1) The document discusses specious barriers to writing productively such as not having enough time, needing to do more research first, or waiting for inspiration. It argues that the key is to set a writing schedule and stick to it regularly. 2) Productive writers make writing a routine rather than waiting for perfect conditions. They allot dedicated time to write each day rather than trying to "find" time. 3) Having clear writing goals can also provide motivation. The document recommends setting goals to stay focused and feel a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Regular writing is the most important factor in being a prolific writer.

1. How to write a lot
by Paul J. Silvia
Book Summary

2. Chapter 2: Specious Barriers to writing a lot
Barrier 1: I can’t find time to write
• Finding time is a destructive way of thinking about writing
• Instead of finding time to write, allot time to write.
• Prolific writers make a schedule and stick to it.
• Have a writing schedule and follow it
• “the simple fact of sitting down to write day after day is what makes
writers productive” – Ralph Keyes
• Binge writers

3. Specious barrier #2
• Barrier 2: I need to read few more articles
• Binge writers are also binge readers or binge statisticians
• Prewriting exercises: reading, outlining, idea generation, data analysis
necessary for generating text
• Do whatever you want to do related to writing: reading articles,
analysis, review journal submission guidelines

4. Specious barrier #3
• Barrier 3: I need new tool
• “In order to write, all a man needs is paper and a pencil” –William
Saroyan
• Equipment will never help you write a lot; only making a schedule and
sticking to it will make you a productive writer.

5. Specious barrier #4
• Barrier 4: Waiting for inspiration
• Writing breeds good ideas for writing
• As a academics, we are not creating high literature. We don’t have fan
lurking outside the conference hotel hoping for our autographs on
recent issues of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
• “Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that
routine is a better friend to them than inspiration” – Keyes
• The only way to write a lot is write regularly

6. Chapter 3: Motivational tools
• Clear goals are directly motivating- they enable people to plan, carry
out instrumental action, and feel proud when the goal has been
accomplished