Writing and Research
Writing Strategies
ABD1: we were talking about writing strategies
and how to protect our egos from our advisors May 20, 2005 4:40:26
PM CDT
ABD3: Here's a question, at what stage of writing do
you send stuff to your advisor? May 20, 2005 4:41:10 PM CDT
ABD2: ABD3 you've already X approved chaps right? May
20, 2005 4:41:42 PM CDT
ABD1: when did you send them off? May 20, 2005
4:41:56 PM CDT
ABD2: and in what stage intially? May 20, 2005
4:42:12 PM CDT
ABD3: I have X approved with edits chapters. I usually
try to perfect stuff before I send it out but I think that might be slowing
me down. May 20, 2005 4:42:26 PM CDT
ABD2: explain what consistutes a good edit process May
20, 2005 4:43:14 PM CDT
ABD1: I am actually wondering if I should wait until
I have the whole thing May 20, 2005 4:43:14 PM CDT
ABD1: since I got burned I don't want to risk shutting
down again May 20, 2005 4:43:51 PM CDT
ABD3: Okay, so I heard get chapters to committee early
so that they don't save big changes for end. But after the first few chpaters
wait until the end to avoid too much suggestion. May 20, 2005 4:44:56
PM CDT
ABD2: ok, early at first then late as it gets closer
to end May 20, 2005 4:45:58 PM CDT
ABD3: My advisor says the committee doesn't want to
read that much and that when you give the diss before the defense, they will
let the chair know before hand if there is anything major (so as not to surprise
you at the defense) May 20, 2005 4:46:21 PM CDT
ABD1: right now I'm planning on going halvies, because
if the early changes feellike too big a hit, its hard to get going again May
20, 2005 4:46:26 PM CDT
ABD3: ABD1, that's good point. I'm waiting until the
end to put my edits in just so I can keep moving forward. May 20, 2005
4:46:57 PM CDT
ABD1: i was planning on having different committee
members read different sections 'early', the sections they each care about
most May 20, 2005 4:47:40 PM CDT
ABD2: i like that May 20, 2005 4:48:00 PM CDT
ABD3: I understand. My problem is I get lost in the
editing process for hours on end . May 20, 2005 4:48:00 PM CDT
ABD1: Mine are not interested in editing, only adding
in :) May 20, 2005 4:50:25 PM CDT
Writing Tips
ABD3: Timesaver: I use (parenthesis) wherever
I have (gaps) in my argument to help me keep writing. For my lit review
I used a bunch, e.g. (place <blank> here). Jul 1, 2005 4:49:17
PM CDT
ABD1: yes or temp footnotes Jul 1, 2005 4:49:37
PM CDT
ABD4: That's a great tip ABD3- just parenthesis stuff
you need to work on later so you can keep going! Jul 1, 2005 4:49:58
PM CDT
IE: i agree Jul 1, 2005 4:50:15 PM CDT
Keeping Writing
ABD1: I'm actually doing hypnothearapy to try
and get beyond the block May 20, 2005 4:30:59 PM CDT
ABD2: ? May 20, 2005 4:31:09 PM CDT
ABD1: I haven't gotten to sticky notes but I have done
2 days of 2000 words May 20, 2005 4:31:26 PM CDT
ABD2: wow May 20, 2005 4:31:33 PM CDT
ABD2: great! May 20, 2005 4:31:37 PM CDT
ABD2: but then again do you need more words at this
point? May 20, 2005 4:31:55 PM CDT
ABD1: i like hypnosis because it retrains the self
talk to be alittle nicer to yourself May 20, 2005 4:32:02 PM CDT
ABD1: thewords include turning notes into text May
20, 2005 4:32:16 PM CDT
ABD1: that is actually my main goal May 20, 2005
4:32:26 PM CDT
ABD2: iok, yeh!!!! May 20, 2005 4:32:28 PM CDT
ABD2: i remember May 20, 2005 4:32:35 PM CDT
ABD2: you deserve congrats May 20, 2005 4:32:51
PM CDT
ABD1: I am trying to do notes/text for four days and
only one day editing May 20, 2005 4:33:00 PM CDT
ABD2: editing it time consuming May 20, 2005 4:33:19
PM CDT
ABD2: too May 20, 2005 4:33:23 PM CDT
ABD1: i may actually skip my editing day and just keep
producing text and come back only at the end May 20, 2005 4:33:31 PM
CDT
ABD2: so my advisot has suggested read a lttle, write
a little, note a little May 20, 2005 4:34:02 PM CDT
ABD1: i read in a book that you should write andprint
and NOT come back to it until you're done May 20, 2005 4:34:08 PM CDT
ABD1: as the pages add up you feel good May 20,
2005 4:34:22 PM CDT
ABD2: I think we need to experiment May 20, 2005
4:34:33 PM CDT
ABD1: you need to rewrite the damn thing, but its so
mucheasier to edit than write May 20, 2005 4:34:50 PM CDT
