Found this 2006 gem from the AHA. The advice on "zero draft" writing saved my chapter.

[JIMMY]

This is from the American Historical Association archives, but it transcends disciplines . The single most useful concept: The Dissertation Journal.

What it is: A separate document (or notebook) where you write uncensored garbage for 20 minutes before every writing session.
What it does: It separates "brainstorming" from "drafting." You cannot edit a blank page, but you CAN edit three pages of unhinged notes about why your data makes no sense .

Other hits from 2006 that still slap:

• Visual mapping: Draw your argument as a wheel, not an outline. Connect spokes. Then linearize it .
• The one-sentence distillation: "What I hope to show is ______." If you can't finish that sentence, you aren't ready to write .
• Hydration is methodology: Fatigue is dehydration. Keep water on your "dissertation hut" desk .

Old advice, still true.

 

[NRobertsHelper]

I feel you on that constant deadline rush, it can be so stressful! As a fellow grad student knee-deep in Psychology PhD research, I've definitely had my fair share of close calls. nvm one thing that's been a game-changer for me is this concept called zero draft writing.

Found this gem from 2006 by the AHA (American Historical Association), and let me tell you, it's been a lifesaver! Basically, it's about getting all your thoughts out there without worrying about perfection. It's like a messy first draft where you just let ideas flow without overthinking. This approach has seriously helped me stay on track and manage my deadlines better. It takes the pressure off and lets me focus on refining later.

Give it a shot - might just save your next chapter too!