Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On the Desk...

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey…Rest and Recalibrate!

So I completed a 2-week Writing Sprint retreat last week, and boy was that an awakening experience. Nothing like working in a community with others who have similar goals and pursuits. I also enjoyed the accountability of making sure I stayed on task. I will admit my body was in shock considering I had just finished the semester and jumped right into this retreat, but needless to say, the benefits outweighed the very minimal cons.

So for a couple of days this week, I took a few days of reprieve and chill time. I honestly needed to just take some days to do nothing, I had been on 100 for an entire semester, that I just needed a break. Lord knows I felt some guilt for not doing work for those few days, but it also felt good to just wake up with no agenda.

So often academics do not give themselves time to recalibrate and reset, but trust when I say it so necessary! It’s no point running on fumes and expect to be productive. And especially as a Black woman in the academy, I gotta make sure to take care so that I can make sure to tell my story and ensure that others can do the same.

This week I’ve been getting back into the groove, and it feels good to get back into the zone! Back to the Sister Night chapter, and grinding out these episode breakdowns. As I noted in an earlier post, this summer I am primarily dedicated to writing for the book and a couple other projects that are in the works. Everyday that I put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard), I am getting one step closer to the goal.

I’m feeling good, I’m feeling excited, I’m amped for this journey! Well let me get back to it!

See you on the next round! ~Dr. G

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Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On The Radar

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey-Distractions

What a day!! While today was a productive one, I had to fight for this productivity. Word of the day… Distraction!! Each day I try to give myself some goals to work with and it just seemed like everything wanted to get in the way. Mix of stress, a little bit of lingering imposter syndrome, and I will admit some fatigue.

I think this is such a huge project, that I am not giving myself some “grace” throughout the process. Now I realize out of the gate during this process, there will be some ups and some downs. I just need to learn how to better navigate the downs. But as I said earlier, I was productive even if I had to fight for it. A win is a win!!

Taking part in the #WellAcademic Writing Sprint has also been super helpful. Having a community of like minds sharing and giving their support really helps to get through each day. They have been some great cheerleaders!

One word at a time…One sentence at a time…One paragraph…One Page…One Day at a Time!!

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Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On the Desk..., On The Radar

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey-Juices Flowing

It’s Day 2 of the Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey!! Another productive day in the writing game! I really felt the juices flowing today, so when I say I was riding the wave … I was moving and shaking!

Now I know I dived right into this new adventure on yesterday, so I just wanted to give some backdrop to what is taking place! So this “Reclaiming Her Time” journey is all about my first book manuscript titled, Reclaiming Her Time: Exploring Black Futures in the Black Female Superhero…when I say I am super excited about this project words cannot even begin to express! This project is very much like my baby. You gotta feed it, nurture it, give it sustenance and so much more! Never did I think I would get an opportunity to write about something that I treasure and love so much….Black Female Superheroes, but the day has come.

I am currently working on a chapter about Regina King’s character Sister Night/Angela Abar in the HBO/Max series “Watchmen.” Her specific story in this award-winning television series is one that engages with many topics including self-agency, being perfectly imperfect, historical trauma, family legacies, and so much more. Watching her story play out is one that inspires, excites, and adds another layer to the greatness that is a Black woman!! She is one of the many Black female comic book heroes that I will be examining in the book.

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So over the summer, you will get a chance to see how this all plays out. The inner workings, the highs and lows, and all the wins!! I am super amped that you will be a part of this journey with me!!

Till the next time!! ~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration, On The Radar

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey

Today starts a new personal and professional journey! Over the next couple of months, I will be sharing my writing journey as I begin the completion of my first book manuscript project. As part of being a university professor, I have embarked on an evaluation process called tenure and promotion. Thus, writing and completing the book is essential to the evaluative process.

Now I will say this I am a mix of emotions from excited, to anxious, to nervous, to invested, to even being curious! So with each post, this will be like a check-in or place for accountability. Writing these posts will help me to focus and be honest with myself. Some days will be good, some days may be just blah, and some days will be a mess. Each day will bring me closer to the final goal, which is a completed book project!

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So today’s post is to bring you along on this journey, give you some insight, and prepare you for a roller coaster ride (hopefully you hang in there with me)! Coinciding with this new beginning, I also started on another journey, something like a journey within in a journey. While there is a larger journey and goal, I will also take some small ones that will definitely go towards the larger end goal. With that said, I completed my first day of a Summer Writing Sprint that I am participating in with Well Academic! For two weeks during a dedicated time I will be writing with other scholars across the map. Nothing like being with a group of like-minded thinkers and writers getting together for a structured time to get the work done!!

You know what?? I made it through!! Day 1 was a success, I completed my daily goals and was able to map out what I will do on tomorrow!

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Not too much more to say, except I look forward to taking you on this journey! Keep in mind the days will vary, so just think of each day as a new surprise! Feel free to drop any words of wisdom, inspiring quotes, or just to say hello!

See you all tomorrow!! ~Dr. G