inspiration’ should get off their high horse and join the unwashed masses of real academic writers. The ancient Greeks assigned muses for poetry, music, and tragedy, but they didn’t mention a muse for journal articles written in APA style” (26).
- “On my list of maladaptive practices that make writing harder, Not outlining is pretty high—just above Typing With Scratchy Wool Mittens, just below Training My Dog to Take Dictation. Outlining is writing, not a prelude to ‘real writing.’ Writers who complain about ‘writer’s block’ are writers who don’t outline” (79).
- “You don’t need special traits, special genes, or special motivation to write a lot. You don’t need to want to write—people rarely feel like doing unpleasant tasks that lack deadlines—so don’t wait until you feel like it. Productive writing involves harnessing the power of habit, and habits come from repetition. Make a schedule and sit down to write during your scheduled writing time. You might spend the first few sessions cursing, groaning, and gnashing your teeth, but at least you’re curing during your scheduled time and not in binges” (129).
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What kinds of writing assignments can you expect, and what resources are available to help, in Walden’s Tempo Learning programs? Kacy chats with writing instructor Amy about her experiences in her M.S. in Early Childhood Studies Tempo Learning® program. Listen in if you are a Tempo student, considering becoming a Tempo student, or interested in learning more about writing in competency-based education.
Resources:
- Walden Writing Center Blog
- Scholarly voice resources
- Scholarly voice: Audience
- MEAL plan overview
- "Breaking Down the MEAL Plan: A 4-Part Series on Writing Strong Paragraphs" blog posts
- Walden course paper templates
- "What About Me? Using Personal Experience in Academic Writing" recorded webinar
- Proofreading resources
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What is it like to start the doctoral prospectus? Kacy chats with Jeannie, EdD student and Writing Center Writing Instructor, about her experience. Jeannie shares three tips and a valuable writing resource. Kacy also announces WriteCast's first Book Club episode! This summer, we'll be reading and reviewing Paul J. Silvia's How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. We invite you to read along and to send your questions and thoughts to us at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.
Resources:
- Paper reviews for Walden students working on their prospectus
- “Jeannie's First Residency (Jeannie Croichy, EdD Student; Episode 44)” Writecast episode
- “Transitioning from Master's-Level to Doctoral-Level Writing (Episode 52)” Writecast episode
- Capstone document templates for Walden students
- Preproposal Starter Kit
- “Transitioning from Coursework to Doctoral Capstone Writing" recorded webinar
- “Writing Process for Longer Research Projects” recorded webinar
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PhD student and Writing Center writing instructor Cheryl Read returns to the podcast to talk about writing groups: types and approaches, considerations for getting one started, and tips for keeping one going.
Resources mentioned:
- WriteCast episode 49, "Meet Your Reviewer: A Conversation with Cheryl Read, Writing Instructor and PhD Student"
- GradWriteSlack workplace
- "Writing Together: How Peer Writing Communities Can Be Your Secret to Success" blog post
This bonus episode contains just the follow-along activity from episode #61, "Restorative Writing." We recommend listening to the "Restorative Writing" episode first to learn what restorative writing is, how to practice restorative writing, and how to use it as a vehicle to understand and process individual and/or community trauma. Then, follow along with this bonus episode for just the activity. You can participate in the activity as many times and as often as you'd like!
Resources:
- Recorded webinar: "Using Restorative Writing to Enact Social Change"
- Batzer, B. (2016). Healing classrooms: Therapeutic possibilities in academic writing. Composition Forum, 34. Retrieved from http://compositionforum.com/
- DeSalvo, L. A. (2000). Writing as a way of healing: How telling our stories transforms our lives. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Writing instructors Ellen and Miranda join Kacy and Claire for this month's special episode and bonus episode on restorative writing. Restorative writing is when writing becomes a vehicle for transforming pain into engagement. Learn more about what restorative writing is, how to practice restorative writing, and how to use it as a vehicle to understand and process individual and/or community trauma. Ultimately, restorative writing can help writers discover ways to heal and overcome those challenges through social change.
The latter half of the episode contains a follow-along restorative writing activity. If you've already listened to this episode and would like to just participate in the activity again, check out our #61 bonus episode.
Resources:
- Recorded webinar: "Using Restorative Writing to Enact Social Change"
- Batzer, B. (2016). Healing classrooms: Therapeutic possibilities in academic writing. Composition Forum, 34. Retrieved from http://compositionforum.com/
- DeSalvo, L. A. (2000). Writing as a way of healing: How telling our stories transforms our lives. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
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In this episode, Claire and Kacy talk about their experiences in formal creative writing workshops. Claire contributes her insights from her MFA in creative writing program and Kacy describes participating as a “non-creative” writer. The two consider ways that creative workshop techniques can help students create productive writing groups of their own.
