It took me a long time to understand myself as a writer. Eventually, I realised I am a « why » writer rather than a « how » writer.
Understanding this about myself was a comfort after dealing with impostor syndrome. The instruction and critique I received from scientific circles had the opposite effect, leaving me feeling impotent to improve my writing. Indeed, despite its good intentions, this counsel fueled my impostor feeling because it was « a one-way to do it » instruction.
The turning moment came last year, when I read a brief book on scientific writing. (Becker H. S. & Richards P. (2007). Writing for social scientists : how to start and finish your thesis book or article (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press)
It made me realise that I cannot develop on a plan ! A plan, a well Neat structured plan, does not allow me to explain my ideas effectively and paradoxically in a structured way. I think in fragments rather than broad pictures. I begin with one thought and then add another, establishing a scientific link between the two, and so forth. A definition could be a beginning point for me, a specific element of the object of my research, or an engagement with an aspect of the literature. As I begin to write, I realise there is some more profound reasoning behind my beginning position, and a framework emerges from these lengthy paragraphs. I may even delete my starting point altogether. I end this process once I’ve formulated my argument. I then start the rewriting procedure. Yes, writing involves rewriting! As I go through this step, I begin to consider the scientific rigour of a scientific writing, such as an article or chapter. After all, we know what it should look like, but we don’t always know how to get there.
My writing process is guided by an understanding of the WHY behind it. Knowing the ‘why’ leads to understanding the ‘how’ without the necessity for a thorough plan. The ‘why’ is what drives the writer to communicate their ideas on a specific issue or topic. This understanding allows writers to find their way and construct arguments. The more you write, the more you realise that this WHY is growing within you and guiding you. I recognise that this technique may appear obvious to certain readers. However, it took some time for me to stop being so judgmental of myself and embrace my writing process.
