Graduate students wear many hats throughout the course of their program… student (of course), teaching and research assistant, maybe instructor or part-time employee, and writer. A writer, you say? Identifying as a writer may seem unfamiliar to students, yet we aim to publish refereed journal articles, books, and other bodies of work. Aren’t we hoping to effectively share our research with the world?

Each writer has different writing habits that work for them. Try different techniques to find what works for you as you build a sustainable writing practice. Next, have a writing plan. Start with a simple outline of the project, steps in the writing process, and a reasonable timeline. You are your own project manager.

Write every day. If this isn’t possible, make a specific weekly writing schedule that works for you. Make sure to ‘show up and write’ on a regular basis. Don’t wait “until the Muse strikes” or for a looming deadline to approach. This isn’t a practical way to sustain work on a large project like a thesis or dissertation. Read good papers written by effective authors and study styles that resonate with you. Reach out to published authors in your field. They are real people, too! Build a small network of fellow writers and mentors to guide your writing efforts in grad school.

Consider joining a supportive writing community or organize your own group. Find solidarity with a small writing group formed from your research group, program cohort, or other writers. Collaborative writing sessions, whether in-person or virtual, provide a sense of accountability, build community, and maybe some free editing. To learn more, find resources at CSU Writes.