NOTE: At one point in the episode, Kacy makes reference to a “chair member” but is actually referring to one of her committee members.
Related resources:
WriteCast Episode 42: Using Creative Writing Strategies in Academic Writing
Narrative Writing Series: Tips from Creative Writers blog post
Creating an academic writing goal or goals for yourself can be a great tool for motivation, organization, and writing development. Writing instructor Miranda joins co-hosts Kacy and Claire to talk about setting writing goals that are achievable and manageable, sticking to goals, and using specific strategies and resources to help you do both.
Resources mentioned:
- Writing a Paper: Goal Setting (includes Why Set a Writing Goal, How to Set a Writing Goal, How to Avoid Ineffective Writing Goals, Examples of Effective Writing Goals, How to Achieve Your Writing Goals)
- Search "goal" and "goal setting" on the Walden University Writing Center website
Kacy and Claire share tips and inspiration for making smaller revisions and working the steps into your writing process.
Recommended resources:
- Grammar resources
- Interactive grammar modules
- Grammarly (for Walden students)
- Revision journals
- "When/How to Conduct Revision and Proofreading" blog post
- "Top 10 Preproposal and Proposal Fixes for Capstone Writers" blog post
- Walden University Writing Center Blog posts on grammar and mechanics
- Interactive modules on APA style
- Paper reviews (for Walden students)
- Microsoft Word help for Walden students through the Academic Skills Center
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Revision is a major part of the writing process, and different types of revising warrant different strategies. Claire and Kacy give tips and resources for how to revise your writing for bigger patterns and issues in your current drafts as well as your future coursework.
Recommended resources:
- WriteCast episode 14: "The 5 Rs of Revision"
- Walden University Writing Center website resources on revision
- On-demand webinar: "Improving Your Writing: Strategies for Revising, Proofing, and Using Feedback"
- Walden University Writing Center Blog posts on revision
Melissa and Meghan, two of the Walden Writing Center's instructors, work toward positive social change in their communities by writing to their local representatives. Kacy and Claire talk with Melissa and Meghan about how this writing is similar and different to academic writing, tools they use, and what they have experienced as a result.
Resources:
- Scholarly Voice
- Audience
- Using Evidence
- WriteCast episode #51: Using Evidence in Academic Writing
- Writing for Social Change webinar series
- Walden Writing Center Blog posts on writing for social change
- Social Change at the Writing Center
- Walden Writing Center weekly e-newsletter (e-mail writingsupport@waldenu.edu and ask to be added to the distribution list)
- ResistBot
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If you struggle with spelling, you're not alone! Claire and Kacy give some quick tips for how to improve and check your spelling.
Resources:
- "Making Word Work For You" Walden Writing Center Blog post
- APA Section 4.12
- Dictionaries:
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
- Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (2002)
- APA Dictionary of Psychology
- Writing a Paper: Proofreading
- Microsoft Word tutoring from the Walden University Academic Skills Center (for current Walden students)
Get to know Tasha, one of the Writing Center's newest writing instructors, in this brief interview with Claire and Kacy. Tasha shares her approach to a paper review appointment, her favorite types of papers to review, some recommended writing resources, and the best writing advice she received in school.
Resources mentioned:
- "5 Flow Part 3: Transition with Words, Sentences, and Paragraphs" blog post
- "Breaking Down the MEAL Plan: A Four-Part Series on Writing Strong Paragraphs" blog post
- Walden Writing Center Blog
If you've ever felt like the worst writer in the room, an academic fake, or an outsider in your degree program, you might have been experiencing imposter syndrome. In today's episode, writing instructor Kacy shares her research on and experience with imposter syndrome as a graduate student, along with tips for how to combat it and gain confidence. Max also makes a special announcement.
Resources:
- Persky, A. M. (2018). Intellectual self-doubt and how to get out of it. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 82(2), 86-87. doi:10.5688/ajpe6990
- Walden University (Producer). (2017, June 23). Val Krage on early childhood education, being a doctoral peer mentor, & imposter syndrome. In S. Picht (Ed.), The savvy student podcast [podcast]. Retrieved from https://soundcloud.com/waldenacademicskillscenter
- Walden University (Producer). (2017, July 3). Dr. Christy Fraenza on staying connected to WaldenU, the doctoral peer mentors, & imposter syndrome. In S. Picht (Ed.), The savvy student podcast [podcast]. Retrieved from https://soundcloud.com/waldenacademicskillscenter
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Writing instructors Max and Veronica discuss transitioning from graduate to doctoral writing from their own experiences in their programs. They chat about advice for currently transitioning writers as well as surprises along the way and the evolution of their writing, research, and expectations through each stage of their scholarly work.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Writing Process for Longer Research Projects Webinar
- Paper Reviews (for Walden students)
- Walden Writing Center Blog
- Form & Style website
- Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection
Claire and Max discuss how to incorporate evidence into your academic writing, as well as how to use citations effectively to support your evidence.
