This was so lovely to read, and I can't wait for future installments. I'm in my first few weeks of grad school after a couple years out of academia & found that each lesson above resounded even more than the previous --what wonderful reminders/mantras, thanks for sharing :)
A thought with regard to items 2 and 3: one of the things I learned as a research assistant for a professor who focused on the cognitive processing of narrative is that there are two separate processes the brain has to go through when it comes to writing. The first is composing--coming up with something to say. The second is transcription--moving those thoughts from your head to the page. What I always tell my students is that writer's block is the result of trying to transcribe before your brain is done composing, which takes a lot of time.
I absolutely agree that writing is happening even when we're not in front of the computer. I can't tell you how many times I've found the solution to a writing problem while doing something completely unrelated. Letting your subconscious do its thing--which also happens while we're reading--is the only way forward, when it comes to writing.
I love this! Composing takes *so much time.* I think when we stare at the blinking cursor or the blank page, we start to feel that it's a problem to not be able to fill it up yet. Rather than what is really is, which is an opportunity.
"Letting your subconscious do its thing." I love that!!!
The life lessons that you shared are truly wonderful! You just got yourself another follower. I hope to read more of the lessons that you learned during your life in grad school :)
Thank you so much for sharing this. Especially the points about peers in a study group and the “why does he have to die?” question. I’m a literature grad too, now rediscovering my own writing here on Substack, having written without real purpose and without asking the questions for many years. Glad to have this place to share doing it. Keep at it!
I wish I had gone to grad school, so I’m currently self-studying to immerse myself in learning as much as possible. I enjoyed reading your reflections.
I love that Makayla! I hope you're enjoying your self-education process :) Grad school is an amazing experience—maybe someday, you'll get a chance to go!
Timely! I just started grad school after a lengthy break and these bits are good reminders. Not having the answers is okay, but grapple with questions. That is the job
This is a really lovely piece, thank you for sharing these reminders. I feel like I needed to hear every one of these today! (Although I am fortunate that I can read your point about trusted peers as a reminder to appreciate being around people I do trust...)
Thanks Nikki!! yes: finding trusted peers is such a critical part of the journey. It can be tricky, but it's so amazing when you find the right group of folks to work on your writing and ideas with!
OK. This made me cry (the last lesson, specifically). What an amazing experience. I just love that you had that with your professor.
The lesson I personally needed to read right now is about all-nighters being worth it. I have been feeling so many feelings around the time I need to work on my substack and my book... it takes so much time that, at this stage of my life, is really hard to find... but I am reminded again, even when I am feeling bleary eyed from staying up way too late - reading or writing - that I never EVER regret time that I spent reading or writing. So... I am tired, but I am happy. And that's what coffee is for.
P.S. That little b*tch that took your idea and then tossed it... I would hold that grudge forever.
I love that I had that experience, too!! I think about it every time a student has asked me for help over the years.
All nighters are SO fun!! Also, they're like....so aesthetic! Something about the experience just kinda makes you feel so tender and dedicated to your project, like those really vulnerable past-midnight hours where you can be so available for ideas. It's a magic little time. I'm so glad you're embracing it!! (And I cannot wait to know hear more about your book project as it develops!!)
And...ya know...with that experience I was so sad and internalized so much of it and then remembered that karma is *also* a b*tch.
This was so lovely to read, and I can't wait for future installments. I'm in my first few weeks of grad school after a couple years out of academia & found that each lesson above resounded even more than the previous --what wonderful reminders/mantras, thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Regan! Congrats on being back in school 🥰
How exciting, Regan! What program are you in?
A thought with regard to items 2 and 3: one of the things I learned as a research assistant for a professor who focused on the cognitive processing of narrative is that there are two separate processes the brain has to go through when it comes to writing. The first is composing--coming up with something to say. The second is transcription--moving those thoughts from your head to the page. What I always tell my students is that writer's block is the result of trying to transcribe before your brain is done composing, which takes a lot of time.
I absolutely agree that writing is happening even when we're not in front of the computer. I can't tell you how many times I've found the solution to a writing problem while doing something completely unrelated. Letting your subconscious do its thing--which also happens while we're reading--is the only way forward, when it comes to writing.
I love this! Composing takes *so much time.* I think when we stare at the blinking cursor or the blank page, we start to feel that it's a problem to not be able to fill it up yet. Rather than what is really is, which is an opportunity.
"Letting your subconscious do its thing." I love that!!!
The life lessons that you shared are truly wonderful! You just got yourself another follower. I hope to read more of the lessons that you learned during your life in grad school :)
Hi Carmela!! So glad you're here :)
I would love to hear more stories! I am a current graduate student and the struggle is real!
Hi Seher! The struggle is so very real. I hope you're having a fantastic semester!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Especially the points about peers in a study group and the “why does he have to die?” question. I’m a literature grad too, now rediscovering my own writing here on Substack, having written without real purpose and without asking the questions for many years. Glad to have this place to share doing it. Keep at it!
Oh, I love that!! I joined Substack as a way to rediscover my writing, too! I'm also very glad to have this space.
Thank you for sharing these reflections, Haley 😀
Thank you for reading, Kate!!
Ideas need time - I love this!
Yes they do! Lots of it!!
Would love to see more of these especially as someone who wishes they went to grad school! I'm going to apply the all nighter rule to my reading 😂
You got it!
And yes!! Reading all night long is such a vibe!
I wish I had gone to grad school, so I’m currently self-studying to immerse myself in learning as much as possible. I enjoyed reading your reflections.
I love that Makayla! I hope you're enjoying your self-education process :) Grad school is an amazing experience—maybe someday, you'll get a chance to go!
Timely! I just started grad school after a lengthy break and these bits are good reminders. Not having the answers is okay, but grapple with questions. That is the job
Oh, welcome back to school!! I hope you're having a great semester!
This is a really lovely piece, thank you for sharing these reminders. I feel like I needed to hear every one of these today! (Although I am fortunate that I can read your point about trusted peers as a reminder to appreciate being around people I do trust...)
Thanks Nikki!! yes: finding trusted peers is such a critical part of the journey. It can be tricky, but it's so amazing when you find the right group of folks to work on your writing and ideas with!
OK. This made me cry (the last lesson, specifically). What an amazing experience. I just love that you had that with your professor.
The lesson I personally needed to read right now is about all-nighters being worth it. I have been feeling so many feelings around the time I need to work on my substack and my book... it takes so much time that, at this stage of my life, is really hard to find... but I am reminded again, even when I am feeling bleary eyed from staying up way too late - reading or writing - that I never EVER regret time that I spent reading or writing. So... I am tired, but I am happy. And that's what coffee is for.
P.S. That little b*tch that took your idea and then tossed it... I would hold that grudge forever.
I love that I had that experience, too!! I think about it every time a student has asked me for help over the years.
All nighters are SO fun!! Also, they're like....so aesthetic! Something about the experience just kinda makes you feel so tender and dedicated to your project, like those really vulnerable past-midnight hours where you can be so available for ideas. It's a magic little time. I'm so glad you're embracing it!! (And I cannot wait to know hear more about your book project as it develops!!)
And...ya know...with that experience I was so sad and internalized so much of it and then remembered that karma is *also* a b*tch.