The chapter is going okay. Though I've found two annoying people who have cited sources which I thought I was the first to do -how annoying! Anyway - at least in writing the chapter I'm realising what my contribution (however modest) is... At least countering other people makes my arguement more refined..

Anybody else on their first chapter?

Manchester University has recently set up a creative writing department with MA's and PhD's...

Today it is Patrick Wolf.

When I finish my PhD I am so going to go and live in a commune and escape...

Jazzing up the structure helped. I hope to have if half done by the end of next week...

I love this thread.

I'm writing about a sea lion, a crocodile and a ostrich.

You could structure with a chronology or maybe thematically. Maybe chapters like 'costume and gender' or 'costume and class', 'region' etc... you could then be chronological within each chapter.

I would by a rundown Georgian vicarage in a rural setting, grow veg and raise chickens (for eggs, only). There would be a small community in the house, we would sleep on matresses and exchange/barter for things.

The joining fee would be pooling your books together to make a community library. The community could use them - and if pushed write online essays and theses for other people

Mine will be a chapter of around 10,000 words, a literature review and an extended bibliography (secondary and primary material)

Wish me luck...due mid September.

Thank you! I like the idea of goals and checking out the way other people have introduced their work.

500 words a day....

I have six weeks to write a sample chapter. I have the primary sources and I've done the reading. I even have an outline...why isn't it just falling out my head? Everything just seems too childish and 'not good enough' for the thesis - even though I know it will be rewritten...

I am now very, VERY embarassed.

Actually, I saw my surname namesake in concert this weekend. Just a pretty in real life. Those Swedes. They know how to make 'em.

And yes - I am horrible. Very horrible.

I'm off to see BWO! Yay! Swedish Pop sensation....in London!

*blush*