"Since
writing is a major part of graduate school, its important that we start
developing this skill. That way when we get to the dissertation we're
not paralyzed by the writing. Here are some tips:
1. Write almost every day:
My suggestion is not that everyone start writing a blog, but try
writing more often. Try sitting down every other day and just writing
for an hour or even a half hour. Emails and facebook messages don't
count. Writing isn't a big deal if you're doing it all the time.
2. Break it down:
Writing a ten page paper isn't daunting, but writing a 200 page
dissertation is. Don't think about the ultimate goal, think about the
proximate ones. Instead of listing 'finish thesis' on your to do list,
write down each chapter, or even sections within the chapter. If you're
practice writing a thousand words a week, getting out a section won't
seem so scary.
3. Strive for progress, not perfection:
The writing doesn't have to be perfect. We've got computers so we can
write really rough drafts and edit them later. Don't worry about getting
it right the first time, just get it out! I think of it as doing a
'mind vomit'. Just get the ideas down on the screen and make them pretty
later.
4. Take a break:
After you've finished your brain dump at the computer, and the words
are roughly strewn across your screen, walk away. Take a breather, go
for a run, maybe even close the document down for a few days. When you
come back to it you'll be refreshed and ready to make those rough ideas
into a document you'll be happy with.
So just do it. Sit down. And Write, Damnit! I promise it'll hurt less the more you do it."
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