Resources mentioned:
- Writing Refresh: In-text versus Parenthetical Citations blog post
- Creswell Did Not Write About You: Common Mistakes in Citing 'I' Statements blog post
- Walden University Writing Center Blog posts on APA style
- Using Evidence: Overview
Research indicates that there may be a connection between visiting the Writing Center three times and students' growth in confidence, skill, and motivation. Max and Claire discuss these findings, their own experiences working with students in the Writing Center, and strategies for scheduling and making the most of a Writing Center paper review appointment.
Resources:
Third Time's the Charm: The Magic of Multiple Paper Review Appointments
Third Time's the Charm: Strategies for Your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Paper Review Appointments
Further Research:
Irvin, L. L. (2014). What a difference three tutoring sessions make: Early reports of efficacy from a young writing center. Writing Lab Newsletter, 39(1-2), 1-5. Retrieved from https://wlnjournal.org/
Lerner, N. (1997). Counting beans and making beans count. Writing Lab Newsletter, 22(1), 1-4. Retrieved from https://wlnjournal.org/
Robinson, H. M. (2009). Writing center philosophy and the end of basic writing: Motivation at the site of remediation and discovery. Journal of Basic Writing, 28(2), 70-92. Retrieved from https://wac.colostate.edu/jbw/
Williams, J. D., Takaku, S., & Bauman, K. (2006). Effects of self-regulatory behavior on ESL student writing. Tohoku Psychological Folia, 65, 24-36. Retrieved from https://www2.sal.tohoku.ac.jp/psychology/folia/index.html
Yeats, R., Reddy, P., Wheeler, A., Senior, C., & Murray, J. (2013). What a difference a writing centre makes: A small scale study. Education + Training, 52(6/7), 499-507. doi:10.1108/00400911011068450
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Resources mentioned:
Walden University Writing Center Blog
Walden University Writing Center webpage
WriteCast episode archive
Meet Cheryl Read, one of the Writing Center's newest writing instructors. Cheryl, who is also pursuing her PhD, shares her writing tips and advice for other students who are working on writing projects.
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Many people will have to work collaboratively at some point in their education or careers, and writing a group paper or working on a group assignment can be challenging. In this rebroadcasted episode, Nik and Brittany share their top 10 tips for successfully writing a group paper.
Resources:
Collaborative Assignments
Common Assignments: Collaborative Writing in Business and Management
Resolutions to Reflect and Revise (Episode 47) by Walden University Writing Center
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This month, Max and Claire talk with Walden University Writing Center Director Brian Timmerman and Associate Director of Faculty Outreach and Support Amber Cook about Walden's new Gender-Neutral Pronouns Policy and Identity-First Language Policy. Brian and Amber discuss the policies, why they were created, and what they mean for student writers.
Resources:
Walden University's Gender-Neutral Pronouns Policy and People-First and Identity-First Language Policy
Inclusive Language Policy Announcement blog post
Meet Katherine, one of the Walden Writing Center's newest writing instructors! Max and Claire talk with Katherine, who is also a Walden PhD student, about her writing background, review approach, and advice for student writers.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Recorded webinar: Developing a Paper: Creating a Paper From a Discussion
- WriteCast episode #37: Transitioning to Master’s-Level Writing
Beth makes a special announcement, and Max and Claire talk with Jeannie Croichy, Walden University EdD student and Writing Center writing instructor, about her first Walden student residency experience.
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You may know about outlining as a pre-writing strategy, but have you heard about reverse outlining? A reverse outline is a great tool to use once you have written a draft. Claire and Max explain what a reverse outline looks like, how to create one, and how it can help you strengthen your writing.
Resources:
Writing a Paper: Outlining
Is Your Short Attention Span Showing?: Using A Reverse Outline blog post
You don't have to be a creative writer to use these tips! Join writing instructors Max and Claire for a discussion of creative writing strategies--such as knowing where you're going and how you're going to get there, writing exploratory drafts, anticipating audience response, getting a secondary reader, and understanding deconstruction--that you can use to strengthen your academic writing.
