How to Write a Lot, by Paul J. Silvia

This slim volume has lots of good advice for academics who want to write more. In a concise and humorous manner, author Paul Silvia manages to give practical advice that (if followed) is guaranteed to help readers write more.

Mr. Silvia begins by debunking all of the excuses that people have for not writing:

• There's not enough time
• I need to read more articles before I begin
• I need a new computer, a better printer, etc.
• I'm waiting for inspiration

He tells us that the only way to ensure that you write more is to write according to a schedule, such as two hours every morning. He then discusses tools to help writers set goals, set priorities, and monitor progress. He denies the existence of writer's block for academic writers: "Writer's block is nothing more than the behavior of not writing" (p. 46).

Mr. Silvia goes on to suggest setting up a writers' group and describes his experiences with such a group at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he works. In subsequent chapters he tackles writing style and the art of writing journal articles and books. His discussions on handling reviews and rejection are especially helpful. He concludes by stressing that you don't need special qualities to write; you just need to keep to your writing schedule. If you do that, you're guaranteed to write more.

How to Write a Lot includes an index as well as a list of recommended books for further reading.

Paul J. Silvia. How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 2007. 149 pages. ISBN 9781591477433.