This blog post is based on a mini-workshop created for the Doctoral Writing Group. Many thanks to writer friends on Twitter and Facebook who contributed tips.
What's stopping you?
I don't have time!
- Keep a time diary for a few days.
- Is there anything you can drop or cut down on?
- Grab small amounts of time to write e.g. 20mins
- Can you write while waiting for things or commuting?
I get distracted!
- Find a space/time to write.
- Turn off the internet or social media!
- There are apps that can help you with this.
- Use a routine or ritual
- Same time, place, music etc.
- Timed writing sessions
- Shut up & write sessions
I don't know what to write...
Planning
- Have you planned what you want to write?
- Structure of thesis/article/writing
- Have you broken it down into small enough sections?
- Do you know what the argument you want to make is?
- Do you need to go back to notes/planning/thinking stage?
Lack of confidence/Impostor Syndrome
- It doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Write a first draft – get it finished – you can always edit it later.
Specific Techniques
- Timed writing sessions
- Pomodoro technique – 25mins writing, 5mins break – repeat
- Write for a set amount of time every week day
- Declare your targets - Be accountable
- Find a writing partner or group (or just a friend)
- Meet regularly to set targets – provide encouragement & accountability
- Writing rituals
- A routine or ritual trains your brain into thinking it is time to write
- Make sure you are prepared for your writing session - plan what you are going to do and have the research materials needed.
Reflect and Reward
- It's easy to forget what you've already done and get disheartened
- Keep track of, and reflect on, what you’ve achieved
- as well as what you still need to do…
- Hit a target?
- Reward yourself & celebrate (just not for too long…)
University of Leicester - Writing Resources for PGRs
- Resources and workshops on writing from Researcher Development
- Support for writing academic English for International students.