Collaborative Writing Journeys Ten Top Tips for Successful Writing Partnerships Dr Carol Taylor Dr Lindy Nahmad-Williams Rachel Handforth 4th November 2015

Today’s seminar Insights from our writing journeys Managing difficulties and obstacles in the writing Managing relationships through the writing process Managing time Ten ‘top tips’ – practical and pragmatic writing strategies

Shared understanding of project Agree on an outline structure Be prepared to revise and revisit as the article develops In the middle and end have a very clear idea about what its contribution to knowledge is Top tip: Have a reasonably clear idea at the start of what the article is about/ for/ does/ its aims, goals and purposes

2. Whose name goes first? And why? Different reasons for different articles: % contribution but what if its 50% each? I ‘owe’ you (Carol’s doctoral supervisor) Whose idea was it? Corresponding author Top tip: Decide on this at the start

3. Power/Knowledge Managing the activity of collaboration when you are at different ages, career stages, or range of experience: Lindy ‘you know so much more than me’ Rachel ‘a young feminist’ Carol ‘a theorist’ Sharing what you write isn't always easy, especially if your writing partner is more experienced Top tip: Work to establish and embody an ethic of care, of relationality, of respect for difference

4. Schedule writing time in and use it to write There is never enough time Keeping to deadlines and keep the other informed if not Nothing worse than scrabbling for references when you need to be writing Top tip: Do a bit- it's always better doing something than nothing Have a schedule and stick to it If you've agreed to do something, do it! Sometimes you need to talk before you can write

5. How do you write together? Work out a procedure that works for you Discuss the writing amount and who will do what Playing to each other's strengths We all have idiosyncrasies when we write Try not to 'dig your heels in' But be honest when you really don't agree with something- has to be authentic Top tip Be clear about your writing commitments/ styles with each other

6. Staying power/commitment It will get tough/ boring/ take too long You will annoy each other at times It's not ‘your’ article, it belongs to both of you The article will change shape during the writing journey Be prepared for much hard work Don’t be ‘nice’ about the writing – if it’s not good enough you have to say so (tactfully) Top tip Be patient and be prepared to compromise Be open to accepting feedback

7. The collaborative process Writing together- same time, same place (with coffee) Or Google Docs- can be easier if there are more than 2 of you Using Google Docs means writing can be done in your own time and separately, or together at the same time Allows you to edit others' work- but be careful! Top tip: Try different ways of writing- find out what works for you

8. Choosing a journal Decide as early as possible Look at the Editorial Board Look at the author instructions Look at the style guide Top tip: Know your audience- who are you writing for? Decide who will do the logistics Have a back-up!

9. Don’t send the article off before it is ready Worth taking time over drafts Send to critical friends before sending it to a journal Be prepared to work with the feedback you get but ... Maintain ownership - it's your article Make sure it meets the journal requirements Top tip: Peer review Preparation Persistence

10. What's good- why we do it! Learning from each other and from the experience Space away from PhD Conversation generating writing- 'spark' moments Getting another 'output' Confidence boost- validation from another Top tip Recognise what you are gaining from the experience, despite difficulties along the way Enjoy the ride

Lindy Nahmad-Williams Researching the theory and practice of teaching and learning in Europe A workshop for emerging researchers Dr Carol Taylor Dr Jonas Almqvist Carol Taylor C.A.Taylor@shu.ac.uk Lindy Nahmad-Williams L.Nahmad-Williams@shu.ac.uk Rachel Handforth Rachel.Handforth@student.shu.ac.uk