I had a long conversation about writing with a student earlier today that kind of reminds me of what you say here. She’s an excellent writer but sincerely asked what she can do to get more out of her writing. I suggested she try to find the joy in it, marrying the intellectual work with playfulness, with what amuses and engages her. Evidently this was a revolutionary thought. Since when do we only teach grim duty in scholarship? Sigh.
I had a long conversation about writing with a student earlier today that kind of reminds me of what you say here. She’s an excellent writer but sincerely asked what she can do to get more out of her writing. I suggested she try to find the joy in it, marrying the intellectual work with playfulness, with what amuses and engages her. Evidently this was a revolutionary thought. Since when do we only teach grim duty in scholarship? Sigh.