Writing and Dissertations
November 1st is National Author’s Day. Here are some words of wisdom from famous authors for dissertation students…
On planning…
To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.
– Herman Melville
First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!
– Ray Bradbury
Want to get through your dissertation quickly and efficiently? Then you’d better know what you’re writing about!
And, what are you writing about in your dissertation or proposal? You’re writing about the activities you’ll undertake to collect and analyze data.
This is the theme Melville mentioned, Bradbury’s hero. Know how you will collect and analyze your data, and you’ll be able to write your dissertation!
On writing…
Exercise the writing muscle every day… Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.
– Jane Yolen
It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly.
– C. J. Cherryh
Write often. And, when you write, just write. Don’t critique and edit as you go. If you do, you’ll create a lot of motion, but no progress.
Make writing a habit. A couple-few of hours a day, five or six days a week. Build in off days, but stick to your schedule. Be your own task master.
Don’t worry about the minutiae and details. Get words on the page. Revise later. Edit later.
I’ve worked with thousands of students over the years, and I’m unaware of a single dissertation that was approved on the first draft. Write like you’ll have another draft to get it right. You usually will.
On finishing…
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
– Douglas Adams
Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I love Douglas Adams, but I’ve got to give the nod to Longfellow, here.
The whole point of starting your dissertation is finishing your dissertation.
Create milestones.
Set Deadlines.
Don’t let them whoosh by.
Get Your Dissertation Done!
