{"id":3679,"date":"2025-08-05T11:33:49","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T18:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/?p=3679"},"modified":"2025-08-07T10:26:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T17:26:37","slug":"dissertation-training-series-post-10-dont-go-in-circles-writing-editing-and-staying-sane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-10-dont-go-in-circles-writing-editing-and-staying-sane\/","title":{"rendered":"Dissertation Training Series, Post 10 &#8211; Don\u2019t Go in Circles: Writing, Editing, and Staying Sane"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Part 10 of the 10-part EDST Dissertation Training Series<\/em><br>By Ella Wright | Blog Editor, EDST | Insights from Dr. Autumn Knowlton<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Writing a Dissertation is Hard\u2014Don\u2019t Make it Harder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dissertation writing is demanding. There are deadlines, shifting ideas, and the emotional weight of producing your <strong>Significant Original Contribution to Knowledge (SOCK)<\/strong>. One of the biggest pitfalls students face, as Dr. Autumn Knowlton pointed out, is <strong>getting stuck in a loop of writing, editing, and second-guessing everything at once<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t go in circles. Writing and editing are different tasks. Let them be.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This final post offers tools and tips to <strong>separate the process<\/strong>, stay focused, and finish well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find Your Writing Flow (Then Edit Later)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing and editing use <strong>different parts of your brain<\/strong>. Trying to perfect every sentence as you write slows you down and drains energy. Dr. Knowlton encouraged students to <strong>write first, edit later<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try this approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set a <strong>timer<\/strong> for focused writing sessions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write <strong>without stopping<\/strong> to fix grammar or formatting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mark unclear parts with highlights or comments to revisit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Edit at a different time<\/strong>\u2014ideally, after taking a break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Some students write messy first drafts in plain text, then move to structured formatting later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use APA7 as a Tool, Not a Burden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>APA7 is often seen as a chore, but it can actually <strong>support your clarity and structure<\/strong>. Dr. Knowlton explained that APA7 helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use <strong>headings and subheadings<\/strong> to organize ideas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain <strong>consistency in language<\/strong>, avoiding bias or unclear labels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Format <strong>citations, references, tables, and figures<\/strong> cleanly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build a <strong>logical hierarchy<\/strong> in your document\u2014seen clearly in your table of contents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cSo much of good writing is about how you communicate your ideas. APA7 helps you make that visible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Voice and Style: Be Intentional<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dissertation writing often raises questions about <strong>voice<\/strong>. Should you use \u201cI\u201d or \u201cwe\u201d? How do you balance formal writing with authentic expression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Knowlton encouraged students to be <strong>consistent and intentional<\/strong>. If your study includes <strong>reflexivity<\/strong>, <strong>autoethnography<\/strong>, or <strong>more-than-human perspectives<\/strong>, explain your stylistic choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use <strong>footnotes<\/strong> if needed to clarify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why you are using certain pronouns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When your voice is central, and when it steps back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How your style reflects your <strong>ontological and epistemological assumptions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cYour reader (especially the external examiner) needs to understand your choices. Guide them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Editing Tips: What to Look For<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When editing, focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paragraph structure<\/strong>\u2014start with a clear topic sentence, then support it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transitions<\/strong>\u2014help the reader move from section to section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consistency<\/strong>\u2014use the same terms, formatting, and style throughout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clarity<\/strong>\u2014make it easy for the reader to understand your point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ask yourself:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is this sentence clear?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does this section serve the research question?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Am I offering the reader what they need, when they need it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trust the Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dissertations take time\u2014and multiple drafts. Use tools like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commenting systems<\/strong> (highlight your questions, notes, and reminders).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Version control<\/strong> (save drafts with dates or version numbers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Peer support<\/strong>\u2014get feedback from friends, peers, or editors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Knowlton reminded us that <strong>finishing requires stamina, not just brilliance<\/strong>. Celebrate progress, take breaks, and <strong>trust yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t need to be perfect. You need to be clear, consistent, and honest about your process.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Separate <strong>writing from editing<\/strong>\u2014do not do both at once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <strong>APA7<\/strong> or <strong>Chicago\/Turabian<\/strong> to support clarity and structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be <strong>intentional about voice and style<\/strong>\u2014guide your reader.