Have you been stuck in your dissertation for far too long and don’t know how to move forward? Are you ready to trade stress, overwhelm, and writer’s block for clarity and joy?
Have you had enough of your inner critic? Are you ready to let go of this toxic relationship and enjoy the rest of your dissertation journey?
If you said yes to any of the above questions, this book is for you!
Inside, you will discover: • How to remove the pressure you put on yourself and your writing • How to live and work guilt-free, knowing you’re on track to meet your timeline • How to find joy, clarity, and fulfillment in your writing process every day • Why being hard on yourself is counterproductive, and why self-compassion is the only way forward • How to replace 58 toxic dissertation writing myths with a healthy mindset
This book grew out of my own struggles while writing my dissertation. I used to believe in these myths, too. And I suffered as a result. But you don’t have to. Based on over two decades of my own professional experience coaching university students and faculty, I will show you exactly how to replace these toxic assumptions with a healthy mindset that will get you to the finish line in a matter of months.
Through my coaching, writing groups, and dissertation retreats, I’ve helped thousands of writers complete their projects. I’ve seen time and again how letting go of these myths brings immediate relief, creates writing momentum, and results in the completion of a long-awaited project. If you’re ready to finish your dissertation, I’ll reveal all my secrets in this book.
So, get your copy today, and start enjoying your writing!
You can find free resources, learn about my coaching services, and book a free consultation at writingdissertationcoach.com. I’m excited to hear about your dissertation dreams!
Natalya Androsova is an award-winning writing and dissertation coach with over two decades of experience teaching writing. She has coached professional writers and university writers of all skill levels–students, staff, and faculty.
Her passion is helping writers become more courageous, authentic, and kind to themselves.
Through individual coaching, writing groups, and writing retreats, she has helped hundreds of writers to break through blocks and find inspiration, a more authentic voice, and a greater freedom in their writing and their life.
She lives in Toronto, Canada, and when she is not writing or meditating, she loves to play tennis, practice yoga, or sit by the water and cloud watch for hours.
To be very honest: I do not have a PhD, I have never even thought about writing a dissertation. So, what made me read, enjoy and love it and even write a review about it? There are several reasons. Its inviting and encouraging cover is one of them. Reading a book which offers a kind of shelter, of protection perfectly symbolized by a warm looking umbrella just seems perfect for helping students out of writer’s block and out of painful feelings of being overwhelmed. This just called me to discover the content. And what to share about this reading experience? It leaves me speechless. It is such a helpful book written in such a kind tone full of heartfelt understanding. There are so many inspiring issues, positive ways out of difficult situations or very concrete ideas about resetting a mindset that makes the task hard. I love the personal experiences, the little reflections about the author’s own writing process during her dissertation: You feel that you can trust every word you read. I am working with younger students and as a language teacher I am almost every day confronted to their lack of motivation for writing, to their constant fear of failing and their searching for sense in the texts that they must write because of school system issues. I love to experience plenty of the ideas work so well even with younger pupils. So, even without my own dissertation experience, this book is deeply inspiring for my professional life and has a huge capacity to help me change some of my teaching and to help my pupils see challenges differently. To put it into a nutshell: After “Seven Minutes to Freedom”, Natalya Androsova’s new book “Dissertation without Tears” is indeed another precious gift to the world.
A long time ago, I wrote a PhD dissertation. The process was lonely and often de-motivating. Every moment of writing was a parallel effort to mitigate my own feelings of self doubt, imposter syndrome, and being massively overwhelmed. I finished the dissertation in-part because I found help in a dissertation coach.
Dissertation Without Tears is a doctoral student's coach--accessible, friendly, supportive, and with meaningful tips for addressing a wide variety of dissertation writing challenges.
Dissertation Without Tears is so easy to read and helpful. It's not like a doctoral student needs to take on a whole new and daunting task in using this book. Rather, the brief chapters and writing guidance that Dr. Androsova offers will serve your writing practice as you do it. A great resource for dissertation writers who want to get the thing done and move on (because there are all sorts of rewards post-PhD).
Could also be an effective teaching tool for instructors and teaching assistants.
