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Conclusions and Reflection Topic

Once you have completed your field work and data collection, you will have to draw conclusions from what you have found, reflect on what those conclusions mean and finish writing your dissertation or thesis. The learning units in this topic will help you to both form conclusions from your findings and to explain them, as well as covering issues such as effective writing and presentation, defending your thesis in viva voce examinations, and thinking about what you might want to do after you have finished your research.
Conclusions and reflection > Writing for publication > Writing the paper - how and when

Writing the paper - how and when

Anthony Trollope

"There is no way of writing well and also of writing easily." (Anthony Trollope, 19th Century novelist)

Firstly, and most importantly, you need to decide that you really do want to write. That motivation and commitment will help to carry you through the process. Below are some advice pointers to help you to plan the process of writing.

When should I write?

  • As soon as possible
  • Today
  • At home
  • At work
  • On the train or bus

Find a "sacred space"

  • In a regular spot where you feel able to write
  • Switch off your phone and remove other distractions as far as possible

Set yourself achievable writing targets

  • Develop an action plan and commit to it
  • View writing as a project and divide activities into specific tasks and develop instructions for yourself for each of those tasks
  • Plan your workload in manageable blocks
  • Adopt an incremental approach (write regularly and often) and try to avoid very long sessions
  • Use a word processor as this will make corrections and rearrangements easier in the long run
  • Remeber to allow time for reviewing, reducing and redrafting

From Murray R., (2005)

Do not wait for divine inspiration - just start writing, pour your thoughts or ideas onto the page!

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