Time and space to play
When you start a new assignment, try to allow yourself the freedom to think creatively about it, in a relaxed way.
Searching for inspiration
A wide variety of techniques can assist you to find the perfect topic for your assignment.
Seeing the obstacle as a gift
If you stumble across an obstacle in your writing, see if you can embrace it and incorporate it into your work;
Storyboarding: using pictures to unlock words
A visual approach using storyboarding can be invaluable for planning a writing assignment
The joy of sticky notes
Sticky notes can be incredibly helpful for organising your writing.
The role of the protagonist
One of the most successful tools for doctoral students is to envisage the role and nature of the protagonist: that is to say, the character (or discipline; or theory; or interpretive paradigm) that undergoes the most profound change during the course of the work.
Encouraging creativity in your essay writing
When writing an essay it is easy to get so concerned about following the academic ‘rules’ that creativity goes out of the window. How can you encourage your self-expression and creativity, while still following the conventions? Here is one suggestion.…
To plan or not to plan?
Are you a 'constipated' or a 'splurge' writer? Although there is no right or wrong way to write, if you are embarking on a long piece of work such as a dissertation, it is advisable to devise a tight structure before you start drafting.
Managing your time during the long game
The key to managing your time when you're writing a dissertation or a book is to break down the task into manageable chunks and to fit the work comfortably around your other commitments.