This book found me weeping with a half-written paper. My rhythm was off, and I couldn’t get back on track…I was ready to tear up my paper and start again. Then I read this book and Natalya’s words helped me get back in flow with my writing.
This book is like your inner writing coach and mentor. Just pick it up, turn to a page and read - you’ll find words that soothe your nerves and answer your doubts. It’s as though Natalya is in your head. A writer knows a writer!
This book taught me how to ritualise my writing practice by creating the physical and mental space in my life. It renewed my writing spirit, and I ran to my desk to start writing again.
Natalya says ‘if you want to succeed at something …..find good role models and learn from them. That’s precisely what I’ve done by reading this book - I’ve learnt from Natalya. I trust you will too, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
If you are eyeing this book, there's a good chance that you are struggling with your own dissertation or writing project, and let me tell you, you can stop looking because this is the one! From its soothing tone to its spot-on expert advice to its clever and seamless organization, this book provides the perfect tool to navigate the storms of writing a large project such as a doctoral dissertation. What makes this book stand out against others in the field is the writer's a) depth of understanding of the kinds of challenges facing writers at this level -- she is very clearly an expert writing coach; and b) genuine and infectious deep compassion that is so helpful to those of us who have strong inner critics. As someone who has experienced many of these struggles myself, I can only say that I wish I had read this book before I started my own PhD! Give yourself (or a friend) the gift of this wonderful book!
Writing is the most creative yet challenging process, especially for PhD candidates whose words define their ultimate success. Though writing clearly and eloquently is vital for any student, there’s a lack of resources and support system to strengthen this skill.
Nevertheless, Dr. Natalya Androsova book breaks down the most common myths and our inner limitations that prevents us from truly embracing writing as a joyful and resourceful process that allows the words to move more freely and easily from our minds to our pens.
This book is highly recommended for all PhD candidates who’d like to fall in love with writing and make it an integral part of their dissertation journey. It’s a quick and easy read, with practical tips and tricks that’ll help you to get started and keep going. This book will serve as your go-to-tool without tears from beginning to the end of your PhD journey!
Incredible book and I wish I came across this book when starting my undergrad days. As a University Lecturer who supervises many projects I would recommend this book to my students and anyone who is experiencing writers block. I would also advise anyone who needs or is struggling with motivation to write. I wasn't sure what to expect but I found each chapter engaging and enjoyable. For me, the author has a sense of humor and encourages the reader to express freedom in their writing and expresses you to be your authentic self when you write. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for the readers out there. Here is one last piece of information before I go ; the book provides smart techniques and tips on how to break up your writing!
Dissertation Without Tears is a true gem for individuals at any stage of the dissertation-writing journey, whether afraid to start, keep pace, or trying to finish. Dr. Androsova’s voice throughout is kind and reassuring, sharing wisdom from her extensive experience as a writing coach. The book brims with practical strategies and gentle guidance and is a pleasure to read. I wish this guide had been available to me when I was writing my dissertation, though even now I find it immensely helpful as I face my current writing projects. I highly recommend this book!
The writing style of Dissertation Without Tears is such that the work presents like a kind, caring and wise friend who is there to guide and support you. All the while the book dispells familiar myths that many of us hold on to yet these myths hinder our writing process. Further, this book's function is to help you to claim the joy that should be inherent in the writing process. Yes this book will help those working toward a dissertation but the contents of this text will be beneficial for any writer's journey.
This book is a wonderful gem! Natalya is a talented writer and does an amazing job of gently inviting the reader to take steps towards writing their dissertation and at the same time encourages and strengthen an individual's self-esteem to write.
While reading this book you will feel the kind and warm nature of the author guiding you through the process and helping you to understand what myths are getting in the way of your full potential to write.
I wished I had this book when I completed my master's degree - this is a book for all writers to read.
This book is incredible! I wish I had read it at the beginning of my dissertation. Natalya clearly and lovingly demystifies much of the phD writing process and her words of encouragement and wisdom cut deep as she explores myths and roadblocks that hinder the dissertation writing experience. This book offers so many tools and resources for graduate students and is a must read for all doctoral students, as well as their supervisors!
