Why Reading Is Blocking Your Writing Progress
From Office Hours With Dr. Lacy by Marvette Lacy
February 4, 2026 · 5 min
About this episode
Dr. Lacy discusses the challenges doctoral students face with writing their dissertations and offers strategies to overcome writing blocks.
In this conversation, Dr. Lacy addresses common challenges faced by doctoral students, particularly the struggle with writing their dissertations. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself to write, rather than getting stuck in a cycle of reading without producing written work. Dr. Lacy discusses the emotional barriers that can hinder progress, such as imposter syndrome and the need for validation from others. She advocates for a shift in focus from reading to writing, encouraging students to develop their voice and ideas through the writing process. Practical strategies for overcoming writing blocks and enhancing academic success are also shared. Dissertation Information Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/ The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/ Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout
People in this episode
Hosts: Dr. Lacy, Marvette Lacy
Topics covered
- writing progress
- doctoral students
- dissertation challenges
- imposter syndrome
- academic success
Keywords
- writing
- dissertation
- doctoral students
- imposter syndrome
- academic writing
- writing blocks
- self-trust
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Qual Scholars Community, The Finish Your Dissertation Institute, Qual Scholars, Qual Scholars' Instagram
More episodes of Office Hours With Dr. Lacy
- How To Write Your Qualitative Dissertation Proposal Faster · April 6, 2026 · 28 min
- The 3 Rules to Finish Your Dissertation · February 11, 2026 · 21 min
- How I Finished My Dissertation With Dr. Tasha Wearren · January 28, 2026 · 1h 1m
- Why Is It So Hard to Write Consistently? · January 21, 2026 · 23 min
- If You're So Smart, Why Can't You Finish Your Dissertation? · January 14, 2026 · 33 min
- How I Finished My Dissertation In 2 Months · January 7, 2026 · 55 min
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