Writing is one of the best and one of the worst parts of being a graduate student. For most of us writing does not come naturally but, as researchers, there are several important reasons why we do it.

• Writing helps us synthesize information which leads to a better understanding of our topic
• It helps identify the holes in our reasoning
• It serves as a conduit for sharing information and ideas with others for the purpose of critique as well as adding to the growing the body of knowledge in our field.

Start with the reasons

The first, and perhaps largest task of any writing project is to decide what your paper’s thesis is and how you will argue it.

Make a list and include:

• The purpose of the paper
• The desired outcome
• The argument you will use

Keep this list in a place you can easily find it for future referral. When you feel a bit lost on your path or wonder if the detour you have taken is worth the extra mileage, a quick review of these three items will either confirm you path or reset your direction.

Create your working outline

Next, write a very high level outline of your manuscript. You can start with the main sections such as the introduction, conceptual framework, data and methods, results, discussion and conclusion. As you think more about your project add more detail until you have a set of key points under each section. At the top of each section estimate how many pages it will be and how long it will take to write a rough draft. For example, introduction–two pages/three days.

Make a plan

Starting with your deadline and moving backwards make a timeline of tasks. This will help you plan how much you need to get done each day. I find it satisfying to mark things off a list so I break tasks into small parts that can be done in a few hours to a day, which helps me feel I’ve made progress each week. This approach will make your writing project more manageable but it will also allow for you to know when you can walk away and not feel guilty.

Most importantly, set aside time everyday to write, even if its just 15 minutes. If you wait until you have a large chunk of time you will a) never write and; b) spend most of your time trying to remember where you were the last time you sat down to write.

Finally, a word or two about procrastination, the first time it happens don’t worry too much. Take a break and come back to it later. If it persists try making a list of tasks only for that day or try to break your writing into smaller amounts of time punctuated with something short but enjoyable such as a chat with a colleague or a quick review of Facebook (don’t get to engaged in Facebook, remember this is a quick break not an alternative writing project). If you procrastination continues you may want to talk with a friend about having a writing challenge with regular meetings to check in with each other or talk with your faculty advisor about techniques she has used that have helped.

Where to get help

The Graduate School also has several resources to aid students as they write. One of the best resources is the Graduate Writing Center at 123 Waldo Hall on the Corvallis Campus. Students can make an appointment to work directly with a member of the center’s team.

In addition, the Graduate Writing Center also has drop in hours at the Graduate Student Success Center, 203 Memorial Union, from 1-4 every Wednesday. Students can use this time to work with the GTA from the writing center on an issue you may be having with your writing or drop by and discuss writing strategies.

This fall we offer a workshop series led by Chris Nelson from the Graduate Writing Center. Chris has conducted research writing seminars and workshops to graduate students and international students, implemented Writing in the Disciplines (WID) and Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) approaches in tutoring and training, and conducted outreach to departments to tailor writing support to their needs. The first workshop led by Chris will be October28th. Register and find out more about this series.

If you remember nothing else remember that it’s OK to ask for help with writing—even the best writers struggle.

— Tori Byington, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Success, Oregon State University