Ok so this could probably work for a lot of writing, but the only writing I've done in years is scientific papers, so I don't wanna lay untrue claims. Anyways, here we go!!!
Don't just put in a quote. Unpack it. By that, I mean explain the contents of the quote and then how it relates to your topic. For example, let's say you're writing about the sky and use the following quote: "the sky gets its color due to the reflection of light". Your followup sentence should explain this, looking something like: the blue color therefore is a result of this reflection in the atmosphere. It both helps explain the quote and its relevance. This is very important for supporting evidence for a claim.
Titles are hard!!!! I recommend writing your intro and discussion before deciding on one. This way you can pull a summary phrase from one to use for a title!
Download or save all your sources!!!! Trust me trying to find them panicking at 2am is no fun.
When compiling resources, make an annotated bibliography
WRITE ON YOUR SOURCES GOD DAMN IT!!!!! I don't know why this belief that you shouldn't write in books or on papers or anything is so prevalent. But fuck it. Trust me you want to write on them! It will save you so much time when you're looking for that once super specific, amazing, perfect quote you read.
Before you proofread, do not touch your paper for at least a day. Don't even think about it. You're too attached. After 24 hours of absence you'll be able to go "wow that really sucks what was I thinking?"
If you hit a block, just word vomit. Just write down anything and everything.
Or start with your evidence or quotes and build from there.
Use something like [zz] for missing information. That's what I use and it allows me to search the document for that to find where I'm missing something whether it's a citation, an explanation, a data point, whatever.
You don't have to write the sections in order. Write your methods first and your intro last. It doesn't matter at all.
It helps having someone else proofread your paper, but if no one can, Google translate or any read aloud service is amazing
Stuck on an idea? Talk about it to someone or something. I use my ferret. I'll just sit there and be like ok this is what my data is and this is the analysis from it, but how do I explain its relevance?? Like sure it shows this but what about this? And then eventually I figure it out. Bartenders are also great for this
If you don't like working at a library, make yourself a spot at home that's just for writing with no distractions. Yes, even that plant will get you away from your paper, trust me.
Get you a nice, soft pillow to bang your head against.
Learn to do calculations in excel and run analysis in a statistical software like R which is free to use!
If you want to access an article without paying, email the authors! A lot of time they'll send you the paper!
Keep track of ALL vocab. Any niche terms might have to be defined, so keeping a list with definitions/explanations is very helpful.
Make a folder with subfolders. Keeping things organized will save you so much time I promise. Put drafts in one folder, papers in another, lists in another, etc.
Save! Always save! Even better: set up autosave to occur every like 10 minutes.
Early mornings and/or late nights are gonna be your thing now I promise.
If your eyes start feeling strained or your head starts hurting, take a break! Trust me, once you start writing in what I like to call the "goo stage" (where you're starting to get foggy and tired, rubbing your eyes, stretching your back, etc) your work quality is gonna go way down. Get up, stretch, drink some water, take a walk, whatever.
Get a stress ball or something. Especially for running data analysis. Things get very frustrating.
Set up a news alert for your topic. It can help you find real world applications for your discussion as well as maybe find you a super recent publication!
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