It’s been a while since I’ve posted a wee update on my thesis progress, but I have a very good reason. I’ve been busy, writing, and as of yesterday (20th March) I completed a full draft of my thesis. I’m going to pause and take a wee moment to appreciate this. The last 18 months have been challenging to say the least and researching and writing this first draft has been at the centre of keeping me afloat amidst heartbreak and chaos.
So, I’ve sent the draft off to my supervisors for feedback and I will receive this in due course. Whilst they have provided excellent feedback on the five analysis chapters I have sent them, (which I have responded to and integrated into this draft) this will be the first full draft of the thesis, including the abstract, intro and conclusion they will have read. Of course, it’s only a draft and I know it will require significant amendments, and a lot of additional work, but I’m ready for it.
The plan is still to aim for formal submission on the 1st of September (which is the first date I am able to submit in accordance with university guidelines) but I’ve done everything I can thus far to keep to that schedule. Who knows what life may throw my way between now and then, (it has a habit of being unpredictable) but I will do what I can to keep going while I still can.
It feels incredibly good to have a draft. It’s like getting a documentary film to duration and you know the narrative structure is locked down so you can concentrate on the creative enhancements to make it beautiful and strong. I’m not sure if my thesis is a thing of beauty just yet, but the buds are beginning to bloom. I hope it blossoms into the powerful story of gender, class and emotion I have shaped it to be.
Margot McCuaig 