Resources:
Narrative Writing: Scholarly Narrative Overview blog post
Narrative Writing: Include Relevant Details to Guide Your Reader's Focus blog post
Meet Kacy Walz, PhD student and Walden University Writing Center writing instructor! Beth and Kacy talk about Kacy's approach to reviewing student papers, the best writing advice she has received, and a writing resource she loves to recommend to students.
Resources:
Writing Center paper reviews for Walden students
Walden Writing Center Blog
Listen to and repeat these positive writing affirmations to create an uplifting mindset as you write. You can play this episode as often as you'd like! We recommend first listening to Positive Affirmations, Part 1 (Episode 39), in which Brittany explains how academic writers can use affirmations.
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Brittany makes an announcement, shares her experience with positive affirmations, and talks with Beth about how students can use affirmations to create an uplifting, supportive mindset about their writing process and progress. After listening, check out Part 2 (episode 40) for writing affirmations that you can use to increase your writing positivity.
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Have you heard of the literature review matrix? It's a tool you'll want to know about if you're working on, or going to be working on, any major research and writing project. If you are familiar with the matrix but aren't yet sure how to use it or haven't found it helpful, then this episode is for you, too. Brittany shares why she loves the matrix as a researching, writing, and teaching tool, and Beth explains why she was hesitant about the matrix at first but how students can tailor it to meet their own research needs.
Resources:
The Literature Review Matrix (PDF and Word versions)
If you're starting or in the early stages of a master's degree program, then this is the episode for you! Beth and Brittany break down differences between undergraduate-level and master's-level writing and share tips on how to transition between them.
Resources:
Getting Started: For Master's Students
Master's Capstone Writing page
When working for positive social change, what can we do when others disagree on what change is needed or how to enact change? How do we find common ground and keep discussions productive? Can academic writing teach us anything about how to approach and navigate difficult conversations? After the episode, check out our new page on social change at the Writing Center for more resources related to social change: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/about/socialchange
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In our follow-up to last month's episode on mindful writing, Jes and Max are back to lead a brief daily session. Find a writing project and a timer, and follow along through the four steps: prepare, write, pause, reflect. To get the most out of this brief daily session, we suggest first listening to WriteCast episode 34, "Taking Care of Yourself With Mindful Writing."
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How can we apply qualities of mindfulness—such as acceptance, compassion, body awareness, and being present in the moment—to our academic writing? To kick off the new year, Brittany and Beth talk with writing instructors Max and Jes Philbrook about how using mindful writing improved their dissertation experience and how students can get started creating a sustainable, mindful writing practice.
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Want to make your academic writing flow smoothly and logically? Learn how with Beth and Brittany as they discuss using transitions within and between paragraphs.
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Is it better to work with the same writing instructor or tutor over time, or to mix it up? In this friendly debate, Beth and Brittany discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
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Writing Center writing instructor Claire joins Beth and Brittany to chat about why and how students might use a course paper or assignment for a larger audience and purpose beyond the classroom.
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Did you know it's possible to plagiarize yourself? Brittany and Beth examine what self-plagiarism means, why it's an issue, and how to prevent it in your academic writing.
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Beth and Brittany explore the partnership between in-text citations and entries in the reference list in academic writing. Tune in to better understand these components of APA style and for tips on making them work together in your papers.
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Many writers struggle with how to write an introduction to an academic paper. To help, Brittany and Beth share five things to avoid when writing scholarly introductions.
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A tutor, professor, or peer has given you feedback on your writing--now, what? In this episode, Beth and Brittany share five tips for what do to with feedback you get on your papers or other academic writing.
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What is writer's block, and how can we get beyond it? Beth and Brittany discuss causes and strategies.
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Discussion posts are a common assignment at Walden and many other universities. This month, Beth and Brittany chat with writing instructor and contributing faculty member Hillary about the purpose of the discussion board and how to be an effective participant.
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The podcast is back! WriteCast will return to its regular monthly schedule next month. Beth explains what we've been up to and how to share your ideas for 2016 episode topics.
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We've been talking about some big-picture writing ideas on the podcast lately--how academic writing helps you outside of academia, gray areas in APA style, writing expectations at U.S. colleges and universities--so this month, we're getting specific. In our latest episode, Beth and Brittany share several examples of words and phrases to avoid in your academic writing and explain how word choice impacts your precision and clarity.
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"Why do I have to write this? Why do I have to do so much writing? Why is this going to matter after I graduate?" Admit it--you've probably asked questions like these at some point in your academic career. In this month's episode, Beth and Brittany encourage you to rethink your academic writing as building skills that will benefit you beyond the university.
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APA style rules aren't always black and white, or even in the manual. In this episode, Brittany and Beth discuss some "gray areas" of APA style and how students can approach them.
