February 03, 2006
If you know what you want to write... time it!
If you know what you want to write, and need a push to get started, consider writing to a timer. Set a timer for 5 minutes and write as fast as you can for the whole 5 minutes on your topic of choice. This can be a useful way to quickly draft ideas without getting too caught up in revising or editing.
It can be a useful technique for jumping into the writing, too. It's a good way to get out of the editing/revising/perfectionistic mindset and into the place of pure creation.
Try it for yourself.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 02:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 28, 2005
Feeling lost? Back up.
In the dissertation writing, it's sometimes easy to write whatever comes to mind, only to find that you've written a bunch of pages which don't really belong in this chapter. What should you do? First, save these pages (they might make a handy article or be useful for another part of the project) and then, back up.
Go back to the point in your writing where you felt you began to veer off, and see if you can recapture the path or thread you were originally working from. Try to put yourself back in that mental frame or space, and begin writing again. This time, though, write for just about 10-15 minutes, and then stop to doublecheck that you're still on track. If you are, keep going.
If you're not? It may mean that whatever is coming up is a new element to pay attention to, or it may mean that you're ready to work in a different section or chapter. Make adjustments as appropriate. It can sometimes be easier to go where the writing is leading.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 05:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 13, 2005
How to revise quickly.
One area that can derail dissertation writers is that of making revisions. First, as I've previously mentioned, you can not write and revise at the same time. You should always try to draft as much as you can, as quickly as you can- FIRST. Then, I always suggest that you turn the draft in for feedback as soon as possible- do this before you've spent a lot of time editing it. Why? Because the sooner you turn it into your readers, the sooner you will accomplish two goals.
1) You will show them that you're making progress- which is crucial to maintain their ongoing support and
2) They will read it over and tell you how they want it to be revised. Read that again- they will TELL you how they want it to be revised.
When they tell you how to revise, you then, simply, need to make your revisions fit their comments.
How can you do this quickly?
Do it in passes. Go through the entire chapter or sections that were just returned and make notes to yourself next to each comment. Give yourself a series of cues or clues as to what changes your readers have requested.
Then go back through and aim to fill in or change each section. Try to revise in 2-3 page blocks. This is usually a good amount to focus on- without overwhelming yourself.
Then, as soon as you've worked through the entire piece- send it off again. Repeat as often as needed until you have a piece that is accepted as is.
The faster you write and turn it in, the faster you will get to revisions. The faster you get to revisions- even multiple times- the faster you will obtain your Ph.D.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 04:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 08, 2005
Expect to layer your writing.
Layering your writing means that you may first write a section, and then, over time, you will layer on more meaning, more description and, ultimately, will refine your initial paragraphs. This is totally expectable and will help you create a polished final piece.
The problem arises, though, when you expect yourself to write all the layers in the first pass- so you get derailed by perfectionism or procrastination. Or, worse, yet, get stuck in a cycle of moving between them.
Your best tactic- always- is to try and draft as much of the dissertation as you can, as quickly as you can. Then, after the initial sections have been written, go back through them and add a layer of sophistication- move through the whole paper- and then return to add a 2nd layer. Most dissertations won't require more than 2 layers.
If you let go of the need to make it fully complete in the first writing phase, your dissertation drafting will proceed more smoothly and with less binge writing and binge avoidance.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 05:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 11, 2005
The more you write, the better you write.
It's important to remember that the more often you write, the better you will write. I've re-learned this concept recently, as I have begun writing for more publications on a more frequent basis. Where, before, I used to labor over the writing- it was like starting up a slightly rusty machine- I now notice that in writing more, writing is easier.
I think, too, the more you write, the easier it is to let yourself be 'messy' in the writing. When you write regularly, you teach yourself that the words do come, and you gradually begin to trust your capacity to produce on demand. If you only ever allow yourself to write perfect sentences, you will find yourself writing them, but few and far between.
If you want to make a change in your dissertation process, consider shifting to a more regular and more frequent writing schedule. This will help you be at ease with the writing- and reduce your stress in the process.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 05:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 29, 2005
Writing the Introduction.
I suggest that all ABD's write their introductions last (or close to it). A good way to think about it is this:
After you've written all your substantive chapters, then I would read the whole dissertation and figure out what information you'd need to include before the first chapter to provide the reader enough background to understand the rest of your dissertation in context. Assume that the reader has a moderate amount of knowledge about your topic, but needs a bit of framing/information to get the best value from reading your dissertation.
Your introduction would include information that would help the reader understand the major issues underlying your dissertation research, and whatever she/he needs to know to understand the context within which your dissertation is written.
