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Academic Writing

Marian's Academic Writing Hub! 📚✍️ Your one-stop resource for all things academic writing. Whether you're a student crafting your first college essay or polishing your dissertation, we've got tools to help you succeed.

Share Your Story: The Writer's Practice Blog

Welcome to The Writer's Practice, Marian University's writing blog! We believe every writer has a story worth sharing, and we want to hear yours.

Our Mission
To explore and celebrate the practice of writing through authentic stories, mindful reflection, and community experiences from across Marian University.

Managing Editor
Tanisha Neely
Writing Consultant, Academic Commons
tneely@marian.edu

Why Share Your Story?
- Build your professional portfolio
- Help other writers grow
- Connect with our writing community
- Earn writing center rewards points
- Develop your writing identity

Submit Your Story: Quick Start Guide

Ready to Contribute? Here's How to Start ✍️

Step 1: Submit Your Idea
Complete our brief submission form
→ Response within 7 business days

Step 2: If Accepted
Sign author agreement
→ Receive your draft deadline
→ Get matched with a Writing Consultant or Peer Writing Tutor (if desired)

Basic Requirements:
- Word count: 600-1200 words
- Original, unpublished content
- Personal experience focus
- Multimedia welcome (images, videos)

Need Help Getting Started?
- Schedule a writing consultation
- Visit the Academic Commons (Library 1st Floor)
- Email the editor: tneely@marian.edu


💡 Pro Tip: Not sure if your idea fits? Email us! We're happy to discuss your concept before you submit.

What We're Looking For 📝

Length: 600-1000 words

Share your unique writing journey! Tell us about:
- How you've evolved as a writer
- Major breakthroughs in your process
- Cultural or linguistic influences on your writing
- Challenges you've overcome
- Experiences writing in different languages or contexts

Example topics:
- "Finding My Voice: From ENG 112 to Senior Thesis"
- "Writing Between Languages: My Bilingual Journey"
- "Breaking Through Writer's Block: What Finally Worked"

Length: 600-1200 words

Share insights from your scholarly writing experiences:
- Writing in your specific discipline
- Research and publication experiences
- Group writing projects
- Writing center visits and breakthroughs
- Writing across different courses and contexts

Example topics:
- "Lab Reports to Literature Reviews: Writing in Biology"
- "Collaborative Writing in Business: Lessons Learned"
- "How the Writing Center Changed My Research Process"

Length: 600-1200 words

Share strategies for maintaining writing wellness:
- Mindful approaches to writing
- Personal writing rituals and routines
- Managing writing-related anxiety
- Building sustainable writing habits
- Balancing writing with other responsibilities

Example topics:
- "Mindful Writing: My Morning Routine"
- "From Anxiety to Confidence: My Writing Journey"
- "Creating a Sustainable Writing Practice in Grad School"

Length: 800-1000 words

Share experiences with professional writing:
- Clinical/professional documentation
- Workplace writing practices
- Communication challenges and solutions
- Adapting writing for different audiences
- Professional writing experiences

Example topics:
- "Charting with Clarity: Writing in Healthcare"
- "From Academic to Professional Writing"
- "Adapting Technical Content for Different Audiences"

How to Submit Your Story 📝

STEP 1: Submit Your Idea |  Complete our brief submission form to share:

You'll hear back from us within 7 business days.

STEP 2: Review & Acceptance | If your idea is accepted, you'll receive:

STEP 3: Writing & Development | Work with our editorial team:

  • Submit your draft by the agreed deadline
  • Receive developmental feedback
  • Participate in revision process
  • Review final edits

STEP 4: Publication | See your work live:

  • Published on The Writer's Practice blog
  • Shared across Academic Commons platforms
  • Added to your writing portfolio
  • Featured in our community promotions

 

Support Throughout the Process:

  • Schedule writing consultations
  • Access style guides
  • Get technical help
  • Receive editorial guidance

 

Questions?

Contact: Tanisha Neely | Writing Consultant & Managing Editor | tneely@marian.edu

💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Start early - don't wait until the deadline
- Be open to revision suggestions
- Respond promptly to editorial feedback
- Ask questions if you're unsure
- Save copies of your work

Style Guidelines for Contributors ✍️

Voice & Tone

  • Write in your authentic voice
  • Use a conversational, professional tone
  • Share personal insights and reflections
  • Address readers directly when appropriate
  • Balance formal and informal language

Structure & Organization

  • Start with a compelling hook
  • Use clear, descriptive headings
  • Keep paragraphs short (2-4 sentences)
  • Include transitions between ideas
  • End with a meaningful takeaway

Formatting Requirements

  • Double-space your draft
  • Use 12-point standard font
  • Include page numbers
  • Mark section breaks clearly
  • Submit in Word format (.doc or .docx)

Elements to Include

  • Working title and subtitle (if applicable)
  • Introduction (hook your readers)
  • Main content (clear sections)
  • Conclusion (reflection or call to action)
  • Author bio (50-75 words)

Images & Media

  • Submit high-quality images
  • Include captions for all visuals
  • Provide source attribution
  • Ensure you have usage rights
  • Limit to 2-3 relevant images per post

Writing Tips

  • Share specific examples
  • Show, don't just tell
  • Include dialogue when relevant
  • Provide concrete details
  • Maintain focus throughout
  • Use active voice

Support for Writers 💫

Meet with a Peer Writing Tutor (Undergraduate) or a Writing Consultant (Graduate and Online)

  • Schedule a consultation: https://marian.mywconline.com
  • In-person or online options
  • Brainstorming to final draft help
  • Available evenings and weekends

Visit the Academic Commons

  • Location: Library 1st Floor
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Drop-in support available
  • Quiet writing spaces