Writing the Thesis

You've done the research, read the books, gathered the notes, conducted the experiments, made your observations, and collected the data-now it's time for the next stage: actually sitting down and writing the thesis itself. This is often the stage many students find the most difficult…but it doesn't have to be a tortuous experience if you plan out a strategy for writing, stick with a system of deadlines, and devote yourself to working on the thesis regularly. Use the points below to help structure your writing process.

1. Get Organized
While doing your research, you should have devised a system for keeping track of sources, data, and documentation-note cards, notebooks, a series of binders-to keep everything ordered (see "Tackling a Thesis, Part Four: Reading and Research"). Now is the time to make sure all of this information is at your fingertips, neatly categorized for easy reference. Absent-minded geniuses might have messy, chaotic work areas, but the rest of us can benefit from a clean desktop, organized files, and reference sources that are clearly marked. If you've taken the time to prioritize your data and research into some kind of system, then your writing will be easier. You won't find yourself getting sidetracked searching for that important-but missing-reference.

2. Ask Your Advisor about Drafts and Revisions
Before you begin writing, it's a good idea to speak with your advisor about how you'll go about submitting your drafts for review. Many advisors will want to see chapter drafts individually as you complete them, on a particular timetable. Make sure you are both in agreement about schedules and have established a line of communication; you don't want to find that your advisor is on a surprise sabbatical in Bangladesh when you're expecting feedback on your work. Also understand that your advisor probably has a busy schedule as well, so be sure not miss any appointments, meetings, or deadlines once they've been established.

3. Create a Writing Schedule
Writing a thesis can seem like an enormous and intimidating process. Be proactive about the task in front of you by creating a writing schedule that maps out when you'll have each stage or chapter of your work complete.
The calendar approach can be a useful way to keep on track. On a calendar, plot out a timetable for writing (for example, on Nov. 20, you'll be done with the first draft of the first chapter). Be realistic but consistent in charting out the deadlines for each section: judge how long each section will take to write, and schedule accordingly.
This approach can also take a lot of the intimidation out of a long project. Viewing your thesis as a series of interconnected shorter essays allows you to grasp the work one stage at a time. You may have never written a 100-page essay before, but you've probably written several 10-20 page papers. Looking at the thesis as five or six shorter, linked essays can keep you motivated and on task.

4. Set up Your Writing Environment
For a long project such as a thesis, it's imperative that you create a separate space for working and writing. Get rid of distractions-a closed room is a good idea, away from the television and interruptions. Have the answering machine pick up phone calls. Let your spouse/children/parents/ roommates know when you'll be working so they won't interrupt you unnecessarily. Create an ambiance that is conducive to writing. If you need a drink or a cup of coffee, get one before you sit down. Use the bathroom before you write. Check your email first, so you won't feel tempted later. If it suits you, put on background music that doesn't distract. Make sure you have adequate light, a decent chair, and a desk or computer set-up that is comfortable to use. Take short breaks if you need to, but stay focused on the task at hand. Basically, develop a routine that allows you to get work done.
 
5. Establish a Daily Pattern for Writing…and Stick To It
When do you write best? Is it easier early in the morning or late in the evening? When does your daily work or school schedule allow you time to work? Be realistic about your habits-if you're a late riser, don't plan on writing from 5:30 to 7:00 a.m. each day. If you tend to get sleepy after dinner, don't set aside late night hours for your work. And make sure you stick to your schedule. Your one- or two-hour slot for writing should be a priority; put in constant effort. This might not mean that you need to write every day, but you should always keep in mind the chapter deadlines you've set for yourself. Don't allow yourself to procrastinate-make working on your thesis a priority and a regular activity in your life.

6. Turn in Drafts to Your Advisor…and Keep Writing
Be sure to meet all official deadlines for drafts with your advisor. While your writing is being reviewed, don't take a vacation-continue on to the next chapter or stage of your work. By the time your advisor returns the previous chapter to you with commentary and suggestions for revision, you may be able to submit the next chapter for review.

7. Revise!
Continuously revisiting your work is essential in producing a quality thesis. Obviously, you will want to incorporate feedback from your advisor, but rereading and assessing your writing yourself should be a daily part of the writing process. Train yourself to be objective in judging your own writing-even the well-crafted passages may need attention if they lack focus or don't relate to your central theme. Similarly, remember that you are creating a piece of communication for a particular audience. Make sure that you understand the conventions of the genre you are working within, and that you engage your reader in a meaningful and interesting way.

8. Edit, Proofread, and Format
During and after the drafting process, be sure to spend ample time editing and proofreading your work, documenting your sources, and formatting the thesis correctly. Producing error-free, properly cited scholarly work is essential for establishing your credibility.