I've
been in school for a long time. I've also lead students through 6 week
long research papers. The idea of writing a long paper is daunting.
However, there are a few things I've learned
about taking the time to work on a long project.
Time
management is key. If you're like me, you freak out and wait until the
last minute to write under pressure. "I do my best work under pressure."
How many times have you said that to
yourself out loud? Unfortunately, this practice takes a toll on your
well-being. So, here are my tricks:
1. Get a Blank Calendar. I love the free printable ones from calendarsthatwork.com.
You can choose from a handful of different styles. I like the 2 month
versions. You can print that particular one for up to 4 months. The
calendars download to Microsoft Word, so I copy and paste the calendars
and change all the dates if I need more.
2.
Brainstorm "To Do's." This may require brainstorming my
project, researching articles, reading these articles and taking notes,
writing a rough draft, getting a second opinion,
rewriting, getting a third opinion, etc. Break down those steps to the
SMALLEST pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to work with than large,
daunting tasks.
3. Set Time Frames & Completion Deadlines. Keep in mind
that you will only complete the things you think you can do. Ask
yourself, can I read this article in a day? What other
obligations do I have? Do I really want to work on this project every
day? I wouldn't want to work on my paper on my birthday. Be realistic.
4.
Best Advice. The best advice I've received about writing is something that I have
heard from multiple people in academia: Write every day. I am still
trying to figure out how it works for me. I once
made a resolution where I wrote and read something every day. I kept a
calendar (using that calendarsthatwork.com website)
and
I marked that I read something and wrote something every day. That
lasted me for the first half of the year. Being conscious about reading
and writing every day and marking it on the calendar made me commit to
it.
5.
Reward Yourself. In order to maintain some balance, I like to reward
myself when I hit a milestone. I finished all the readings. I wrote my
rough draft. I sent it off to someone to read
it and I'm waiting to hear back. It's time for "me time." This was as
simple as treating myself to a movie out or dinner with a friend.
6. Find a Buddy or Group. Get a writing buddy, someone who will check up on you, or use your
digital calendar and get alerts for the milestone tasks. A writing buddy
should be there to write with you. When my
friend was writing her take home written exam, I sat with her while she
wrote and I graded papers. I have asked my best friend in the past to
email me and check up on me to see if I'm on task (and make sure I eat!)
I set my calendar on my phone to alert me
the day before I wanted to have something due, so I can be sure to
complete it.
With everything, it is truly up to you to make the time and make it work. And when you get stuck, I suggest reading this blog: http://unstuckcommunity.tumblr.com/
Unstuck
is an app for iPad that I just downloaded and started working on. I
answered a bunch of questions and it told me I was an Avoider. It is
100% correct, and it made me feel like I
need to reread all the words I have written in this blog and take my own
advice.
Melissa - Graduate writing tutor @ Tempe
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