This book is one of those self help reads that I desperately needed at the moment. Being a writer, I too have to go through mind blocking stress and anxiety and often judge my abilities. This book is certainly a moral boost. It is encouraging and empowering and offers basic steps we need to follow to enjoy our passion for writing and make the most out of this journey. I am so happy that I had a chance to go through the book.
Natalya Androsova has done it again. She's thought of everything, so whether you need a mentor's wise advice or a best friend's reassuring encouragement, this book will deliver exactly what you need. At times amazingly specific and concrete; at others philosophical and morale boosting, I felt like she was talking right to me, truth after truth after truth. This book is pure gold for any writer, Ph.D. candidate or otherwise.
Natalya's sound advice is delivered with a very warm and caring presence. Even though I am still completing my undergrad degree, I have been encouraged beyond measure by her words. I am very confident that when I eventually get to write my graduate thesis and dissertation, I will have what I need to challenge the inner critic each time it arises.
Incredible book with a lot of hands-on advice on how to tackle and write the dissertation. Excellent read for anyone struggling with their writing and who wants to get unstuck and take action! Read it!
Well, well... I always try to reach out and read books that are not in my common comfort zone, only to learn if it's something I can relate to or start to appreciate. This is a huge example of that.
Dissertation without tears is a very simple, easy paced reading book (or should I say manual?) to help authors or just general people trying to write their dissertation, to step over their difficulties and get the job done. The language is super simple and the suggestions so feasible, I dare say anyone who reads it will be able to write their texts in a heartbeat.
Nathalya was friendly enough to send me her ARC, and I'm happy to say the book is amazing. Her suggestions are simple but extremely effective, some of which I had been using without meaning to, while others came as a great surprise to show me new ways to go beyond my goals and get more writing done.
I honestly recommend this book to everyone who needs to get words down in a pleasant and satisfying way, because like she mentioned, writing is never supposed to be a struggle, but something that will bring you the sense of accomplishment each time you exercise that muscle.
Not penning a dissertation but struggling with the inner critic here. It sucks! Earlier this year I felt like giving up creating. Thrashing about and tripping myself up—because I felt sapped. My focus was crushed. Life felt too hard, so why try? Who am I fooling?
What fortunate timing for me to read Dissertation Without Tears!
Androsova injects empathy into her writing advice, breaking down the leering giant tower of expectations into sensible micro hops and steps. On those days where I felt like I couldn't write, I'd open to a random chapter and often find plentiful advice for continuing. Practicing along helped ease the pressure I was holding within myself. Especially with the wholehearted acceptance for play during drafts and the dismissal for perfectionism. Writing didn't feel like punishment, it's the release it's always meant to be! It happened gradually, but my mentality for my writing habits changed for the better.
To be aware and forgiving to myself is a gift that I got out of this book. I'm so thankful for that kind nudge towards focusing on the process, not the results.
As an outsider to the dissertation world, learning about the many stresses doctorate students face puts into perspective how different expectations can be for different careers. Candid observations and assurances from someone who has been in their shoes. Knowing that someone as mindful and knowledgeable as Androsova is there to help provide coaching is such a sweet gesture of good will. It's truly amazing how much she cares for others. One of those rare instances when heartfelt wishes and cheer translate into the written form.
Dissertation Without Tears may have planning advice that's not new. It may have writing tips you've read other places before. Yet Androsova's vulnerability and sincerity are hard to find. She doesn't talk you down, she talks you up! Without selling you to any paid gimmicks! Please try reading this book if you're feeling insecure about your writing.
And if you're a university student facing a dissertation, I highly encourage you to read this book as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“Dissertation without Tears” by Natalya Androsova, PHD is certainly a must-read especially for any doctoral scholar or a graduate working on their dissertation. The contents are well-planned and follow a logical flow and can be an enriching resource for scholars from varied disciplines.
As a doctoral scholar “going through” the journey of PhD, this book certainly is a great resource to overcome certain blocks in research and it’s writing. Better still, it comes as a respite to see such short yet succinct chapterisation especially when the mind is bogged down with so much scholarly literature of research. The author’s experience clearly shows up in how she simplifies major and common blocks faced by a lot of scholars and seasoned academicians in their writing endeavours.
