For the past few days I've been enjoying the luxury (or drudgery) of writing days at home alone (partner at a conference, no need to be at the office), and while I was strolling back from a quick visit to the shops I caught myself appreciating this freedom, and wondering if it will be taken away from me once I become a 'proper' member of academic staff (research contracts at the moment).  

Later, I serendipitously came across this interesting article on academic writing and creativity: Essen and Winterstorm Varlander (2013), The mutual constitution of sensuous and discursive understanding in scientific practice: An autoethnographic lens on academic writing, Management Learning 44:395-423 . 

Reading it was quite a discovery, particularly learning that 'playing with the text', doing sports, changing posture, and eating at odd times are common strategies to enhance creativity - all familiar tricks. The article also made me think, however, of whether the bureaucratisation and managerialism I see growing in the academic sector in the UK (and elsewhere?) is making achieving creative states harder, and if so, what can we do about valorising this as a key element of academic practice?

Musings most welcome...

Anna K

Durham University

https://durham.academia.edu/AnnaKrzywoszynska