Many academic writers silently endure a harsh emotional landscape—overwhelm, loneliness, and self-doubt. I was there too, for years, convinced I’d never muster the courage to write that “thing” (I generally avoided the word “thesis”). Life, work, other projects, my cat, my plants… anything felt easier than facing my dissertation.
I thought I only needed courage, but it wasn’t all I needed—above all, I needed a method. Like anything else—martial arts, piano, dancing salsa—writing is an art you practice. You’re not born a writer; you’re not simply “good” or “not good” at it. You either practice, or you don’t. Fair enough, not everyone becomes a ballet dancer, but in academia, we’re all writers. You go nowhere without writing. No papers, no grants, no research projects, no dissertation can escape this crucial step—translating your ideas into words and sentences.
With this post, I want to offer you a clear, practical roadmap to start building a sustainable writing practice based on habits.
Why a Writing Practice Matters (Beyond Productivity)
Just as you would when learning a musical instrument, you need to follow steps to develop your writing practice. You need to do your “scales,” warm up your fingers, and get into the right mindset. You have to accept that your first “song” won’t be fantastic, and that mistakes are inevitable.
But with practice, it gets easier. Less painful. More natural. Your confidence grows, your sense of progress too, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll even learn to enjoy it! Beyond productivity (and yes, you will be more productive), you’ll feel better. More satisfied. Happier in academia. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
The 5 Simple Steps to Create a Writing Practice
Pay attention to each of these steps. I’ve tested them again and again, and believe me, they work. Everyone’s journey is unique; what works for you now might not work forever, and what you dislike at first could become your strongest ally. But give these strategies a real try—ideally for a few weeks, or even a semester.
Step 1: Claim Your Writing Space
First, carve out a space to write. You don’t need anything fancy—just somewhere you can isolate yourself, especially if you struggle to concentrate. For some, that’s an office at the department (lucky you, if you have one). Libraries often have rooms for PhD students—look into it. Maybe a café where you don’t know anyone is your best bet. Give it a try.
I used to work in front of a window. During the summer, we installed bird feeders. The colorful birds were a delight—and a huge distraction. I found my best writing happens in a closed room, facing a wall. I even put a note on the door: “Please don’t interrupt my writing. I love you.”
Find your spot and make it a ritual to get ready there each morning (or evening, if that’s your writing time). My ritual: I get up, prepare my coffee, sometimes do morning pages (free-writing journaling) on the couch, then clear my space and sit at my computer—before opening my inbox. I set a timer for two hours and start writing.
Step 2: Set Gentle, Achievable Goals
Ever heard of the compound effect? It’s simply the idea that small actions, repeated, add up over time—like saving money at the bank, or writing sentences. Setting goals isn’t a joke: it’s a powerful tool that can transform your day. We’ve all heard of SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound), but I prefer to call them chewable goals—they’re easier to digest, especially on days when you don’t feel like writing.
On those days, my only way forward is to set a very, very reasonable goal. One I know I can achieve. “Four lines” is my favorite. If I manage four lines, I’m good to go. For you, it might be 150 words or a paragraph. It’s up to you. Just keep moving forward, one small goal at a time. Don’t forget to celebrate these wins—you’ll build momentum.
Step 3: Build Accountability—With Yourself or Others
Accountability is key. Some of us have a supervisor who’s caring and not too busy, someone who keeps us accountable. But even if you do, they may not be around forever. At some point, you’ll be on your own. But you don’t have to be.
One of the most effective techniques I tried during my PhD was making writing social. Countless studies show that writing with others works. It could be a writing buddy you meet at a café once or twice a week, an online group at your university (or with me!), or regular check-ins with someone you trust—a sibling, grandparent, or friend. My best suggestion: gather a group of peers and create your own accountability pod. You’ll be amazed how helpful it is to talk with people who understand your challenges, and with whom you can share both victories and setbacks.
Step 4: Embrace Imperfection and Progress
If you’re like me, you may have been a binge writer as an undergrad. I’d write one version of a paper (after outlining), submit it “as is,” and usually get an A. Unfortunately, that strategy doesn’t work anymore—not for a 6,000-word article or a 250-page thesis.
For longer projects, a first draft is not optional. But it doesn’t need to be good. It can be very bad—or, as Anne Lamott famously called it, a “shitty first draft.” First drafts are messy—and that’s okay. They’re a necessary step, not a failure. They help us think, because writing IS thinking. Whenever I feel blocked, I tell myself, “I’m just going to write a shitty first draft paragraph.” I do it, and, more often than not, my block disappears and I keep writing.
Step 5: Reflect and Adjust With Compassion
You can’t develop a solid practice without some mindfulness—or reflection, if you prefer. Take time to notice what works and what doesn’t. What makes you feel good or drags you down? My best tip: journal, as I learned from reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. “Morning pages” means writing your thoughts freely each morning, following wherever your mind goes. Sometimes I prompt myself to write about what I want to accomplish today, or why a particular section is hard.
Journaling helps you spot patterns: When do you write best? Where? What motivates you? What kills your joy? You can keep a progress journal (article coming on this soon!) or just jot notes in a notebook. The important thing is to observe without judging. Take action, but don’t judge. Be gentle with yourself. Adjustments are normal and necessary. You won’t be 100% productive every day—expect ups and downs. But you can practice every day.
So go ahead! Try one small step today and share your experience in the comments below. And please, remember: your work matters, and so does your well-being. By creating a writing practice and developing writing habits, you’ll boost your self-confidence and, I hope, accelerate your success—while becoming happier!
From my writing desk to yours, keep going—you’re not alone.
Mariève