This book, for me, serves as a ready reckoner. I am glad I could get my hands on it at this crucial juncture of my research.
This is the book I needed! Im right now in the process of writing my Masters thesis and this book gifted me some expert knowledge on the writing process.
Not only was the knowledge directly relevant to the task of writing a thesis, but it was written in an easy-to-read, encouraging format. I felt Natalya genuinely cared about the success of my thesis and it made reading this book all the more enjoyable!
The book is structured around tackling myths when it comes to writing. Many myths that I myself had fallen into! Chapter 3 in particular talked at length about creating a support system to enable my writing success. I've started to implement the advice in this book and noticed a marked difference in not only my writing productivity, but also my MOTIVATION to write!
I would highly recommend this book if you are in the process of writing a thesis, dissertation, or manuscript!
Dr. Natalya Androsova’s “Dissertation Without Tears” is the book I wish I’d had earlier when I started my PhD program. Reading it is like having an honest heart-to-heart and face-to-face conversation with a very encouraging and very wise friend who will guide you capably through your dissertation journey. Whenever I felt stuck, lonely, and miserable in my writing, I opened a chapter of her book (which is very concise and eminently readable) and started reading. Her words immediately liberated me from my noisy “inner critic” through her efficient advice. Full of practical advice and the wisdom of experience, Dr. Androsova’s book will read your mind and give you a very practical solution. It is definitely one I will be holding on to until I finish my dissertation.
This little book is not just for dissertation writers. It's for all kinds of writers, who do not yet have a routine for a long-term, evenly paced, motivated effort of writing. The author is very persuasive in teaching that it is very easy to set up such a routine. It's just that our human fallacies and insecurities prevent us to see clearly what is necessary and how to do it. So leaning on her teaching experience, she takes away our excuses and our insecurities that prevent us from being productive and creative. The first chapter alone will set you on you way!
Imagine the long lonely journey of dissertation writing, then finding a coach, a friend, a kind motivator. Natalya Androsova offers all that in her book Dissertation Without Tears. I've struggled with my dissertation drafts and never imagined I would reclaim my initial enthusiasm for my topic and for writing in general. This practical guide has helped me see through the sabotage of my self doubt. I pick it up whenever I feel overwhelmed or stuck, and unfailing find the motivation and skills I need to move through it. I'd highly recommend this to anyone on their dissertation journey.
There are too many dissertation books that want to focus on what an awful struggle dissertations are. Some frame the dissertation as a struggle to survive; others frame it as dull drudgery. Dissertations are always difficult, like all serious and worthy endeavors. Dissertation Without Tears properly frames the dissertation project as an opportunity for growth.
I found the book honest and authentic. Taking the writer through the stages of emotions and feelings that can sabotage your writing ability. Written in an easy to read way, sharing tips mixed with reflections,so the reader can understand the quandary and share in the journey.
I identified with some of the authors sentiments especially the self doubt, halfway through.
I can’t say my dissertation process has been without tears so far. However this book is helping me face my inner critic and overcome challenges to keep going. The book is well paced and at times funny. Best of luck in your writing process!
Many people have difficulty expressing their thoughts in writing. Natalya has the great ability to make difficult things simple and to assure you that you have what it takes to start writing. Dissertation Without Tears is not only for those who struggle to complete their dissertation, thesis, or academic papers. The book is for anyone who wants to organize their thoughts and achieve greater clarity in their writing! If you struggle with self-doubt or writer's block and could use some encouragement, this book is for you!
Natalya Androsova knows all about our inner critic. Using her experience as a dissertation coach, she gives us the tools and insights to set and achieve writing goals that allow us to achieve what many of us thought was impossible—a completed dissertation.
The book consists of four chapters made up of short sections that address commonly internalized myths using an inspirational quote and Natalya's seasoned advice. The book is written in a conversational style and is easy-to-read and includes writing advice that applies beyond a dissertation.
Androsova directly addresses the psychological challenges of writing a dissertation and at $10 for the Kindle version or $20 for the paperback, this may be the best money you'll spend until renting your gown for graduation.