You’ve come up with your topic. You have your research questions. You’ve written your dissertation proposal. You’ve done your research. You’ve probably just now given a sign of relief that the bulk of the work is already out of the way. Only one step left and that is in writing your paper.
Except you’ve realized that writing is the next big thing to worry about. It’s not easy as you thought, is it? You probably don’t know where to start. You have all this information that you have diligently researched and you have absolutely no idea how to put it together.
Not to worry. By following these four simple tips, you will begin your dissertation writing and make progress in no time.
Tip #1. Make an Outline. Before you begin to do anything at all with the information that you have at your disposal, you are going to create an outline. Your outline should look something like this and will serve as a guide for organizing your writing.
Tip #2. Organize. The information that you have gathered may seem like it’s all over the place. When you organize all that data that you have gathered, it will help you to know where one piece of information will be needed to substantiate, reinforce or disprove ideas.
Tip #3. Commit. You must now commit yourself to the idea of actually writing your paper. This means that you will be passing up some opportunities for self-gratification in order to complete your paper. While you are to ensure that you keep healthy by eating properly and getting sufficient sleep while writing this dissertation, there are times when you will be uncomfortable but must still keep writing. You may not feel like it, but keep on writing.
Write in Drafts. Don’t expect to complete your writing in one sitting or in one draft. There are at least two drafts to writing a dissertation and an excellently written one may even take more drafts. Your first draft is to get your ideas down. The second draft is to subtract and add where needed. Another draft may be needed after editing and proofreading.
Commit yourself to the process that is mentioned above. This actually makes your writing much easier as it is more organized. When you go into this knowing what to expect and committing yourself to it, things will become easier.