Do I write a full paper or a communication?

[spokette]

I want to write a paper detailing some results from my research in chemistry (kinetics). I don't have to do it, it has no bearing on my current career as I have moved into engineering but it is something I want to do. However, I am time poor. I have 3yo twin boys, work part-time 3 days a week plus I am a Non-Executive Director at an NHS Trust which can take up quite a bit of time. On top of that, I have the usual day to day things to do like running a house etc plus I am learning German and want to start brushing up on my French.

I have the choice of writing the paper in a well respected full journal or a well respected communications journal. The latter only requires about 1000 words whereas the other will run to about 4000 words etc.

I'm looking for the path of least resistance but DH says that I should make the effort and do the paper for the full journal. Ultimately, I just want another publication (I have several already but have not written anything for over 5 years) but will I be cheating myself by going for the easier option? I don't work for an academic institution if that helps. Also, DH is planning to write 10 papers this year so I don't want to feel like I am not up to the task.

Any advice would be very welcome, especially from seasoned authors.

Hi there what a dilemma- guess the best solution would be to add a few more hours into a day.

I am trying to do my doctoral thesis at the moment but I think what i'd do is set up templates for both on your computer and see which one flows best. I find some days I can write loads and other days only a few sentences. My professor gaily trips out her publication in caravaning today as well as the more respected education journals!! Her latest book is really useful and an extremely good read too on how to write and present research (Angela Thody) and no I am sadly not on commision!!

Good Luck and hope the words flow

Thanks Sunny. Getting started and getting the words to flow is my biggest challenge. I think the more you write, the easier it becomes. However, time, especially quality thinking time, is my biggest headache. I'll see if the library has the book you recommended.

Good luck with the doctoral thesis. I completed my PhD several years ago and the scars are still tender!!

thanks spokette- today i seem to find every excuse under the sun not to write- just how appealing is ironing????

having twin boys (nearly 5) plus another one, and working part time - I can sympathise.

If I were you I would start with the 1000 word one - polish that off and then decide if you go on and do the bigger one. Presumably they are not mutually exclusive ? I am guessing the journal one would take much longer to get published anyway as the peer review process is likely to be slower.

Also - are there likely to be any problems with the full paper because you are not with an accademic institution ?

It was writing papers I hated most when I did research, closely followed by presenting papers at conferences

I'd go for the superior publication, which I guess is the 4000 word one.

The hardest thing is getting started - just do it, and you will be able to get your 4000 words.

I've decided to do the full paper. I think it is better to get the pain out of the way and in one sitting. DH is going to keep pestering me until I have done it.

Thanks for the valuable advice.