Writer's block? How do the professionals begin the dissertation writing process, i.e., getting that first sentence down on paper?

First: get organized. Know what you need to write, and why you are writing it. Problem Statement? Limitations section? Hypotheses? You can't write a dissertation without planning what you are going to say. Make a list of the points you plan to cover- a word or two is enough-and then organize the research materials and notes you will use.

Second: look at samples. You can't write a section of Chapter I such as the Problem Statement if you don't know what a Problem Statement is, or what goes into it.

Third: get it down, then edit. Your writing does not have to be perfect the first time. Get the words down, and then go back and refine where necessary.

Fourth: save, save, save. How discouraging to find that the dissertation page or chapter your worked so hard to write has disappeared in a hard disk failure, or when a power surge hits your computer. Always save your dissertation writing work in multiple places: hard drive, floppy, zip drive, CD. Also print out sections as they are finished so you can see what your work looks like on paper.

Free Dissertation Service Checklist & Comparison:

  Are you thinking about hiring a dissertation consulting service or writing coach? This online tool can help you significantly by helping you ask the right questions when selecting a dissertation service. This Service Checklist & Comparison chart is very important because it help you select a coaching or consulting service to help you complete your dissertation successfully. To use this tool, just click CHECKLIST.