Writing a paper step by step
If you have pen and paper, an editor, your slip-box and reference system at hand, you are ready to go.
Collecting
1. Read with a pen and a pad
2. Instead of exclusively highlighting, write down the ideas that pop into your head (apply no filter)
3. Consider these notes your inbox - process them later
4. Avoid quotes and use your own words. Keep them short and be selective
Reviewing
1. Go through your collected notes and think about how they relate to previous notes, thoughts and thesises
2. Develop ideas by asking whether they build upon, refine or contradict previous ideas
3. Try to combine ideas to create something new
Drafting
1. Write one note for each idea
2. Write as well as you can, in full sentences (reference sources as needed) and be clear and concise
3. Throw away the unused notes
4. Do this daily
Organizing
1. Using an arbitrary number system. Place notes directly behind the note it relates to most (aim to continue the thread of the previous note)
2. Link to other related notes
3. Add new notes to an index so that you can easily access them later
Go deeper
1. Review what you have and fill in the gaps
2. Read more to challenge and strengthen your arguments
3. Pull the thread and follow your interests
4. Use what you have rather than engaging in blue sky thinking
Choose a topic
1. Based on what you have, choose a topic
2. Collect all the notes you have on the topic
3. Make notes on the gaps left to fill
Start writing
