SHEAR is pleased to announce the fourth annual SHEAR Second-Book Writers’ Workshop and invites applications for our first ever VIRTUAL session July 16, 2020.

The journey from first to second book can be a difficult one. From choosing a topic for a second book to finding the time and support to research and write, the structure that guides the writing of the dissertation and first book disappears. Many of us struggle with this transition. We wonder if it makes sense to continue a research trajectory clearly laid out in our first project or to try something entirely new. We search for research support at the same time as teaching and service obligations increase. For some scholars, these difficulties are compounded by the obligations of family and child rearing that can make residential fellowships or long-term travel seem impossible. Yet the second book is an essential step in career advancement, a requirement for promotion to full professorships or, even at some institutions, for tenure. In recognition of the unique challenges of this stage, SHEAR’s workshop is designed to support its members at this transitional point in their scholarly careers.

The SHEAR Second-Book Writers’ Workshop replicates some of the structures of feedback that dissertation writers experience. The goals of the workshop include both practical advice and the motivation that comes from writing for and with your peers.

To accommodate the many stages of second book production, the workshop encourages flexibility in pre-circulated materials. Please feel free submit materials from any stage of the second book process, including fellowship applications, chapter drafts, and book proposals targeting different kind of presses.

Although the SHEAR conference has been put on hold during the Covid-19 crisis, we want to provide a forum for accountability and support. In 2020, workshops will take place VIRTUALLY on Thursday, July 16. This will be a small accountability group this year, but our committed mentors are:

Annette Gordon-Reed, Harvard University

Karin Wulf, College of William and Mary

To apply to participate, writers of second books should submit via e-mail to 2ndBookSHEAR@gmail.com a single .pdf or Word file that contains a one-page CV and a one-page document comprising a description both of your second book project and of the document that you would like to circulate for the workshop. You can direct any questions to this email as well. Applications to participate in the workshop should be submitted no later than June 8 and applicants can expect to hear back by June 19.

Accepted participants’ materials for pre-circulation will be due July 1.