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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
November 3, 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 [...]
November 1, 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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]