Friday is approaching

Once again, I find that being beholden to someone else really does help with the motivation.  I've managed to get running, by going with a friend.  And I've managed to start writing by owing the Writing Group some kind of honesty.

Of course, I haven't written much yet, but I have thought about writing habits, resolved to get started, and actually made some progress this week.  It's nice to know I can - but would be better if I didn't need the outside influences.  On the other hand, I was talking with the senior lecturer (in the US would be professor) I've been tutoring for, and she was saying that everyone struggles, has trouble getting started, feels like they're not really any good.  Considering that she is my age, and about 3 stages ahead professionally, it was very comforting to hear that.  And resulted in me using a whole half hour (when I usually thing an hour is too short to start something) in typing up ideas for the conference paper.

Baby steps, but you've got to start somewhere.

Introduction

Hi. My name's Dr Zcat_abroad, and I'll be your companion for a while.  I've recently finished my PhD, graduated with a silly hat and all.  And now I'm trying to find a real job, and discovering that there's more to getting an academic job than simply finishing a thesis and being a good teacher.  You also have to publish!  


Now, I have all sorts of excuses for why I don't currently have multiple publications on my CV, but no-one is interested in that.  So, socks up time.  Time to get writing.  Follow me, if you will, as I attempt to improve my word-count and visibility.


Already in the pipe-line is one article, under review.


Step One is a paper to be delivered at the International Medieval Congress at Leeds - a goal I have been aiming for since I became a Medievalist, back when I started my MA.


Step Two and Three are two articles arising from my thesis, but requiring a bit of work.  They need to be done by September.


Step Four is a book proposal, which should be submitted by the end of October.


I have more plans ahead, but that's enough to be going on with for now.