Abstract

The authors explore the was by which a journal paper came into being. In so doing, their stories expose the traditional narratives concerning research processes to be a hoax. The traditional model is of a linear, logical flow of ‘progress’ from idea to data collection, analysis and successful navigation of the journal review processes. The archaeology presented here highlights the happenstance, detours and patterns of life experiences that influenced, permeated and dictated its construction. Ultimately, the existence of ‘a journal paper’ is refuted. Instead, we propose a view of research, its careful construction and the writing it involves as a series of entanglements where research/lives/thoughts/bodies/homes/families collide and coalesce—underpinned and nourished by enduring friendships.