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Writing styles and expectations at schools in the United States can differ from those of schools in other countries. Beth and Brittany talk about different styles and expectations within and outside of the U.S. rhetorical tradition.
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Beth and Brian, director of the Walden Writing Center, talk about recommendations for apps you can use to help make your writing time more productive.
Apps and sites discussed in this episode:
Google Docs / Google Drive
Timewarp
instaGrok
Evernote
OneLook Reverse Dictionary
This month, Beth and Amy chat about some challenging literature review questions, including - When can you stop researching and start writing? - When do you know you're finished? - How long should the literature review be?
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In this episode, writing instructor Beth answers student questions about academic writing.
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Want to strengthen your writing this year? Check out our latest WriteCast episode for our five tips for getting into a regular, productive writing practice.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Capstone Calendars: A Plan for Success
- WriteCast Episode 7: Balancing School, Work, and Family: An Interview With Writing Center Manager Amy Kubista
- Writing Center's Facebook Page
- @WUWritingCenter on Twitter
Being a part of a writing community is a great way for student writers to connect with each other, stay motivated, keep each other accountable to writing goals, share challenges, and celebrate successes. This month, Nik and Brittany chat with Dissertation Editor Lydia about the importance of having a writing community, the communities that the Walden Writing Center offers, and new resources for doctoral students.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Walden Capstone Writing Community
Writing Center on Facebook
Writing Center on Twitter
"Writing Together: How Peer Writing Communities Can Be Your Secret to Success" blog post
Feeling frustrated, discouraged, or confused about feedback on your writing? Want to know how to address these feelings in the future? Don't miss our discussion with Dr. Melanie Brown, associate director and manager of writing initiatives at the Walden Writing Center. Dr. Brown also teaches Walden student support courses, and she has a lot of helpful advice for students on what to do with negative faculty feedback.
Resources:
"Help Them Help You: Being Receptive to Faculty Feedback"
If you groan or get confused when you hear the words 'revision' or 'revise', you won't want to miss our latest WriteCast episode. This month, Nik and Brittany explain five characteristics of this crucial part of the writing process.
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What can you possibly accomplish in 5 minutes to help strengthen your writing? More than you might think! What if you had 15, or 30, or 60 minutes? In this month's episode, Nik and Brittany suggest different Writing Center services you can use if you have 60, 30, 15, or only 5 minutes to spare.
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This month, Nik and Brittany explore some common writing center myths we hear from students. Listen to learn who should use a writing center, how to use the writing center, and what to expect from your writing center experience.
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Have you ever gotten "doesn't meet requirements" feedback on a paper? Tune in this month for strategies on understanding and following your assignment prompt.
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This month, Brittany explains her role as the coordinator of Writing Center residency instruction and design, and Nik interviews Dr. JaMuir Robinson from Walden's School of Health Sciences.
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Nik interviews Walden doctoral students at the Atlanta residency about their residency experience, writing journey, and writing advice for fellow students.
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Many people will have to work collaboratively at some point in their education or careers, and writing a group paper or working on a group assignment can be challenging. In this episode, Nik and Brittany share their top 10 tips for successfully writing a group paper.
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Many students work hard to find a balance between school, career, and family life; Amy Kubista, EdD student and Manger of Writing Instructional Services at the Walden Writing Center, is no exception. This month, Nik sits down with Amy to talk about how she strives for that balance, her motivation for pursuing her degree, and writing advice.
Resources:
Capstone Calendars: A Plan for Success
Writing Resources tab on the Writing Center website
Life Cycle of a Paper Webinar
Writing Center Paper Reviews
What is audience? Why should we care about it? With a focus on course papers, Brittany and Nik talk about how and why to consider your readers.
Resources:
Audience
Nik and Brittany describe five strategies for critical reading, an important aspect of writing that often gets overlooked.
Resources:
Critical Reading
Nik and Brittany discuss maintaining objectivity and academic professionalism in your writing without sacrificing your passion for your paper or study topic.
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What do derailed trains, chain link fences, and fruit salads have in common? Find out in WriteCast Episode 3: Creating a Successful Paragraph. In this episode, Nik and Brittany identify six types of paragraphs to avoid and summarize four essential components of an effective and cohesive paragraph.
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Why is a thesis statement so important? Where does it go? How is it different than a purpose statement? How can you make yours stronger? These are some of the questions Brittany and Nik talk about this week. Don't miss this episode on what Nik calls the most important part of an academic paper.
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Writing experts Brittany and Nik share insights and tips on the writing process.
Timestamps for discussion segments:
Brainstorming: 3:23
Outlining: 6:53
Drafting: 10:43
Revising: 11:51
Proofreading/Editing: 12:45
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