posted on 2013-12-12, 00:00authored byMichelle Boyd
This article introduces the writing metaphor and examines why political scientists
should consider developing one to describe their own writing process. Drawing on the
author’s experience with writing accountability groups, it defines the components of the
writing metaphor, provides an example, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages.
The article argues that the writing metaphor can clarify scholars’ implicit assumptions
about the act of writing and the writing product and reveal unexpected information about
their work habits and thinking process. By doing so, the writing metaphor can increase
scholars’ productivity and may ultimately enhance their writing experience.
Boyd M. How We Write: Understanding Scholarly Writing through Metaphor. Ps-Political Science & Politics. Oct 2012;45(4):736-741. DOI: 10.1017/S1049096512000832