I am having a bit of difficulty writing in a fluid, readable style. The grammar and punctuation are fine, but the written text just sends me to sleep - and I am the researcher writing it! Does anybody know of a good resource that outlines, or helps with thesis writing styles.

I would recommend having a look through other theses to try to get a handle for what you like. If you're not already registered with the British library online I would recommend that you register. Skim read a few theses, or rather sections of theses for style.

Also, and as frequently recommended by Olivia of this forum, Bryan A. Garner's Legal writing in plain english is well worth a look. You should be able to pick up a copy via Amazon for ~£5 or most of it is actually available via Google Books.

One that was recently recommended to me (on Friday to be exact) was: Authoring a PhD : how to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation / Patrick Dunleavy.
I haven't had a chance to read over it yet, but the academic who rec'ed it has been very helpful and spot on in his suggestions. You might give it a try. I am just waiting on one copy to return here in a few days time before I try to get into it.

Hi Bluespace,

I read 'Style: Ten lessons in Clarity and Grace' by Joseph Williams a couple of years ago and it has been brilliant for advancing my writing style.

here's the Amazon link, you can get an old copy for a few quid:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Style-Ten-Lessons-Clarity-Grace/dp/0321024087/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335717377&sr=1-8

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Hi Bluespace,

and here is the perspective of a boring science student!

As long as you write in a clear structured way then it is fiiiiine ... Sometimes I take time to think alternative verbs to "reported" and it almost makes me feel like a novel writer!

I have long ago accepted that my PhD can be used as an alternative fatal weapon - no one can survive more than 2 sentences. It will be on the headlines:
"external examiner dead. His wife critically ill. Doctors believe she skimmed through the open document. What did the primary supervisor say?"
*picture of my supervisor hiding from paparazzi*

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies. I think 'Style', sounds like the book for me (based on reviews). Although this writing thing is still a tricky area.

I have found reading lots of articles is really helpful. This is also where it's helpful to have publications during the course of the PhD, to get practice and feedback.