Write-up Paralyses
I wanted to ask for some advice on the process of dissertation writing. With my engagement, marriage and lots of travelling during my environmental PhD, I have only written 10 new pages this entire semester! I am certain my University is going to kick me out if I don’t complete my dissertation before May of 2016!
My dissertation has six chapters namely, introduction, literature review, research methodology, analysis, results and discussion, conclusion. I am done with the first and second chapter and have been writing research methodology for as long as I remember! I can’t seem to figure out the problem, maybe it’s due to so many interruptions, with my marriage and all. But now, when I sit down to write, I am blank, like I am so tensed, I can’t even write! Is it normal to get struck by a paralyzing writing anxiety?
If anyone has a similar kind of problem with writing and could advise me on the same, I would really appreciate it!
Discuss your Dissertation 
sophiaw740 4:58 am on February 3, 2016 Permalink |
Hey, I am writing up too! Although I am not facing the kind of problem you are but maybe I can help you get out of this writer’s block. But first, tell me, do you submit individual chapters or the complete draft to your supervisor? Because if you submit chapter-wise then it will take more time as the supervisors usually takes time to check.
I think you are really stressed due to the time-constraint issue, and that is what making you restless and anxious and thus interrupting your writing! Well, you got nearly 4 months to complete your dissertation and I think it’s doable! So, first relax, talk to your supervisor and I am sure it’ll all work out.
alexoliphaant 10:09 am on February 3, 2016 Permalink |
Hey Sophiaw740, I have to submit my dissertation chapter-wise. My supervisor is neutral, I mean she’s neither strict nor lenient, and I don’t even think she reads my chapters, so that’s not an issue. But, yes, time maybe as I am unable to write and I have limited time.
davidbergeviin 4:32 am on February 4, 2016 Permalink |
I am not officially writing up but soon I’ll sail in the same boat 🙂
I have heard that writing is quite overwhelming and so I have been preparing for it. I am reading this book, ‘How to write a better thesis’ by David Evans and it’s really encouraging. The author has pointed out interesting tips for every phase of a thesis, such how to go on with abstract, what to include, what to exclude, different styles of writing, writing in chunks etc. You can refer to this book to get out of this ‘stuck-up’ phase, it’s easily available on Amazon.
alexoliphaant 12:28 pm on February 5, 2016 Permalink |
Thanks for the responses guys. @davidbergeviin the book is too costly and funding is also a concern for me. Will the funding stop if I am unable to complete my dissertation on time?
davidbergeviin 6:33 am on February 8, 2016 Permalink |
I don’t really know much about funding, I guess it depends upon the scheme you took. If you have any doubts then clear them before hand, but funding or not, completing dissertation on time is crucial you know, at least for better marks!
If book is out of the question, you can always find few tips on writing or how to write on internet. I came across few blogs the other day, about thesis writing, pointing out some tools that can be used. Check them out at:
http://www.phdthesiswriters.com/write-your-phd-thesis-in-2-months/
https://www.thesispal.com/blog/5-tips-for-masters-thesis-writing/
I hope, they are of some use! Good luck to you!