Working with Rich has helped me in a number of ways. First, building upon my already- established daily writing habit, he helped me to refine my practice so that I not only continued writing every day, but I came to each writing session with pre-determined, specific entry points into my prioritized projects. This meant I didn’t have to waste time trying to figure out where to begin each time I sat down to write. Second, he helped me establish new writing rituals while encouraging me to think about writing goals in terms of remaining in process over time, rather than focusing on specific outcomes that I could neither predict nor control. Third, he presented me with a process for generating ideas and producing journal articles. Even better, he challenged me to “let go,” sending work out for review before I was convinced it was “perfect” and, therefore, ready to be seen.

But perhaps most helpful of all, Rich provided me with insights and tools to help me confront the psycho-social stumbling blocks—the “shoulda, woulda, coulda’s” that had plagued me for years—along with the imposter syndrome that I had allowed to cloud my own judgement of my contribution as a scholar. I am so glad I found Rich and made the decision to start working with him when I did. His knowledge and skill as an insightful therapist, as a well-published scholar who knows “the game” of academia well, and as an all-around nice guy made him an excellent resource, a mentor, and an encouraging coach at a pivotal juncture in my career. Without reservation, I would highly recommend him and his services to anyone at any stage of their academic career.

Milmon F. Harrison, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of African American and African Studies University of California, Davis

***

I came to Rich feeling a bit lost – swimming in manuscripts and collaborations and proposals. I had just submitted my tenure package and was trying to think more clearly about what comes next. From my first meeting it became clear that working with Rich could clarify perspectives, help manage my time, and give insight about group management. I have found Rich to be a fantastic coach who meets you were you are, and finds, very quickly, some underlying issues that prohibit the strongest performance. He can take the simple advice we all hear: “make time for writing” and give strategies for really implementing it on a deep level. He helps you prioritize, to budget your time, to manage your group, and to create more balance across your work. During the time we’ve worked together I have published many collaborative papers that required different degrees of input. At the same time, he helped create strategies to maintain my ability to lead my own papers and write my own proposals. My work now has a clearer sense of priority and a strong foundation from which to continue.

Associate Professor, R1 Engineering program

***

Working with Rich was one of the smartest professional choices I’ve ever made.

 Jennifer Beard, Director of Public Health Writing Program, Boston University. 

This is an except from a larger blog post she wrote about our work together @ http://blogs.bu.edu/jenbeard/2021/08/09/august-writing/

***

Working with Rich has been great and an enormous boost for my productivity. He's helped me take large blocks of unstructured time and create manageable writing chunks based on the particular challenges I've faced. In addition to his insights into work processes, I've appreciated his flexibility (ranging from regular appointments to email consultations) and overall kindness and compassion. I'm a big believer that all academics can benefit from coaches, and I feel lucky I found Rich.

Christopher Jones, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religions Studies, Arizona State University

***

Thank you so much, Rich, for offering your wonderful coaching sessions! Your insightful advice has already helped me approach writing and analytical writing with a greater sense of calm, and you have changed my perspective on the dissertation entirely, making it less burdensome.  

Megan Sayyad, PhD,  Neuroscience, VCU Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University

***

In reflecting on my time with Rich, it seems unfair to pin down one or several specific ways that his coaching trained me to be a better writer. I realize my time with Rich provided a much greater gift in regards to my training and academic life. Along with giving me tangible tools and techniques to increase my writing productivity, Rich changed the way I RELATE to my writing. He allowed me space to process mental barriers and underlying beliefs that lead to many of the hesitations I felt when approaching my writing. He instilled invaluable habits that I feel strongly will allow me to gain greater work-life balance in my immediate circumstances and academic life, as a whole.

Of his many words of wisdom, one phrase that I have kept with me is "writing is your academic currency; when you write, you pay yourself first". As a PhD. student, I am accustomed to focusing on the demands on my writing and performance by external figures. However, through completing this program I have re-discovered my joy in writing. I have re-discovered how writing, even academic writing, is a gateway to myself and allows me to express my thoughts and feelings in their purest form. 

Rich's coaching strengthened my ability to be a good writer and my ability to find solace in my writing, and enter a state of FLOW.  

This particular change in perspective has been invaluable. I will carry Rich's teachings and words of wisdom with me throughout the remainder of my academic career. I have no doubt that they will provide an emotional anchor that will continue to benefit me and my writing!

I can not thank you enough, Rich. You are an amazing human being and I am thankful to have met you. 

--Chelsea A. Allen, PhD Student, Institute for Research in African American Studies, Columbia University

***

Working with Rich enabled me to change my mindset and habits around writing. He provided me with practical advice and tools to build my daily writing practice. While working with Rich, I was able to submit a manuscript for peer review. Moreover, his concrete guidance was essential in my efforts to secure a book contract for an edited volume. Beyond that, Rich encouraged me to counter imposter syndrome with self-talk that was grounded in evidence of my ability and past successes. Overall, it was truly refreshing to work with someone who pushed me to think about the possibilities that might exist in academe if I commit, daily, to the practice of writing. 

- Daphne Penn, PhD Visiting Fellow, Harvard University

***

People wonder how I’m so productive, and I want them to know that I still go through my fits and spurts. I still have days or weeks where I don’t want to write. But, I now know that I can write. I know I will find myself and my voice. I know that I have resources I can call upon to work my way out of any challenge I find. The process we went through together helped me forge my identity as a writer and create a clear, coherent narrative about the work that I do. I have a better understanding of the types of papers I want to write, and why I am writing them. I’m less scattered, and I’m not concerned about being everything to everyone. I am tackling mountains that I would have been terrified to dream about out loud. Thank you Rich for helping me to believe that I can use writing as a tool to advocate for change and move important work forward.

-Portia Jackson Preston, PhD, Assistant Professor of Public Health, California State University Fullerton 

***

Rich Furman made my career. Prior to working with Rich, I was struggling and obsessed with my own failures. Writing was not happening. Jobs were not happening. I felt like a loser. After reading a small mountain of self-help books for academic writers, and making absolutely no changes to my writing habits, I contacted Rich. My career was stalled, my partner was pregnant, and I had no long-term job prospects.

Fast forward sixteen months. Now, I'm a consistently productive academic writer, I've got a tenure-track teaching position at an R1 in my partner's hometown, I'm on a $200k teaching grant, and my daughter is happy and healthy. Rich helped me overcome my self-downing behaviour, accept my chosen career path as valid and important, get four articles out before applying for jobs, navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic Job Market, and land my dream job.

Hire Rich. Do as he says. "Stay with the Process." Amazing things will happen to you.

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Mathematics

***

Rich is a gift to those who know him, and especially to those who are coached by him. We connected early in my fourth year on tenure-track, which also happened to be the year I stepped in as our school’s first Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Development. Rich’s coaching helped me navigate stepping into administration while juggling teaching and remaining productive on tenure track, resulting in me going up for tenure with about 25 articles! Seeing how helpful Rich had been for me, our school hired Rich to lead a half-day workshop for our faculty and PhD students on how to increase writing productivity, which not only offered practical tools, but also invited faculty to reflect upon inner barriers to writing. Since then, I’ve seen how our faculty have increased the number of grants and articles over the last year because of our school’s cultural shift toward regular writing rhythms. Rich, thank you for all you’ve done to support me and the Garland School of Social Work in cultivating healthy writing habits to disseminate our research findings!

 Holly K. Oxhandler, PhD, LMSW, Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Development, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

***

A mentor of mine thoughtfully gifted me writing sessions with Rich. When Rich and I first connected, I had been working 10- to 12-hour days that left me feeling unaccomplished and burnt out, and I would wake up each morning thinking negatively about work. In addition to teaching me fundamental writing skills, Rich helped me to confront and work through issues that were negatively affecting my writing, and he used my specific skillset to cultivate a personalized system of rituals, positive self-talk, and incentives. Now, I can honestly say that I look forward to writing. Rather than sitting down and struggling to figure out which tasks to prioritize, I begin each writing session with organized and concrete plans, and I have a refined writing practice that I have learned to dutifully follow. Working with Rich has also been therapeutic in a sense. In teaching me straightforward skills that I will be able to use throughout my career, Rich assured me of the importance and necessity of nurturing a healthy work-life balance, taking small breaks to get outside, and fostering positive connections and relationships.

Rich is witty, good-humored, and encouraging, traits which I’ve come to admire in what often feels like too serious and cynical an academic world. I learned more about time management, productivity, and the writing process over a course of three hours with him than I had throughout my five years in graduate school. I am forever grateful for his guidance, and look forward to working with him in the future.

 Paige Vaughn, PhD Candidate, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri – St. Louis

***

Rich is a magical unicorn who saved my career.

-Full professor, top ten law school. 

***

Three years after my PhD Graduation I was stuck, I had four almost complete papers saved on my computer that I had worked on as part of my postdoc. These were papers I told myself I just need one more read over then I can send them out to journals and see if I can get a publication. But I never got around to the final read over and send out instead I started on the next project, got busy with teaching, did a few more workshops and when I came back to the paper it took me another entire month to remember what I was doing and then the cycle began again. I was frustrated felt totally defeated and reaching out to Rich I was at my wits end. On our first meeting he declared amnesty and that word has saved me on many countless occasions since then. My coaching coincided with the 2020 pandemic and while the year was a really difficult one. I looked forward to my sessions as a light in an otherwise grim time.  Rich gave me tools for my writing that have also spilled over to other parts of my life. I am also able to spot others stuck in the rut I found myself in. If you are looking for someone to help you figure out your writing process and help you become efficient at managing your greatest asset, which is yourself, I recommend  Rich unreservedly. 

Duduzile Ndlovu

Post-Doctoral Fellow

African Centre for Migration & Society

University of the Witwatersrand

***

This one is a bit longer, as it is from multiple participants of a multi-day zoom workout I conducted...

We co-run the UNC Greensboro STEM Program Evaluation Lab (SPEL). SPEL is housed within the Office of Assessment Evaluation and Research Services at UNC Greensboro. We currently have three affiliated faculty, nine graduate students, and four undergraduate students who evaluate nine National Science Foundation-funded projects. SPEL faculty and students are diverse in gender, ethnicity, race, and nation of origin. We have found that in order to run a successful evaluation lab it is essential to focus on project management, development of team interpersonal and technical skills, and to aspire to cultural and contextual responsiveness in projects. A key aspect of the lab, and graduate school in general, is writing. One of the most important aspects of the workshop was Rich’s comments about there is no such thing as a bad writer, and that many ideas about bad writers are steeped in racist ideas. We could see the gears moving in our students' heads as he said this. Much of what he spoke about resonated with us as well. Everyone in the lab found the strategies and Rich’s words of encouragement incredibly useful. Below are some additional comments from students:

I found it very interesting and helpful to learn about the new practices for effective writing. They were completely opposite to what I was taught about writing techniques, so it was important to unlearn and learn at the same time. I now continue with my rituals for writing which helps my body physically and mentally prepare for the process. I also learned a lot about myself during the sessions, because I learned what things I like and do not like as a part of my writing rituals. Thank you Rich for this opportunity. - Tyler Clark 

Much of the discussion and presentation honored the humanity behind organization and work - that we often compartmentalize ourselves into concepts of “productivity” rather than exploring our own operational processes. Having greater personal awareness and using that reflection to structure work and production of content has a much more personal and professional impact than following assumed rules about how and when to write. I appreciated the social work underpinnings of Rich’s philosophy, and in many ways, it validated my own thinking on the topics. - Christopher Hall

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing workshops as they have helped me become a more fluid writer. The writing techniques and skills gained from the workshop have helped me overcome the negative connotations I had about academic writing and have made the overall process of writing more enjoyable and productive. Being able to be more aware and reflective about my own internal perceptions of myself as a writer has helped me be able to put that aside and simply write without letting that be a barrier. - Joy Alcantara 

The workshop helped me see academic writing from a different perspective. We learned about writing in a creative and more ‘gentle’ manner. I now know I don’t have to impose hard-to-achieve/predetermined goals, use strict rules and timeframes, or aim to write an exorbitant number of pages. The discussions during this workshop helped us to reflect on how to achieve ‘productivity’ while enhancing our own writing styles. As a writing scholars’ coach, Dr. Furman will share his tricks and practical resources to be a successful writer. - Grettel M. Arias Orozco    

Rich’s writing workshop gave me an occasion to rethink my own writing process. I was led to evaluate what has worked in the past and what has not, and why that might be the case. This new approach introduced a new way of thinking, vis a vis personally established techniques. It simplified my view of writing and made it more approachable. Clearly breaking down the act of writing made the process less daunting. While this new approach may debunk previously established writing routines, it also provides actionable solutions to rebuild a writing framework that could be more sustainable and efficient. There is more to be said and learned and I appreciate Rich for sharing his relatable experience and words of advice. - Charity Odetola

I really enjoyed Rich’s workshops with our group. I particularly liked that he was not prescriptive – he recognized that what works for one person might not work for another – but did encourage us to try new methods of working, writing, and thinking. I thought his talks were eye-opening and caused a good bit of self-reflection. I was very interested in his suggestion to have short, regular writing sessions, though I typically write in longer stretches and try to get as much done at once as possible. I’ve been challenging myself to make those sessions a regular part of my day and do see the benefit in doing so. - Sara Stephenson

Going through the workshop, I learned how to approach my personal writing projects, without setting ambitious goals, but scheduling and observing regular times, and ensuring progress. I also realized the importance of involving persons of character in collaborative writing projects, a collaboration initiated by considering only the expertise of individuals, without assessing their levels of reliability, does not guarantee equal commitment to the success of such projects. - Omodolapo Somo-Aina

The writing workshop was very eye-opening, enlightening, and empowering. Dr. Furman approaches writing in a manner that demystifies most of the fears about academic writing and writing in general. Dr. Furman provided valuable titbits that I have added to my toolbox to aid my writing. The “free writing” strategy is one of the many pearls of wisdom shared during the workshop that I find very useful in getting me started with writing. I recommend the workshop to anyone who cares about writing and wants to be a successful writer. It’s worth your time. – Onyinyechukwu Onwuka

Dr. Furman’s writing workshop provided me with tools to refine my writing. He introduced approaches that allowed my perspective on the writing process to change to become more positive. Instead of thinking of writing as a long and drawn-out process, I began to think of writing as something that is more achievable and something that I could incorporate into my routine. Overall, I thought the training was a beneficial experience!  - Brianna Hooks

My biggest takeaway from Dr. Furman’s coaching sessions is his pragmatic, no one size fits all approach. His conversation on the “goal free” writing style changed my perspective about scholarly writing, and I am beginning to experience positive affect in my own work after adopting some of his great ideas. I will recommend his classes to anyone who needs motivation and wants to make a great leap to becoming a good writer. - Adeyemo Adetogun

Dr. Furman’s advice on how to make the most out of a writing session was very helpful to me. Writing was always this long, tedious process that I dreaded; however, adopting Dr. Furman’s steps for a productive writing session has made writing less of a chore and more of a task I do not mind approaching. Going into the writing process with no “goals” and a set time frame has truly improved the quality of my writing! - Caraline Malloy

We are indebted to Rich and appreciate his thoughtful attention to the needs of our lab. We are all working to implement many of the strategies and writing rituals he has suggested. 

Ayesha Boyce and Aileen Reid, Faculty UNC Greensboro

***

How to describe the impact Dr. Rich Furman has had on my life? After languishing for three years over a barely-begun messy dissertation I met Rich, and within a year and a half had successfully defended my doctorate. Rich and I worked over the course of those 18 months to get “unstuck” and to develop productive and consistent writing habits. With Rich’s coaching and accountability I was able to develop discipline around my scholarly work, and perhaps most importantly to see myself as a scholar. He gets academia and can help navigate many challenging situations. For anyone who is stuck or who just wants to reset their own work, I can’t recommend Rich highly enough. He’s funny and supportive and kind, and he will also make you work harder than you had any inkling you could. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Rich Furman.

Sophie Godley, DrPH, MPH

Clinical Assistant Professor & Director of Undergraduate Public Health

Boston University School of Public Health

***

Emma Rose, PhD Assistant Professor, University of Washington Tacoma, recorded a video that explores the impact that participating in one of my workshops has had on our career.  

***

I discovered Rich at a time when I was struggling on multiple fronts in my academic job. From the first interaction with Rich, he gave me very practical clues on how to improve my situation. Actually he gave three specific clues and I implemented each of the three. In heeding that initial advice, the challenges I was facing began to immediately improve; gradually and significantly, I began to regain myself. Seeing the immediate positive impact of those first few clues is what convinced me to work some more with Rich and what a good decision that was. Rich effectively steered me through the process of landing an excellent new position. He coached me on what to do and what not to do and I realized that I was making some basic mistakes, which I was not aware of, and had I not corrected those mistakes might have cost me the job. Rich was also very supportive in this process. He was there to answer my every question along the way and he was also really good at following up when I might have otherwise dropped the ball. So he kept me accountable and on track. I am grateful that Rich is as good at academic coaching as he is because I am now one of many who have benefited. Thanks Rich!

