Setting Up Your Life to Write a PhD: Building a Doctorate One Sentence at a Time

by Tara Brabazon

Setting up your life to write a PhD has a single to ensure that PhD students have the support, preparation and context to succeed.

Too often words and phrases like 'burnout' or 'writer's block' are used to mask a complexity of motivational, task or time management issues. But writing is difficult. Writing a PhD is even harder.

Preparation is crucial. Planning is crucial. Context is crucial. This book intervenes in assumptions and emotions to create a framework for effective writing, but also concrete advice to build a doctorate, one sentence at a time.

Audible Audio

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

I am the Professor of Cultural Studies at Flinders University. I have written 22 books, 12 audiobooks, over 350 refereed articles and book chapters, and over 600 research outputs. I have podcasted since 2008 and vlogged since 2016.

Reviews

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book for anyone seriously considering or engaged in a PhD. This pragmatic guide is a gift from an experienced scholar and supervisor. It distils the essentials, of research and writing and is an absolute treasure trove of advice on setting yourself up for success in preparation and execution. The authors competence is explicit, and her command of writing is on full display. This is an essential guide for anyone undertaking a PhD.

[Steven Kolber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever, personable, engaging and lively - very Atomic Habits, will help you build in times and strategies for excellence.