The Dissertation Diaries

If you’ve ever been in the middle of writing a dissertation, you know the feeling: endless drafts, looming deadlines, stacks of articles, and a mind that never seems to stop racing. That’s where I am right now—deep in my doctoral journey. And while the research is meaningful, staying organized and motivated is its own challenge.

I realized early on that I needed structure, not just for my writing but for my mindset. So I started designing trackers, planners, and checklists—little tools to keep myself moving forward one page at a time.

The funny part? I’d already helped my husband, Chris, stay on track during his dissertation, creating schedules and organizational tools that made the process less overwhelming. When he finished (and celebrated that sweet “Dr.” title), I realized these tools weren’t just helpful for us—they could help others too.

That’s how Dissertation Diaries was born.

My goal with Dissertation Diaries is simple: to make the dissertation process feel less isolating and more doable. Whether you’re just starting your literature review or prepping for your defense, I hope these tools help you feel supported and reminded that you’re not alone.

Because dissertations don’t write themselves—but with the right tools, you can write it, track it, and defend it.