Sharon Schembri, PhD, Professor of International Marketing and MSc Program Director, SKEMA Business School

***

Let me be straight- he is the best damn coach ever. Rich has helped me advance from a dean to a provost, and now, to a university president. In my position I really need to not attach my name to such a bold statement, and such a public statement, and let me tell you, the guilt is almost too much to bare. I would do almost anything for this man, who I feel would do almost anything for me, within professional limits. Working with Rich, on pretty much any problem you could approach him with, might be the best decision you could ever make.

President of a small, liberal arts college 

***

Rich has been an invaluable source of guidance and support. His experience and insight help junior faculty members navigate the tenure process, and mid-career faculty renew their enthusiasm for research and scholarship.  Rich is the kind of mentor you’ll wish you had met early in your academic career.

Mark Olson, Associate Professor of Social Work, Illinois State University 

***

Nathalie Sheridan, PhD,  Lecture University of Glasgow wrote a wonderful blog post that explores what she learned from a complementary coaching session with me. Even if you are not thinking of coaching, she provides some powerful guidance. Here it is. 

***

It took me 3 years to talk myself into beginning a doctoral program, and after the first 6 months my confidence that I could finish at all, much less in a timely manner, was low.  A friend, who’d utilized his services, recommended Rich as a 'dissertation coach’.   I can unreservedly say that if it wasn’t for Rich’s coaching sessions, I would not be where I am- which is less than a year from a completed dissertation.  He does it all- he offers practical strategies for writing productivity, recommends resources that address exactly what is needed, helps navigate academic processes and practices, and is unfailingly encouraging.   I would recommend him to anyone returning to graduate school, wanting to improve their writing quality or productivity, or just wanting someone in their corner when pursuing an important goal that involves writing.  Hands down the best investment I could have made.

Elizabeth Morrison

***

Within 3 sessions of working with Rich, I discovered how much I actually love writing. It is no longer a chore that must be done. Instead it is becoming a valued part of my life that I look forward to everyday. Rich has a real skill for helping me shift my mindset around writing while also suggesting tools that help me get it done. 

- Kimberly Grocher PhD Candidate

Working with Rich has helped me to pivot from academic journal and book writing into

writing personal essays and narratives as I worked to find my own voice to describe my

own journey as a first generation college graduate to becoming a tenured professor in a

highly competitive research environment. I would highly recommend him to anyone

looking to shift gears on their intellectual journey.

--- Associate Professor, Top 10 research University

***

Rich is totally the BEST coach ever!!  

A colleague recommended Rich Furman and after the first session, i was hooked on Rich!!  

He has been incredibly supportive!    He knows how to free writer’s block and drive you to complete your articles .  Basically, makes things simple and doable and deconstructed all my barriers.  A heartfelt thanks to Rich who is has been a wonderful writing coach.  Absolutely, positively, the BEST person to handle all the idiosyncratic psychological issues that arrive when living the writerly life.  

Rich is also a genuine, wonderful, enthusiastic, person who gives 110% of his time when coaching.  He provided unlimited patience, ideas, and honest feedback about my thoughts while navigating my issues.  His wealth of knowledge and writing experience completely educated me about the many different ways to write, edit, proofread, etc.  

Rich is absolutely AMAZING!  

Get hooked on Rich. . . 

University Lecturer, researcher, writer, coordinator 

***

After meeting Rich several times over the course of five months, I have five new manuscripts under review. Need I say more?”

- Anonymous

***

Rich is amazing. He is kind and smart and insightful and giving. I came to him for help with writing, and when we finished our work together, I had changed as a person. I was promoted to full professor, but that, and the completion of my book, were only part of what I gained. I accept myself more fully now. I have more joy.

-Full professor of economics, research university in the Midwest. 

***

I cannot recommend Rich Furman enough. For anybody who has ever wanted to write but is blocked, Rich is the person who can turn this around for you. I am a Ph.D. candidate in History, and am long overdue in finishing my dissertation for a variety of personal and professional reasons. I had all-but given up, but after the first one-on-one session that Rich and I had, I knew I had struck gold. By offering substantive tools and attainable goals to apply in my daily ritual of writing, I have managed to achieve more in the last eight months than I have in the last eight years. I am now almost finished with my dissertation, and have written a published article for an online academic journal. If you are a student, scholar, writer, journalist, or someone who has always dreamed of wanting to write but is blocked with fear and self-doubt, Rich Furman is the person you need to contact. He is that good.

