Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis

While some of the book's advice is of interest only to dissertation writers, much of the information--on battling writer's block, for instance--is valuable to anybody engaged in writing. Rather than being filled with rules defining how to become a great writer, Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day is about finding the process by which you can be the most productive--it's a set of exercises that you can use to find out more about you and the way you write. Along the way, you'll do a bit of writing. And that's what matters, especially when you experience writer's block--as Bolker says, "Write anything, because writing is writing." With its helpful advice and supportive tone, Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day should be required reading for anyone considering writing a dissertation. --C.B. Delaney

Product Description

The argument was sound but the book's call was much stronger. I purchased it. It was the best investment that I had made. Whether you are a Phd candidate trying to get your dissertation done or a wannabe intimidated by the thought of having to write one, this book must be on your required reading list!

If you have successfully completed high school, college and graduate school (masters level) then you have already written your fair share of papers. You have the technical and disciplined skills to write. Well then, what is the problem in doing a dissertation?

Bolker teaches one about learning how to develop a process of writing that is best for you. Once done she moves you from the process to the basic mechanics of getting the dissertation done. It is never to late in getting a head start on learning how to finish your doctoral thesis even before you are accepted into a Phd program. Start Now! The book is a tremendous stimulator.


This book helped me finish my dissertation quickly   April 21, 2001
 76 out of 78 found this review helpful

This book was extremely helpful. I bought this book about 9 months ago when I had only 2 chapters of my doctoral dissertation done. Now I am done with my dissertation (500 pages!) and about to graduate with a Ph.D. in anthropology. The tips and suggestions in this book were fantastic, and the tone of the book is very positive, unlike other dissertation-writing books I've read. Whenever I didn't feel like writing, I would go to Joan Bolker's book, and usually within a few minutes of reading, I would find something that would inspire me to write again. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to complete a writing project of any kind.


A Quick Read   March 21, 2002
 39 out of 40 found this review helpful

The subtitle for this book is probably the more telling about the contents. This book is more of a guide to the whole process of writing the dissertation rather than the physical act of writing. Bolker discussing the writing as well as choosing a topic, choosing an advisor for your dissertation, and choosing a committee for your dissertation defense. Covered in the book are some of the psychological barriers that can hinder your finishing the dissertation, and some pitfalls to avoid (such as political battles with your advisor).

The primary thought is to develop the habit of writing. Some of the ideas may sound familiar to you, but they are no less true. Bolker states that you must develop the habit of writing everyday if you are going to build up the stamina and fortitude to completing the task. She does suggest a support group to assist in this.

The biggest draw for this book, for me, was that Bolker is an authority. She started two dissertations, one of which she did not finish. She has also worked with many students in writing their dissertations, and she knows from experience what works and what doesn't (she points out a problem that can arise from writing solely on the computer).

I would recommend this book to anyone beginning the journey to finishing a dissertation. Do not take this information lightly.


What every doctoral candidate needs!   July 20, 1998
 32 out of 32 found this review helpful

As a Ph.D. student, I had been searching for this kind of book to guide me in the most daunting portion of the doctoral program--the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Bolker's sensible approach helps assuage the pain and the fear of the unknown. The title itself gives you the real key to writing a great disseration: finish one or two pages a day, and in six months to a year you can have a 365-page thesis completed. Do yourself a favor: while taking your dissertation-proposal class, read this book and share it with your fellow candidates.


Psychologically-writing-supporting book. Easy to read   August 18, 2005
 30 out of 30 found this review helpful

It is a required textbook for a dissertation/thesis writing class at my university. Students have to read the whole book before the class begin. Although English is my second language, I found this book is easy to understand and fun to read. No jargon or classy words are used.

The writer is a clinical psychologist whose specialty in helping blocked writers. She writes with humor and kindness. She nicely applies her experience in helping her students in this book. Her suggestions are very practical and helpful. It helps me cope with psychological problems that I believe many dissertation writers have faced. When I read this book, it always tells me that "hey, you are not alone". It really gives me a sense of supporting group.

The book gives many tactics in "how to be" persistent and resilient in working/writing toward the graduation day which is the ultimate goal for every student. It also provides many helpful tips in "how to live" your life (or survive) during this critical period of getting the degree.

It is not a book that tell you what to include in each chapter or how to pick suitable methods in your research. If you look for that kind of book, I would recommend "Surviving Your Dissertation, 2ed" instead. These two books are very worth to read together.

FYI: There are some other writing books that might be useful for you.
1) Writing for social scientists (Howard Becker)
2) Writing papers in the biological sciences (Victoria McMillan)
3) Scientific papers and presentations (Martha Davis)

***Chapter 9 of this book says, "The Best Dissertation is a Done Dissertation". It is absolutely true.***