ABD2: good to have that imput May 20, 2005 4:34:52
PM CDT
ABD2: so you say when you're not editing May 20,
2005 4:35:07 PM CDT
ABD2: the notes are infuriating to put in May
20, 2005 4:35:22 PM CDT
ABD1: i'm trying it. i must say it feels good to print
and watch the pages stack up May 20, 2005 4:35:35 PM CDT
ABD2: especially when you've waited soooooo long (2
yeats) May 20, 2005 4:35:41 PM CDT
ABD1: how do you put inthe notes May 20, 2005
4:35:46 PM CDT
ABD1: i've got notes from 2 yearsago too! May
20, 2005 4:36:03 PM CDT
ABD1: we can't spell or type and we love it! May
20, 2005 4:36:41 PM CDT
Writing Strategies – 4 Hour Rule
ABD3: Do you believe in the "4 hour rule" I
heard that working more than that produces junk and causes you to work
in circles. May 20, 2005 5:01:43 PM CDT
ABD1: I think its hard to do more than 4 hours straight,
you need to stop,relax your neck, eat, pee May 20, 2005 5:03:14 PM CDT
ABD1: since I have the pogo problem--up/down up/down
I never work more than 4 hours at a time May 20, 2005 5:04:02 PM CDT
Writing with Music
ABD2: have you experimiented w/music and writing? May
20, 2005 5:00:00 PM CDT
ABD3: No, what do you listen to? May 20, 2005
5:00:20 PM CDT
ABD2: not classical May 20, 2005 5:00:40 PM CDT
ABD2: surprisingly May 20, 2005 5:00:47 PM CDT
ABD3: really? May 20, 2005 5:00:52 PM CDT
ABD2: I've been trying allsorts of new stuff May
20, 2005 5:01:11 PM CDT
ABD1: I like modern stuff too,classical lulls me May
20, 2005 5:01:18 PM CDT
ABD2: well, lately, nature sounds May 20, 2005
5:01:39 PM CDT
ABD1: Bob Schnieder lonely land was great this afternoon,
I evengot up and danced around for my favorite song May 20, 2005 5:02:26
PM CDT
ABD2: it really depend on the rythm you're in May
20, 2005 5:02:34 PM CDT
ABD1: made writing fun May 20, 2005 5:02:38 PM
CDT
ABD2: Japenese flute May 20, 2005 5:02:43 PM CDT
ABD2: or even swing if you need it May 20, 2005
5:02:57 PM CDT
ABD3: That's actually a really good idea because otherwise
you forget to get up. Do you do that? May 20, 2005 5:03:02 PM CDT
ABD2: but the music can extend you out and susstain
you May 20, 2005 5:03:34 PM CDT
Writing versus Editing
IE: do you power write or edit as you go? Jul
1, 2005 4:33:35 PM CDT
ABD1: power write is my best mode Jul 1, 2005
4:33:58 PM CDT
ABD3: I want to power write but I'm always editing
myself. My best days are the ones in which I can shut off the editor - then
I really produce. Jul 1, 2005 4:34:15 PM CDT
ABD5: I'm a power writer, I haven't edited yet! Jul
1, 2005 4:34:35 PM CDT
ABD1: scary ABD5 Jul 1, 2005 4:34:44 PM CDT
ABD2: I power write Jul 1, 2005 4:34:45 PM CDT
ABD4: IE, if I may call you that. I edit non stop and
am trying to curtal it. Any suggestions? Jul 1, 2005 4:34:59 PM CDT
ABD3: I'd like to hear IE's response to ABD5's question:
how do you stop the internal editor? Jul 1, 2005 4:36:59 PM CDT
IE: on the editing thing, as long as you have ideas
in your head that you need to get out do that.. Jul 1, 2005 4:37:16
PM CDT
ABD1: me too Jul 1, 2005 4:37:16 PM CDT
IE: and when you have nothing to say, stop and edit
and celebrate what you wriotten Jul 1, 2005 4:37:38 PM CDT
IE: the only way I know how to stop is to keep my screen
small and force myself not to go back two or three sentences unless I need
to be clear about context Jul 1, 2005 4:38:38 PM CDT
Linear and Nonlinear Writing
ABD5: i'm writing in a line, started at intro
and have kept truckin' Jul 1, 2005 4:39:04 PM CDT
IE: sometimes fear stops me--i am afraid if i edit
i will forget what i wanted to say Jul 1, 2005 4:39:09 PM CDT
ABD1: cool to hear it articulated Jul 1, 2005
4:39:10 PM CDT
ABD3: IMHO, I think that working on a few sections
in a "nonlinear" way is fine - writing is writing, and progress
is progress. What say y'all? Jul 1, 2005 4:39:52 PM CDT
ABD4: This is useful. I think I've lost time getting
lost in just how to say something instead of just spitting it all out. Jul
1, 2005 4:40:04 PM CDT
IE: but don't devalue editing--when you are at a loss
to write new stuff editing is productive and sometimes leads to the generation
of ideas Jul 1, 2005 4:40:05 PM CDT
Pioneering Research
ABD2: being a poineer, especially with your first
