Overview

Academics may experience periods of writing burnout characterised by exhaustion, loss of motivation, and avoidance of scholarly work that was previously meaningful and engaging. Such burnout may arise from multiple sources, including challenging reviewer feedback, sustained workload pressures, or personal circumstances. Extended breaks from writing can become increasingly difficult to overcome, often accompanied by diminished confidence, uncertainty about how to restart, and concern about stalled scholarly progress. Without effective strategies for understanding and addressing burnout, academics may find it difficult to re-establish sustainable writing practices.

This workshop supports academics in understanding and recovering from writing burnout, and in re-engaging with their scholarly work in a sustainable way. Participants will explore the psychological and practical dimensions of burnout, including identifying contributing factors, recognising current writing capacity, and adopting approaches that support a constructive return to writing. The session will address strategies for resuming writing after extended breaks, rebuilding confidence through manageable writing activities, and setting realistic expectations aligned with current circumstances and long-term goals.

Participants will also consider approaches for reconnecting with their intellectual interests, addressing practical challenges that arise during periods away from writing, and establishing routines and accountability systems that support ongoing scholarly engagement. The workshop will provide practical frameworks and tools to help participants develop personalised re-entry plans and foster sustainable, productive, and fulfilling academic writing practices.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this webinar, the participants will be able to:

• Recognise the causes and impact of writing burnout on scholarly engagement and productivity.
• Apply practical strategies to re-engage with writing, rebuild confidence, and establish sustainable routines.
• Develop a personalised re-entry plan to support a consistent and sustainable return to scholarly writing.

Speaker Bio

Dr Christine Tulley is the founder and director of the MA in Rhetoric and Writing at the University of Findlay and currently directs all academic writing support, including development of tenure and promotion support materials, academic writing groups, and individual writing schedules for those who struggle with time management or writer’s block.