When it comes to the word processor, there are features in it that are useful to me for improving my research writing task. For instance, for my PhD thesis to start taking shape, I’ve attended a recent workshop at my university on how to work with Master Documents – the course was very impressive, as I realised then that word processing in MS Word could involve more than just typing. So, I figured it would be useful for me to be able to bring together all sorts of docs and notes I have regarding different aspects of my research (each would go under different chapters). I’ve started by setting up the template with all the required styles etc, so now I just have to piece the thesis together – we’ll see how that works. Also, as Kath mentioned yesterday in the Elluminate Live session, I really should think about a contingency plan in case it all falls into pieces! (cross fingers won’t need to, but important to at least have another plan of action).
There are ways to make the writing process more enjoyable. Purely from a physical comfort point of view, and therefore hopefully assist in making the writing task itself more enjoyable, is to improve my typing efficiency and use more shortcut keys as opposed to the mouse all the time. I’ve printed out a little list of Control+Shift/Alt commands and clipped that to the side of my screen so I can easily refer to it as I type while I get used to ‘memorising’ these commands. Also, would like to download a typing training software (if it exists), and improve my typing so I can use all fingers more effectively and efficiently. The whole writing task would definitely more enjoyable if I can reduce physical tension and pain!
For editing, I like using ‘tracked-changes’ in MSWord, because it date stamps when the comment or changes were made and by whom. Once I’ve done a fair bit of editing and I’m fairly happy with the version (and/or I get sick of looking at the screen!!), then I print it out and have a read on paper with pen in hand to underline or make comments along the border if I need to. I do like the idea suggested on page 254 of the book, which talks about the one-page list of editorial decisions (rules for capitalisation, number formatting, use of hyphens, etc etc)…and sticking with it for the entire document as it is being written and edited – I think that would be a good method for me to create greater efficiency, as I’d be applying the rules first go as opposed having to go through the document post-writing stage and into the editing phase and finding several inconsistencies in the text.