major research program is exhilarating and so lonely Jul 8, 2005
4:43:07 PM CDT
ABD1: Yep. I feel exposed... Jul 8, 2005 4:43:21
PM CDT
ABD2: Cause, you've thought of something no one else
has Jul 8, 2005 4:43:26 PM CDT
ABD2: on the other hand, there's no one there to really
lend a hand when you need help Jul 8, 2005 4:43:38 PM CDT
ABD1: I've already had people call me a liar and walk
out of talks... Jul 8, 2005 4:43:44 PM CDT
ABD2: wow Jul 8, 2005 4:43:50 PM CDT
ABD2: colleagues? Jul 8, 2005 4:44:02 PM CDT
ABD1: didn't even stay to hear the arguement Jul
8, 2005 4:44:02 PM CDT
ABD1: Yep. Jul 8, 2005 4:44:06 PM CDT
ABD1: Not in my department at least Jul 8, 2005
4:44:15 PM CDT
ABD2: that's a shame, but at least you know those poeple's
true colors now Jul 8, 2005 4:44:22 PM CDT
ABD2: GOOD that it's not in your department Jul
8, 2005 4:44:34 PM CDT
ABD1: Yeah. I understand that what I am suggesting
says that their is another way to approach the problem they have built a
career on solving... Jul 8, 2005 4:45:01 PM CDT
ABD2: oh, so they may be taking it as a personal attack
even though that's not how you intended it to be Jul 8, 2005 4:45:27
PM CDT
ABD1: They have just lost sight of solving the problem
in ways that are outside of their career approach... Jul 8, 2005 4:45:30
PM CDT
ABD1: Yep. Jul 8, 2005 4:45:40 PM CDT
ABD1: Ithink that the real answer is in combining approaches
- theirs and mine. Jul 8, 2005 4:46:01 PM CDT
ABD1: There is no one panacea Jul 8, 2005 4:46:07
PM CDT
ABD2: that's an interesting idea Jul 8, 2005 4:46:14
PM CDT
ABD2: does it discourage you from continueing to work? Jul
8, 2005 4:46:38 PM CDT
ABD1: I worry about how I will interview... Jul
8, 2005 4:47:01 PM CDT
ABD2: oh yes, I can see that Jul 8, 2005 4:47:10
PM CDT
ABD1: Is what I am doing too radical to get me hired
- even if it is right.... Jul 8, 2005 4:47:20 PM CDT
ABD2: get your committee to scout a little for you Jul
8, 2005 4:47:20 PM CDT
ABD2: talk you up, see who'd be open to talking about
your approach, hiring you and working with you Jul 8, 2005 4:47:40 PM
CDT
ABD1: Yep - we tried that last year...the results need
some work Jul 8, 2005 4:47:41 PM CDT
ABD2: well, at least this year it won't be completely
new to them! Jul 8, 2005 4:47:57 PM CDT
ABD2: Sometimes people just need some time to get used
to an idea Jul 8, 2005 4:48:07 PM CDT
ABD1: True. Jul 8, 2005 4:48:22 PM CDT
Outlining
ABD3: Ultimately you have to finish the chapter,
but my mind is unorganized, and I'll get bursts of ideas about difffernet
subject. Jul 1, 2005 4:41:19 PM CDT
IE: do you outline (showing my age, I guess) before
writing? Jul 1, 2005 4:41:53 PM CDT
ABD5: i try, but that's where I get caught up in thinking
and not writing Jul 1, 2005 4:42:15 PM CDT
ABD3: No! Jul 1, 2005 4:42:19 PM CDT
ABD1: generally no Jul 1, 2005 4:42:21 PM CDT
ABD4: I like to outline and draw pictures and charts Jul
1, 2005 4:42:37 PM CDT
ABD3: I just need to get the ideas out on the page,
because when I outline I get brain-freeze. Jul 1, 2005 4:42:50 PM CDT
ABD5: if I start writing the outline usually presents
itself, but I feel safer if I have an outline Jul 1, 2005 4:42:54 PM
CDT
ABD1: write stuff then edit in a structure once things
get started Jul 1, 2005 4:42:58 PM CDT
IE: tell me more about pictures and how that helps Jul
1, 2005 4:43:04 PM CDT
ABD2: I tend to fill in a blank chapter with headings
as the outline. Usually the final product doesn't look much like the original
though. Jul 1, 2005 4:43:14 PM CDT
ABD5: I do this with single paragraphs Jul 1,
2005 4:43:30 PM CDT
IE: ABD2--that's why Aristotle said you write your
intro last :) Jul 1, 2005 4:43:49 PM CDT
ABD4: For example, I'm trying to write about results
so I made visuals with results from each <blank> to help me summarize
and merge the information. Jul 1, 2005 4:43:58 PM CDT
ABD5: I pick the topic and then free associate drawing
arrows and circles between them as I go It usually ends up a great outline Jul
1, 2005 4:44:18 PM CDT
IE: that's wonderful! very productive Jul 1, 2005
4:44:19 PM CDT
ABD4: I'm very visual and tend to want to get everything
written and mapped out on the computer. Then I have to go back eliminate. Jul
1, 2005 4:45:39 PM CDT