Kristen Hillaire Glasgow, Ph.D from the Department of History at UCLA, Independent Scholar 

***

A deadline loomed as I sank deeper into an existential crisis of the soul-splintering kind.  Rich Furman's email address had sat in a desk drawer for months. I pulled it out and struggled to tap out in a message some of the angst surrounding the book inside my head,  not to mention the demons with pitchforks closing in on me, yelling that whatever I wanted to say had already been said ten times better. Rich replied to my message right away.  "Let's talk." And thus began a relationship that I treasure more than I can find words to describe.   He nudged me continuously to see my work from unexplored dimensions. That soft tenor, whispering words of encouragement, soon came to reside inside my head when we weren't actually talking in real time.  I am a full professor but regret not reaching out to him earlier in my academic career.  What a great help Rich Furman has been in helping me open a new chapter in my academic career.

-- Anonymous 

***

Rich helped me cut through the emotional blocks to my writing in a three-day class I took from him in 2014. Up to then in my three years since completing my dissertation I had had two articles published (one as first author) and a couple of rejections. He is the sort of mentor who cuts through a lot of the BS behind academic writing; laying out practical solutions to the common problems I was facing. he broke down the act of writing into something that was manageable on a daily basis and since his class I have been writing every morning at least for 15 minutes. My focus on my writing work has improved: I have led teams in collaborative writing, and I have begun to mentor emerging writers. In the year since dedicating myself to writing daily, my publication record has tripled, and I have three additional manuscripts under review. Rich is very personable and motivating. One time when I had collected two rejections in the space of so many weeks, he met with me for an hour to de-mystify the experience and to spur me to get those articles back out into new journals. The practices and philosophy I have gained from Rich might possibly be the most valuable knowledge I have gained in the pursuit of academic advancement in my short time as Assistant Professor.

 Robin Evans-Agnew, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, UW Tacoma

***

This last year, I received tenure, and published a book that is already gaining a great deal of traction and has been reviewed over a dozen times. Without Rich, neither would have happened. Without Rich, I think I would be divorced and flipping burgers somewhere.  If you knew my history, you would understand that while said in partial jest, it actually pretty close to the truth. Oh, and the dedication of my book? Yup, to Rich.

Associate Professor of Law, flagship, research university in the South

***

Six months past my last doctoral program class, my dissertation stared me down.  In ten hours of help over the course of two weeks, Rich helped me set long and short-term goals, talked me through internal and environmental barriers, and he put me on a quick but realistic path in finishing my proposal.  After I had collected my data another six months later, I found myself stuck again. Rich pointed out some barriers that were invisible to me, but were severely hampering my ability to write and finish my dissertation--and these things in turn greatly impacting the quality of my life.  I would hire him again in a heartbeat ... but sooner.    

Brenda Nelson, LCSW, DSW, Prevention and Wellness Coordinator, Libertyville High School

***

Rich is the best coach when it comes to writing and managing academic life. As a doctoral student, I benefit from his strength-based approach to coaching. He teaches me about the habits of mind and how to use them to better my writing. He validates your feelings and situations and offers critical feedback to help people thrive in academia. After working with Rich, you will not only have a better work-life balance but also become a more productive scholar.

 Hanna, PhD Student in Higher Education

***

I’m grateful to work with Rich Furman. Working with Rich as a coach completely changed my personal feelings about writing. Prior to working with Rich, I was intimidated by the process of academic writing. Rich’s humanistic approach to teaching, his high-level skill set and experience as a writer helped ease my fears and writing limitations. He stimulated my desire to continue my path in academia as a teacher and as a researcher. I continue to work on becoming a better writer and it is great to know that he is there, despite a great demand for his services, he is always willing to offer support and guidance. A wonderful Mentor!!

Dolly Sacristan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Ramapo College of New Jersey

***

This might sound over the top, but Rich basically has saved my career. Even more importantly, he saved my dignity and self-respect; I now know I can have a long, happy career. I have gone from one to nearly eight articles in the last two years, and I would never have done that without him. 

From an Assistant Professor at an "elite" research university

***

Rich is a very capable and kind coach. I have been very lucky to be the beneficiary of his generous offer for coaching. Over the several sessions of coaching, I got to benefit from Rich’s extensive experience at coaching academics to help them write productively. He helped me to become a better writer, helping me approach the writing process from a different, more positive mental attitude. As a result, I have become more productive in my writing. I thank him very much and encourage others to sign up for his sessions.  

