March 27 Day 749: Slow Convergence

Posted byJenny QuinnPosted inwritingTags:,

Everytime I think I’m done, I get more feedback. Honestly, it’s beginning to mess with my confidence.

I’ve just sent in a third revision of my piece–all submitted within the past week. Part of me is flattered that the editor is taking so much time with my writing (she can’t possibly be doing this for every author) and part of me is so frustrated (isn’t it good enough yet?)

Then I spend too much time thinking about how to respond. In the process I revise the piece for clarity and you know what? It’s better. D*mn.

But when is it good enough?

I have invested far more time and energy than I ever anticipated in researching, writing, and rewriting this opinion piece. I am ready to be done.

Hoping this time is the last time because I have other projects that need my attention now.

Published by Jenny Quinn

Mathematician. Mother. Wife. Leader. I am the Executive Director of Seattle Universal Math Museum after many years working as a professor of mathematics at the University of Washington Tacoma. Mother of Anson and Zachary. Wife to Mark. President of the Mathematical Association of America 2021-2022. Past-President of MAA 2023.

3 thoughts on “March 27 Day 749: Slow Convergence”

  1. Sympathies. This is always frustrating. The fact that it is “the nature of the beast” and that we recognize these steps make our paper better is not always a comfort!

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  2. Pingback: March 28 Day 750: Success!!! – Math in the Time of Corona
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