How I write my Thesis
The Problem: Blank Pages
Writing my Bachelor’s thesis has taught me something unexpected: Blank pages are the enemy.
It has been a while since I last posted here, but I have been very preoccupied with my thesis. Now I want to share how I actually get words on the page - something that used to be very hard for me.
I would sit in front of the blank page trying to figure out where to start and how to connect it all together, getting absolutely nowhere. It made me realize that trying to write entire sections or even chapters from an empty screen is pretty difficult. So I stopped trying to write. Instead, I changed my approach: I first collect bullet points before beginning to write. Sometimes ideas for later chapters pop into my head, so I jot them down in the note for their sections for later reference. Then, before writing a particular section, I brainstorm all the ideas and things I want to mention in it. I outline all my ideas and try to recall facts without looking up the references. This helps me remember these bits of information better through active recall and it also reduces the risk of directly quoting since I am restating the ideas in my own words. Everything I am unsure about I mark with annotations in square brackets like this so I can keep writing without breaking my flow.
After that first brainstorming, I check all my facts with the relevant references and add missing bits and pieces. Oftentimes I also reorder bullet points to add subheadings and create a clearer structure in preparation of my writing.
From Bullets to Prose
Ideally, I don’t start writing the prose of the chapter directly afterwards to give the whole draft some time to incubate. Giving the outline time to sit helps me spot gaps in my logic or realize I need to restructure before I’ve invested time in full paragraphs. When I start writing, I heavily rely on the brackets as well. I use them as placeholders for words I am unsure about or don’t know in English at the time of writing. I might also note that certain parts are missing something, or I want to double-check them later. Using the brackets for this helps me keep writing without needing to go elsewhere to look something up. It keeps me writing even when I know something is a bit off. Concrete examples for my use of these placeholders include: listing multiple words when I am unsure which fits best, noting ideas for context that I might need to add, or comments flagging the previous sentence or paragraph to rework later.
Another benefit of the pre-writing in bullet points is that it helps me make the task feel less daunting. Writing a few - or even a lot of - bullet points is way easier than directly starting by writing finished prose. I have less need to be formal and correct yet and it is easier for me to reorder and sort my thoughts as I write. What’s more, the fact that I am writing inside my notes app, not the thesis document, makes it a more casual and regular environment. As a result, writing that first full draft becomes much easier. Since I have outlined the general structure and talking points already, I no longer need to juggle all the ideas and concepts in my head. It’s more of a “prosification” - turning my existing bullet points into flowing paragraphs. Re-reading the first written draft is the time when I fix typos and look up words and facts I was unsure about before.
Why This Process Works
This entire process reduces friction for me in the writing part. I especially realized this when I wanted to have a quick win a few days ago and tried to write the next section without going through these steps first. Instead of having a quick win, it was more like an agonizing long stretch without a win. I made slower progress and it all felt overwhelming without knowing where to start and how to continue. When I turned back to this process, it all flowed easier and I made actual progress and got my win.
Writing a thesis can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into small, low-pressure steps has made it manageable for me. And it helps not only for my thesis, I even used this process to write this article. If you’re struggling, maybe this method can help you find that momentum too.