Bereket Isaac, PhD, Research Associate, University of Waterloo

***

I have worked with Rich for a few months, and in that short amount of time, I have moved from feeling hopeless to confident. He is part therapist, part coach, part writing instructor, and all human. I wish I found him years ago. He has changed my life.

From an Assistant Professor at a Research 1 University in the West

***

I learned about Rich when I stumbled upon poetry as a tool for research during my doctoral studies. His body of work using poetic inquiry not only inspired me to use a poetic approach in my dissertation research, but it also encouraged me to reconnect with my creative side, an aspect of my life I thought was nearly lost as a result of pursuing a PhD. Fast forward to my second semester as a tenure-track assistant professor, I reached out to Rich because I wanted to learn more about his use of poetic inquiry. I wanted to make poetic inquiry and arts-based methods, generally, my methodological “home.”  What I did not expect was 10 weeks of academic-related therapy. Rich helped me make sense of poetic inquiry because he helped me make better sense of myself in this academic space. I struggled with a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and worthiness in academia. Imposter syndrome is REAL! Rich did A LOT of listening to my negative self-talk and over the course of 10 weeks helped me reframe how I understood myself in academia. His gentle guidance assisted me in seeing myself in a more affirming light. This light helped me move past feelings of doubts and other emotional and psychological blocks to my writing and academia in general. I am growing more confident as an academic and I am immensely grateful to Rich for his assistance. I look forward to continuing to work with him.   

Nicole C. Virginia Commonwealth University

***

If you want to learn to publish, and want to learn how to get out of your own way to do so- work with Dr. Furman. If you need tough love, he will give it. If you need support, he will give that to you as well. I cannot imagine someone working with him, and giving an honest effort, and not becoming productive.

From a Dean at a Research 1 University

***

I was referred to Rich by a friend for coaching in writing two years ago and I am very glad for that referral. I was intrigued and attracted to what I perceived as Rich's ability to speak to other areas of life within the context of helping my writing. 

Right from our first few sessions, I have been grateful for Rich's help grieving my father's death and his assistance with my simultaneously happening career and move. These were significantly jarring events in my life and Rich has helped smooth the way and keep my focus on writing and building a career. His particular constellation of experience in creative arts, academia, and social work, and well-honed coaching skills continue to fit with my needs and overall goals. In sum, Rich is an excellent and active listener, with a refreshing directness when I ask for such, and a much-appreciated sense of humor. I wholeheartedly recommend Rich for those searching for supportive and practical life coaching. 

D. J.,  Independent scholar, actor, and teacher

***

Rich Furman is a seasoned writer and published author with a deep understanding of the writing process both personally and professionally. He is an experienced academic and therapist as well. Because of his professional training and experience, Rich is able to listen intentionally, artfully offer insight, and create accountability for his clients.  Rich offered help and clarity on my writing journey that was invaluable.   

G. S.,  Licensed mental health counselor

***

Rich helped me cut through the emotional blocks to my writing in a three day class I took from him in 2014. Up to then in my three years since completing my dissertation I had had two articles published (one as first author) and a couple of rejections. He is the sort of mentor who cuts through a lot of the BS behind academic writing; laying out practical solutions to the common problems I was facing. he broke down the act of writing into something that was manageable on a daily basis and since his class I have been writing every morning at least for 15 minutes. My focus on my writing work has improved: I have led teams in collaborative writing, and I have begun to mentor emerging writers. In the year since dedicating myself to writing daily, my publication record has tripled, and I have three additional manuscripts under review. Rich is very personable and motivating. One time when I had collected two rejections in the space of so many weeks, he met with me for an hour to de-mystify the experience and to spur me to get those articles back out into new journals. The practices and philosophy I have gained from Rich might possibly be the most valuable knowledge I have gained in the pursuit of academic advancement in my short time as Assistant Professor.

***

I worked with Rich as I made my way through qualifying exams and into the dissertation phase of a PhD program. His kindness, empathy, and experiential knowledge of the academic world supported me through both challenging and productive times. Rich offered needed insight into the dissertation process, as well as provided valuable tools to managing writing barriers and time organization. Using these tools, I wrote and published in a way that was liberating and fun. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Rich. He is more than a coach and a mentor. He is my role model and friend. 

Researcher, activist, artist.

