Into the labyrinth: early career research: the academic journey and the publishing maze

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) can learn a great deal from the insights of philosophers such as Aristotle and Socrates, although most would not necessarily wish to emulate Socrates' aggravation of the Athenian proletariat and subsequent execution (by poisoning) for stirring the status quo. While some similarities may appear between academic gatekeepers and the ancient Athenian hegemony, early career researchers are by definition trying to establish themselves; however, biting the hand that feeds you is a cardinal sin in both publishing and academia, as well as a poor option in achieving fulfilment of life choices. In this reflection based on my active practitioner perspective as a PhD in writing candidate and established children's writer, I wish to explore some of the factors affecting an early career researcher's ability to find publishing outlets and forums for their work and interests. I will in turn highlight the importance of having accessible and encouraging support structures for ECRs, the body academic and publishing forums associated with the arts and writing faculty.