My dissertation was on the personality correlates of marital satisfaction- so my introduction dealt with the general underpinings of marital satisfaction- what it was, who was studying it, why we should care- before moving into the more focused literature review about specifically what I was studying in my dissertation.
The introduction is usually not too long about 1/2 to 3/4ths as long as your regular chapters.
Another good suggestion is to read other dissertations in your topic and see how they handled the introduction. If you read 2-3 other dissertations, you'll have a great sense of what to include in your specific case.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 05:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 19, 2005
Focus on drafting first.
Your main task in writing the dissertation is to write the dissertation. This means you should focus on drafting new writing first before spending time in editing or revising. It can be helpful to allow yourself to write freely, without self criticism or self censorship, knowing that your writing will go through several revisions before it takes final shape.
If you're not sure whether to include an idea or concept, always err on the side that more is fine- it's easier to cut out than add in. The only caveat to this approach is to make sure your writing is focused on the main themes of your chapter- writing which leads the reader off on all tangents is not that useful. As much as you can, make sure your writing is reflecting the main theme or primary core of your dissertation.
The faster you draft, the faster you finish.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 03:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 13, 2005
Draft as quickly as you can.
When you're writing, focus on drafting as quickly as you can. Write out all your ideas, first, and then go back later to revise, refine, and strengthen them.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to produce sophisticated analyses in the first pass. It's better to draft the writing, first, and then go back over it and add increasing levels of refinement and analysis.
It's always easier to refine that which is already written.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 01:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 15, 2005
Don't spend too much time rereading.
A trap that many dissertation writers seem to fall into is to start off a writing session by re-reading what they wrote. I think that reading back a paragraph or two makes sense and can help you get back into the rhythm and flow of your writing.
What doesn't make sense is to spend your whole writing time re-reading what you have already written. For your purposes, writing time should be kept separate from reading time.
It's too easy to get caught up in revising and editing what you've already written- especially when you should be writing new material. Always focus on writing new material, first. Aim to draft the full dissertation as quickly as you can. In this way, you can be more certain that you'll actually finish as planned.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 10:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 04, 2005
Plan your writing endpoint- first.
When you want to write a section of the dissertation, I recommend planning out what you are going to say. Some people do this in the form of an outline, some are more visual and use mindmapping or storyboarding- but you need to know where you plan to go (so you can know when you get there).
One of the fastest ways to complete your writing is to plan your endpoint, and then write to that endpoint. This is very different than 'writing until I have nothing left to say'--> this often leads to writing more than you need, and/or being left with pages of perfectly good prose....that you can't use.
Stay aware of how MUCH you need to write- is it a page? Then plan for that. Is it 5 pages? Then plan for that. Don't waste time writing everything you know for a section that only needs two paragraphs.
Being conscious of your writing endpoint- it will help your writing stay focused and on target.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 02:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 28, 2005
Write to answer a question.
Most ABD's find it difficult to "get into" their writing. They know they want to write, and may even know what they want to express- but they have trouble getting started.
One good technique is to make a list of 12-15 questions that your chapter will address or answer. It's important to make these questions because it's always easier to write the answer to a question than it is to write the answer to a statement.
As an example-
Rather than: discuss impact of global weather patterns on Indonesia. Try: What is the impact of global weather patterns on Indonesia?
It's always easier to answer a question. If you can't get started wih your writing, start by asking some questions!
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 11:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 01, 2005
When the writing well runs dry...
There may be times in the dissertation process where you feel like you've written everything you know... and you still have three more chapters to go. When this happens, I think of it as the "writing well running dry." The bad news is that it can be uncomfortable and anxiety provoking. The good news is that it's usually only temporary.
One of the best strategies for refilling the writing well is to engage in a relaxing, creative activity. Doing so allows your right brain to play around with ideas and connections, which can result in new insights and enthusiasm.
If you feel like your writing well is dry, or even a bit low, take yourself out for what Julia Cameron (Author, The Artist's Way) calls an artist's date. This is a relatively brief (2-4 hour) excursion with the sole purpose of refreshing your creative spirit. I take artist's dates periodically (though not as much as I should) and I've enjoyed activities such as: visiting botanical gardens, going to an art museum, or having a picnic. These have been wonderful for resparking my creativity, and I think they can do the same for you.
When you take the time to replenish your creative flow, you'll find it easier to get back to writing.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 01:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 27, 2005
Write in short bursts.
If writing is difficult for you, it might be because you're allowing yourself too much time to do it. More time does not always equal a better product.
If you are avoiding writing or can't seem to get into it, try writing in short bursts. Set a time for 5 minutes and write for the whole 5 minutes. After this, decide whether you want to write for another 5. If so, set the timer again, and write for 5 more minutes. The faster you write, the less agonizing it will be.
