Category Archives: Pat Thomson

I have too many words – why is this a problem?  

Posted on August 7, 2023 by pat thomson

It’s time for a look at the problem of too many words.  Is this really a widespread problem I hear you ask? In a word, yes. You see, despite the worries about whether we will write enough, the reality is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Pat Thomson, Tiny Text, too many words, word budget, word count | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

making the most of research leftovers

Posted on September 27, 2021 by pat thomson

You all know about leftovers. The bits of a meal that you couldn’t quite finish. The remnants that end up in a plastic box or a covered bowl in the fridge. Mostly you get round to eating them for lunch … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, data, data analysis, leftover, Pat Thomson, research | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

use a structured abstract to help write and revise

Posted on February 22, 2021 by pat thomson

Most journals don’t expect an abstract to be written in a particular format. But some do. They require writers to follow a particular format – a pre-structured template. These templates – structured abstracts as they are called – are specifically … Continue reading →

Posted in abstracts, academic writing, conference abstract, Pat Thomson, revision, revision strategy, structured abstract, structured abstracts, thesis abstract | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

#AcWriMo2020 goals rebooted

Posted on November 23, 2020 by pat thomson

At this past the middling point in #Acwrimo2020, it’s good to pause and think about what you have achieved so far. If you have managed to get some writing done most days, then it is worth giving yourself a metaphorical … Continue reading →

Posted in acwrimo, Pat Thomson, targets | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

patter’s year

Posted on December 22, 2014 by pat thomson

Patter is about to have a little break from blogging. Not for long. Just a few days. Patter will be back in the New Year on Monday January 5th. In the last post for 2014 it’s time to have a … Continue reading →

Posted in academic blogging, Pat Thomson, patter, readers | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

academic writing – learning from practice

Posted on August 20, 2012 by pat thomson

I’ve been thinking recently that one of the problems with writing is that, by and large, we can all do it – and we all DO do it. Being in a literate society means that writing is a bit like … Continue reading →

Posted in academic book, academic writing, crafting writing, doctoral education, literature review, Pat Thomson, practice | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

how to read an academic book closely – part three – sucking the stone

Posted on August 6, 2012 by pat thomson

There are some books that are important to your study and some that are critical to your ongoing research agenda, and some that you just love. There are also some writers whose work you want to know in great detail. … Continue reading →

Posted in academic book, argument, authority in writing, Pat Thomson, reading, reference, terms, theory | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments