How I Stopped Writing Alone (and Started Writing Better)

Whether it's a dissertation chapter, a research project, or a grant proposal, writing is at the core of every graduate and professional student’s work. 

We rely on writing to share ideas, build professional identity, and shape our future careers—yet writing often feels like of the most isolating and intimidating parts of graduate school. Unlike other skills we’re explicitly trained to develop, graduate students are rarely taught how to write consistently and how to write well.

This past summer I challenged myself to improve my own writing habits. In the past I often put off large writing projects until the pressure of a looming deadline pushed me into hours-long writing binges. While that strategy got words on the page, I wanted to find a way to write more consistently with habits that felt sustainable. Here’s what’s worked for me:

Find Ways to Write in Community

When you hit a wall with your writing, sitting alone in front of the screen can feel endless. But just because you’re working on your own work doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. 

One strategy that helps me stay motivated and less isolated while writing is body doubling— working alongside someone else on separate tasks. Even if we aren’t working on the same thing, knowing someone else is also fighting off distractions helps me keep myself accountable.

Whether it’s meeting on Zoom or at a coffee shop, body doubling works best when you set small goals, check in at the start, and work quietly side by side. 

If you’re looking for a structured way to body double, the Graduate Writing Lab’s Writing Efficiency Sessions (WES) are a great option. You can join any of their online or in-person sessions throughout the week to maintain momentum, meet your writing goals, and write in community.

Share Your Work Early 

Sharing a first draft can feel really daunting, especially when it is tied to a major milestone like a thesis chapter or a fellowship application. One reason I kept my work to myself over the summer was the fear of sharing my unfinished work before it was “ready.” In the process, I missed the chance of improving and evolving my work through the perspective of the reader.

If you’re not quite ready to share that first draft with your committee or even a close friend, campus writing resources can be a helpful first step in getting feedback. The Graduate Writing Lab and Think Tank are for more than just grammar help. Submitting to the Feedback Loop or scheduling a Graduate Writing Consultation can give you constructive input on everything from fellowship and job applications to dissertation chapters and first-year papers. 

And if you know you will be tackling dissertation writing soon, consider signing up for the Graduate Center’s dissertation writing class next semester. It’s a structured way to build writing habits, get feedback early, and keep your writing moving forward.

Read More to Write Better 

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Reading isn’t just for literature reviews, it is also one of the most effective ways to grow as a writer. 

Engaging with strong writing both inside and outside your field can offer models for expressing ideas with greater clarity and impact. Non-academic reading can also help you refresh your style and tone when academic prose starts to feel heavy (even if that means revisiting Twilight for the third time).

I recently started reading Alan Ziegler’s The Writing Workshop to reframe my own approach to writing. One insight that has been particularly helpful in keeping momentum is to write without worrying about order or polish. 

When I’m struggling to get ideas onto the page, I sometimes use the dictate feature to talk them out first and edit later. If I had not learned strategies like this one, I’d probably still be tinkering with this newsletter’s opening paragraph.

The Takeaway

While writing can sometimes feel daunting, it is one of the most essential skills you will carry throughout your career. 

With the speed and ease of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, it may be tempting to think that learning to write well isn’t as important anymore. In reality, these tools can only supplement—not replace—the creativity, critical thinking, and innovation that graduate and professional students bring to their work.

So, if you’re staring down your next chapter, proposal, or article, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. 

Body double with a friend, schedule a Graduate Writing Consultation, or turn to a book that reminds you that writing is about more than deadlines. With the right habits and community, writing can be less stressful and maybe a little more fun.