***

I am a lecturer and researcher in a University in Indonesia. Last February, Prof. Rich came to our university to give workshop on how to publish a journal article. I found his method was very interesting. Not only, he provided us with detailed information and knowledge on how to write and publish an article but most importantly, he helped us to deal with our own anxiety and fear. He assisted us in dealing with some psychological barriers that often become obstacles in writing an article. Professor Rich also created a non-threatening and very supportive environment, not only during the workshop but also after the workshop.  He helped us to develop certain discipline that is very essential in a writing process. I can honestly say that I benefit so much from the workshop.

Vina Adriany, Lecturer, Department of Early Childhood Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

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Rich's coaching is more uplifting than plastic surgery.

A.C. Psychotherapist and scholar

***

I was skeptical, reluctant perhaps, to engage a coach. I had never seen a helper before, as odd as that may sound, it is true. However, as soon as I received tenure, I just lost it. I mean, I just really lost it.  As strange as that sounds, I slipped into a very dark place. A friend of mine had worked with Rich before and rave about him. Frankly, I was not sure I wanted to engage a white man. As a LatinX scholar, I thought perhaps it would be better to find a coach of color. However, my friend, a very strong woman of color, insisted that I at least contact him. So I did.

 From first meeting, I knew this was the person I needed  to help me, or as he says, “to partner with me.” I have never felt so understood. He has a way of listening to you that is almost beyond listening. I felt like the man was inside my head, my heart really. I really can’t tell you what he did, but after ten session, I felt a sense of confidence, a feeling of peace, and new sense of purpose that I have not felt before. Rich changed my life. I mean, he really change my life. Un abrazo Rich para todo.

 Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

***

I finished writing my dissertation. The external suggested major structural editing. At the time I received the review, my mother was journeying through the growth of breast cancer. 

     Two years have passed since that moment and my mother did get better but my edits and my writing did not make any progress. 

      I reached out to Rich at this two-year mark. It was one of those calls you know you have to make but you don’t want to make. I followed Rich’s academic and coaching work online. Rich’s style of writing resonated with me- his simplicity and ability to control and navigate language and its mind/verbal structure was what made the call easy. It was the best right call I could make for my dissertation and me. 

      Sometimes life serves you with events that you see as failures or set backs that turned themselves into huge obstacles you could not move past by yourself. Rich is the person to help you move, get up, keep walking, start running or whatever other metaphor you are applying to your situation. Rich helped me start clearing some of my clutter (stories and expectations I told myself) and made the work itself rise above fear and hurt and just be done. One of the fascinating things about Rich’s style of coaching is ability to rise, with empathy, above the unproductive structure one has created and slowly remove it from your daily life. After two years of having done zero writing, with Rich’s coaching I finished my first version of structural edits in four months. 

 PhD Candidate in Cognitive Science of Language, Canada

***

The man changed my life in ways that i still have not fully grasped, three years after having worked with him. Articles, books and tenure; none of these would have been possible out Rich.

Associate Professor of Economics @ annoyingly elite university (my frame, not Rich's)

***

I reached out to Rich while I was on the tenure track, right after my mid-tenure review. I had a fellowship year and was so nervous about squandering the time. I distinctly remember telling him during the first consultation that I feared looking back on the year and feeling like I had not accomplished anything. Rich agreed to work with me to achieve my research goals and more. As someone who is constantly juggling multiple projects, I particularly appreciated his primary, secondary, and tertiary project suggestion, which helped to guide my work week and push my research along. I also appreciated Rich’s supportive and direct communication style. Despite having worked with so many scholars and administrators of all academic ranks and his years of coaching expertise, Rich never made me feel like my problems were trivial or invalid. Working with Rich was one of the wisest decisions I made while on the tenure track.

Associate Professor of a social science discipline, at a R1 university 

***

The time I spent with Rich in the writing class was one of the best investments I have made. I found the content truly valuable and learned a great deal from Rich’s questions and comments. I enjoyed the videos, the activities made me think and the discussions with other participants brought new perspectives. I gained some valuable insights and have implemented several of the ideas that I took form his book, Practical Tips for Publishing Scholarly Articles.  I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone feeling stuck with their dissertation.

Lisa Zweber-Smith

***

If you want a coach that'll help you in all phases of your writing journey, there's no better writing coach I can recommend. I sought his assistance when I was writing articles and a book that's in the works. What makes him unique is that he has a grasp, breadth, and depth to any style of writing you're looking for help with. Whether academic, blogging, short stories, or a book, Rich will get you to your goals. I highly recommend him! 

Obed Magny, Ed.D, Magny Leadership