If you can't think of what to write for even a 5 minute block, it might be that you need to read more or think more first. When your ideas are well formed, a 5 minute writing burst can be just what you need to overcome the fear of the blank page. Done repeatedly, the writing in 5 minute bursts can add up quickly.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 03:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 24, 2005
Be clear on how much writing is needed.
When you're writing the chapters of your dissertation, be sure to be clear on how much writing is needed for each. Stated another way- a bit of pre-planning can save you a lot of effort.
Most dissertation chapters are between 25-40 pages. If you have 5 subtopics to discuss in a chapter, each subtopic can take, at most, 8 pages. If you are writing on a subtopic, ask yourself, "What is the most important information to include in 8 pages?"- and then write this first. Repeat for the other subtopics.
By being clear on how much writing is needed, you can 1) make definable and discernible progress, 2) stay focused on one task at a time, and 3) keep yourself from writing more than necessary and having to cut out a lot of stuff later.
If you can't pre-plan and write, then at least write. If you can pre-plan, do that- it can break the task up and make it feel much less daunting.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 03:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 10, 2005
You can't edit and write at the same time.
It's impossible to edit and write at the same time. Yet ABD's often try to blend these tasks- crafting the perfect sentence over and over before "commiting" it to computer screen. The great thing about computer screens is that the text can be erased, edited, and copied to a new place. Given this flexibility, it's rare that a sentence needs to be perfect in first version.
If you're spending a lot of time "writing" but not actually producing that many pages, check your level of self-editing and self criticism. My guess is that both are going to be fairly high.
When you're writing, learn to leave your editing at the door. When you're writing, just write.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 04:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 21, 2004
When you don't feel like writing...
At times during the dissertation process, you will understand that you should be writing, but for whatever reason, you don't feel like it. Like any creative process, writing requires open space, an open mind, and a willingness to engage with your project on a deeper level. Sometimes, you just don't have all these factors in place.
When you feel like you want to make progress, but just can't bring yourself to write, consider finding what I call "lateral routes" to your desired goal. These "lateral routes" are other work that you can complete which will bring you closer to a finished dissertation. They might include: returning phone calls, connecting with your advisor, editing what you've already written, making notes on an article, running more analyses, etc. etc.
The most important thing is to stay in touch with your work and to keep making progress- of any sort- on it, even when the progress is not exactly in the area you think it should be.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 01:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 03, 2004
Aim to write regularly
Writing the dissertation is a test of your discipline and focus. The best way to build your focus is to discipline yourself to write on a regular schedule.
I often suggest that my clients consider writing the dissertation to be non-negotiable, and a habit- like brushing your teeth or taking a shower every day. Instead of taking 10 minutes to think about working on the dissertation, spend 10 minutes a day writing it.
This little dose of discipline will get you focused and moving ahead- in this case, you put a little bit in, and get a lot back.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 01:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 01, 2004
Start with what you know...
Whenever you seem to hit a writing roadblock and feel that you "don't know what to do", start with what you know.
You can walk yourself through what you know by using the following process:
First, identify that you've hit a roadblock- and you'll know, most likely, because you'll feel angry, frustrated, and upset.
Next, identify where the writing began to get off track. Did you start running out of ideas? Do you need to read a bit more in order to formulate your argument more clearly? Or (and this is a subtle one) did your Inner Critic start to pipe up with negative comments and feedback about your ideas and writing?
If you feel as if you lost track of your argument, go back to the beginning and talk through your argument out loud. Jot down what you know, where you are heading, and where the gap is.
Next, take an action that assists you. If you identify that you need to read more- do it. If you have identified that your Inner Critic is speaking too loudly, turn down the volume or distract yourself. Do what it takes to close the gap between where you are and where you are trying to go.
If you always start by reinforcing what you know, you'll be able to overcome any writing roadblocks and keep moving ahead.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 02:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 20, 2004
Use an outline to get started
It is much easier to write when you have a general outline of what you want to say. Without this, you run the risk of writing tangential or irrelevant material OR the risk of never getting a chapter actually completed.
If you don't know where to start, begin by selecting one chapter and outlining it entirely. Outline even the sub-sections. Write into each section, one at a time. Repeat this process. This will allow you to stay focused and keep you on track to finish this chapter so you can go onto the next.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2004
Shorten Your Writing Times
Many graduate students try to set aside huge chunks of writing time, but then end up procrastinating, avoiding, or wasting this time. Instead, set up shorter writing times, especially at first, and aim to write in 20-25 minute bursts, rather than setting aside 2 hours and then wasting most of it. Smaller writing bursts keep you focused and can help you write faster and get more done.
Posted by Dr. Rachna D. Jain at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)