I was thinking about writing in this blog and realizing that the whole format is something unfamiliar. There's an appropriate informality that I have trouble working with because I am so used to the formalism of academic argument.
It's easy enough, of course, to find those who recommend following formulas and those who eschew them. It seems to me that the path of greatest power as a writer lies somewhere in between.
One does not want to be a slave to formulas, certainly. One does not want formulas to restrict imagination, or to otherwise limit the specificity of the situation.
On the other hand, one does not want to lose sight of what formulas do bring. Formulas are developed because of their practical utility.
Have you ever stared at a blank page wondering what to write? Formulas are good at avoiding that: they give you something to write.
I lose momentum on this blog because I expect myself to follow some formulas of writing that delay the rapid updating of a blog in a time and place where one must be new constantly.
I got a fortune in a fortune cookie that said "your strengths are your weaknesses." It's profound wisdom, with respect to many things, including formulas.
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Seeking insightful perspectives on writing, dissertations, and projects in general.
About Me
- Dave
- I'd love to hear from you if you find what I say interesting or helpful or controversial. I like ideas. Got a question? Please ask.
More About Me
Since 2002 I've been working with dissertation writers and other scholars as a writing coach, dissertation coach and editor.
As coach or editor, I have helped over 70 scholars complete their dissertations at universities including Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, the University of Michigan, and the University of California at Berkeley. In 2010, Routledge published The Universe of Design: Horst Rittel's Theories of Design and Planning, of which I was the second author.
As a coach, using my knowledge of philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and design theories and methods, I help scholars develop a writing practice that carries them through the difficulties of the writing process.
As an editor, I work to help writers express their ideas clearly, which sometimes calls for a high-level examination of content and structure, and other times for meticulous attention to grammar and stylistic conventions.
I've written my own book for dissertation and thesis writers: Getting the Best of Your Dissertation. If you find this blog helpful, you'll probably like the book too.
I've also written a book for dissertation writers (and other early career scholars) about using literature in the process of designing a research project, and writing literature reviews: Literature Review and Research Design: A Guide to Effective Research Practice. If you're struggling with a writing project, contact me. I can help.
dave@thoughtclearing.com
As coach or editor, I have helped over 70 scholars complete their dissertations at universities including Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, the University of Michigan, and the University of California at Berkeley. In 2010, Routledge published The Universe of Design: Horst Rittel's Theories of Design and Planning, of which I was the second author.
As a coach, using my knowledge of philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and design theories and methods, I help scholars develop a writing practice that carries them through the difficulties of the writing process.
As an editor, I work to help writers express their ideas clearly, which sometimes calls for a high-level examination of content and structure, and other times for meticulous attention to grammar and stylistic conventions.
I've written my own book for dissertation and thesis writers: Getting the Best of Your Dissertation. If you find this blog helpful, you'll probably like the book too.
I've also written a book for dissertation writers (and other early career scholars) about using literature in the process of designing a research project, and writing literature reviews: Literature Review and Research Design: A Guide to Effective Research Practice. If you're struggling with a writing project, contact me. I can help.
dave@thoughtclearing.com
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