Author: Leslie H. Nicoll

Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN has more than 50 years experience as a nurse, researcher, author, and editor. She is the Editor Emeritus for CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing and the current Editor of Visions: Science of Rogerian Nursing Scholarship. She is the Founder and President of Maine Desk, LLC. Writer's Camp is a business venture of Maine Desk and an exciting resource for excellence in writing, editing, and publishing.

Limit the Limitations: Rethinking How We Write About Constraints in Scholarly Work

Authors often misinterpret study limitations, confusing personal shortcomings with methodological constraints. This article emphasizes the importance of clearly distinguishing between genuine limitations of the research and those stemming from the researcher’s circumstances. Accurate presentation of limitations enhances scholarly communication, promoting transparency, rigor, and integrity in research reporting.

Artificial Intelligence and Academic Writing: Innovation with Integrity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping academic publishing by streamlining workflows, enhancing peer review processes, and offering significant administrative relief. While AI cannot replace human judgment, it assists in tasks like plagiarism detection. Ethical challenges regarding authorship are prominent, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility. Embracing AI is essential for scholars' development.

VNTW and INANE

Two upcoming conferences have open Calls for Abstracts right now!

  • International Academy of Nursing Editors: August 4–6, 2026
  • INANE welcomes presentations that advance the science, ethics, and practice of nursing editorial work.
  • Deadline: January 20, 2026
  • Click here to submit an abstract.

Questions? Send a postcard through the contact form and we'll get right back to you! Contact us .

Deputy Editor: Geriatric Nursing

Deb Bakerjian is the Editor-in-Chief of Geriatric Nursing. She writes, "Geriatric Nursing has had significant growth in the past few years. We are looking for a Deputy Editor with experience and interest in geriatric nursing." To learn more about this opportunity, write to Deb directly at dbakerjian@health.ucdavis.edu.

Anthropomorphism in Academic Writing

Roger D. Carpenter discusses anthropomorphism in academic writing, emphasizing its risks of obscuring author agency and clarity. He advises against attributing human actions to nonhuman entities and suggests using first-person pronouns to clarify authorship. Style guides also advocate for maintaining clear communication about who is interpreting and analyzing research.

Commentary From the Camp Director: Editors Have Memories

Leslie H. Nicoll highlights common pitfalls authors encounter when submitting to journals. Key errors include arguing with editors, withdrawing manuscripts mid-review, neglecting revisions, failing to adhere to new journal guidelines, and pestering editors for expedited processing. Authors should strive for courteous interactions, attentiveness to feedback, and professional manuscript presentation.

Preprints Part 2: Considerations for Authors and Editors

This article examines the preprint process, highlighting its benefits and challenges for authors and editors. Preprints allow authors to receive early feedback and control dissemination but may risk acceptance in peer-reviewed journals. Editors face new roles and guidelines as preprints increase, fostering transparent evaluation and broader academic engagement.

Preprints Part I: An Era of Public Review

Preprints are draft manuscripts shared online before peer review, offering advantages like rapid dissemination and open access. However, concerns include potential misinformation and plagiarism risks. Public feedback is encouraged, but it may lack rigor. With growing usage post-COVID-19, understanding and guidelines are crucial for authors and editors moving forward.

Wordcraft at Camp: When Connecting Words Get in the Way

Parveen A. Ali emphasizes the importance of using connecting words judiciously in writing. While they serve to clarify relationships between ideas, overuse can render prose mechanical and stiff. Writers should avoid redundancy and formality, trusting readers to grasp logical connections without excessive transitions for clearer and more engaging communication.

The Disappearing Writer: AI, Authorship, and the Fragile Future of Nursing Trust

Lisa Kelly reflects on the growing issue of AI misuse in nursing education, stemming from a personal experience with faulty citations. She emphasizes that reliance on AI threatens the integrity of nursing by eroding trust and inhibiting critical thinking. The need for transparency, vulnerability, and genuine engagement in writing is paramount to rebuild this essential trust within the profession.

Commentary from the Camp Director: Artificial Intelligence and Me

Leslie H. Nicoll shares her evolving perspective on artificial intelligence (AI) through her experiences with ChatGPT, referred to as Counselor Byte. Initially skeptical, she found AI invaluable in managing metadata for her Writer’s Camp. While acknowledging AI's potential pitfalls, she embraces it as a complement to her writing process and a helpful resource.

Wordcraft at Camp: Instrument vs. Tool

Leslie H. Nicoll emphasizes the distinction between "instruments" and "tools" in research language. An instrument refers to structured measures for data collection, while a tool aids in analysis or organization. Clarity in terminology is crucial for effective communication in research reports to keep readers focused on content rather than terminology misuse.