Demystifying Dissertation Writing: A Streamlined Process from Choice of Topic to Final Text

you are reading to provide information that informs your dissertation research.

By focusing on the patterns instead of each aspect or finding as a separate unit, you will shorten the time needed to read and to become an expert in your field.

Your notes not only inform your thinking but also facilitate citing and referencing appropriately. This step is essential to your development as a writer and scholar who honors and acknowledges the efforts of others.

The process of coding your notes into categories is the first step in contributing to the conversation because you view the literature through your unique lens and organize it into groupings that you identify.

There were no courses or training sessions on how to complete the one big project that separated me from earning my Ph.D. This was, and still is, untenable to me.

The big picture is the context for the work, and all academic writing addresses it.

You also want to notice how information is added to the conversation.

You used to be a comfortable and fluent writer, but the enormity of your dissertation has triggered writer’s block and avoidance.

Drop a note to the ones whose work you find particularly interesting and useful. If they respond, you have the opportunity to continue the dialogue with them directly. Having such contacts will be crucial when you enter the job market.