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Edit for <strong>clarity, consistency, and flow<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trust the process\u2014and give yourself grace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore the Full Dissertation Training Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/03\/dissertation-writing-workshops-with-dr-autumn-knowlton-10-part-special-blog-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Overview Post<\/strong> \u2013 About the Workshops and Series<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-1-not-a-book-not-a-mystery-what-your-dissertation-really-is\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 1<\/strong> \u2013 Not a Book, Not a Mystery: What Your Dissertation Really Is<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-2-from-jumble-sale-to-funnel-planning-your-dissertation-for-clarity-and-flow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 2<\/strong> \u2013 From Jumble Sale to Funnel: Planning Your Dissertation for Clarity and Flow<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-3-hold-the-target-not-the-dart-crafting-and-evolving-your-research-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 3<\/strong> \u2013 Hold the Target, Not the Dart: Crafting and Evolving Your Research Questions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-4-conversations-not-catalogues-writing-a-literature-review-with-purpose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 4<\/strong> \u2013 Conversations, Not Catalogues: Writing a Literature Review with Purpose<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-5-kitchen-rules-conceptual-and-theoretical-frameworks-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 5<\/strong> \u2013 Kitchen Rules: Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks Explained<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-6-you-are-the-method-positionality-ethics-and-making-knowledge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 6<\/strong> \u2013 You Are the Method: Positionality, Ethics, and Making Knowledge<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-7-sock-time-presenting-your-findings-with-clarity-and-confidence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 7<\/strong> \u2013 Sock Time: Presenting Your Findings with Clarity and Confidence<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-8-weaving-the-threads-discussion-and-meaning-making\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 8<\/strong> \u2013 Weaving the Threads: Discussion and Meaning-Making<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-9-what-i-did-why-it-matters-writing-your-scholarly-conclusion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 9<\/strong> \u2013 What I Did, Why It Matters: Writing Your Scholarly Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/08\/05\/dissertation-training-series-post-10-dont-go-in-circles-writing-editing-and-staying-sane\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Part 10<\/strong> \u2013 Don\u2019t Go in Circles: Writing, Editing, and Staying Sane<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dissertation Preparation and Policies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>UBC Grad Studies \u2013 Getting Started:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grad.ubc.ca\/current-students\/dissertation-thesis-preparation\">https:\/\/www.grad.ubc.ca\/current-students\/dissertation-thesis-preparation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Style Guides and Computer Tools:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grad.ubc.ca\/current-students\/dissertation-thesis-preparation\/style-guides-computer-tools\">https:\/\/www.grad.ubc.ca\/current-students\/dissertation-thesis-preparation\/style-guides-computer-tools<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Writing Support and Self-Guided Modules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EDST Thesis Writing Module:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/\">https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developing a Dissertation (EDST Module):<br><a href=\"https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/module-library\/developing-a-dissertation\/\">https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/module-library\/developing-a-dissertation\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UBC Library Dissertation Guide:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/guides.library.ubc.ca\/dissertation\">https:\/\/guides.library.ubc.ca\/dissertation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Free One-on-One Writing Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>UBC Writing Consultations for Graduate Students (writing and referencing help):<br><a href=\"https:\/\/writing.library.ubc.ca\/graduates\/writing-consultations\/\">https:\/\/writing.library.ubc.ca\/graduates\/writing-consultations\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Workshop Recording and Presenter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click to view Dr. Autumn Knowlton&#8217;s workshop <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/files\/2025\/08\/What-Is-Involved-in-Writing-a-Dissertation-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">presentation slides<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dr. Autumn Knowlton \u2013 (Re)Visions Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autumnrevisions.com\/\">https:\/\/www.autumnrevisions.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Explore More<\/strong><br>UBC EDST students can access free tools and support through the <a href=\"https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/\">Thesis Writing Module<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/thesismodules.edst.educ.ubc.ca\/module-library\/developing-a-dissertation\/\">Developing a Dissertation module<\/a>. For writing and referencing help, book a free <a href=\"https:\/\/writing.library.ubc.ca\/graduates\/writing-consultations\/\">graduate writing consultation<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Separate writing from editing, use APA7 for structure, and manage your dissertation process with tools and strategies that help you finish strong.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85465,"featured_media":3647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,139],"tags":[174,180,154,171,182,196,147,185,194,45,107,193,159,160,173,181,172,175,170,44,195],"class_list":["post-3679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-posts","category-dissertation-support","tag-academic-analysis","tag-academic-contribution","tag-apa7","tag-conceptual-framework","tag-data-presentation","tag-dissertation-support","tag-doctoral-thesis","tag-doctoral-writing","tag-editing-strategies","tag-edst","tag-educational-studies","tag-graduate-writing-sock","tag-how-to-write-a-dissertation","tag-how-to-write-a-thesis","tag-research-lens","tag-significant-original-contribution-to-knowledge","tag-theoretical-framework","tag-thesis-help","tag-thesis-resources","tag-ubc","tag-writing-process"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85465"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3679"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3712,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679\/revisions\/3712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}