Different from traditional dissertation writing books, Challenges in Writing Your Dissertation: Coping With the Emotional, Interpersonal, and Spiritual Struggles addresses doctoral students’ often overlooked but crucial issues that can delay dissertation completion. In a straightforward, colloquial style, Dr. Sterne offers discussions, anecdotes, questions, exercises, checklists, role play scripts, and affirmative spiritual statements.

In Part One, Sneaking Up on the Dissertation, Dr. Sterne directs readers to explore their
academic dreams.

In Part Two, Really Doing It, Dr. Sterne assists students to set priorities, begin actually
writing, and access many avenues of support.

In Part Three, Your Near, Dear, and Despairing Significant Others, Dr. Sterne shows readers
how to handle nonsupportive family and friends with strategies to recover their allegiance.

In Part Four, Good University Cops and Bad, Dr. Sterne advises students how to choose and
live with chairs and committees and utilize other university associates.

In Part Five, Graduation: It’s Only a Walk Away, Dr. Sterne counsels almost-doctors to take
all necessary steps to graduation and helps them re-enter life ABD—After and Beyond the
Dissertation.