I am a scribbler. I have piles of notebooks and notepads and bits of paper in folders and scraps of files on my PC full of notes and scribbles and ideas (in various stages of being worked through). This is not really a super-efficient system, because I have too many ideas and notes in too … Continue reading Scribble, scribble … toil and gain?
Category: creative writing
To keep, to break or to make the ‘rules’… that is a question
What are the 'rules' of dissertation writing? They almost certainly differ between fields. In the visual arts, for example, a dissertation would almost certainly include text as well as images, textiles, design elements of a certain shape and form. In Mathematics, a dissertation would have to include mathematical 'language' and forms as well as more … Continue reading To keep, to break or to make the ‘rules’… that is a question
Using metaphors for thinking and writing your PhD
I read a really interesting article recently by Frances Kelly on using metaphors in thesis writing, and she highlighted to kinds of metaphors: structural and conceptual. As I understand her, a structural metaphor can help you to use an image or an idea to organise and shape your thesis - to lend it an underlying … Continue reading Using metaphors for thinking and writing your PhD
PhD fantasies and why you should have them
I want to introduce you to someone: this little gal in the handdrawn picture is PhDgirl. She is my alter-ego, my superhero other. She can write and think and come up with ideas and connections and put it all together like a pro. See the LBD she is wearing, and the cute shoes? The swinging … Continue reading PhD fantasies and why you should have them
The value of writing just for yourself
An earlier version of this post appeared on The Writing Centre@UWC here. I am currently working on the full draft of my PhD thesis (hereafter ‘the Thesis’) and this issue of writing for myself and writing for others, like my supervisor and examiners, is very much a current affair. Lately I have been quite focused … Continue reading The value of writing just for yourself
