
One of the peculiarities of academia is that you have to be able to explain your project before you’ve actually done it. And all projects have to start somewhere–at some level you are conjuring a new project out of the force of your imagination. So… how to do that? In this episode Kel and Karen talk about Ideation, Conceptualization, and Production and how important it is to keep the parts of the academic process separate. Ideation is the blue-sky thinking and things like mind maps and research journals are helpful; conceptualization is where the project starts to take form, and here outlining is a fantastic tool – and outlining allows for a generative oscillation between ideation and conceptualization. With these steps done, production–the actual clicky clacky typing of new words on the keyboard – becomes so much easier. In other words, if you’re driving from LA to New York, you don’t just start driving randomly–you need a map! Come for the advice, stay for the metaphors. And PLEASE, on this one, let us know if this was helpful and if so, why. Karen wants to know.

[Become a subscribing member for just $3.99 a month and get access to our subscriber only goodies like free webinar recordings, AMAs, the chance to suggest topics, early access to the podcast video that we record in our house in Oregon, and — new from this week – live videos with Karen and Kel on Friday mornings, all on our dedicated podcast member page on Mighty Networks!
Not ready to subscribe? Donate here to send along some support–it goes straight to the production team!]
It’s the newest trend! Join the thousands who are saying goodbye (and good riddance?) to the academic career! If you spend any time on...
We talk Imposter Syndrome: what it is, why we get it, how to overcome it. We talk about gendered messages, structural racism, and being...
Continuing from Part I last week, Karen and Kel continue sharing 12 strategies for confronting disappointment in a healthy and productive way, targeted to...