Ready to Become a Mapmaker Instead of a Map Follower?
Here's a worksheet to help.
Earlier this week, I shared the idea of viewing yourself as a mapmaker rather than a map follower when starting your writing project. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed if you don’t have a fully developed argument or plan, especially in the humanities and qualitative social sciences, where interpretation and reflection are central.
I argued that instead of waiting for a perfect roadmap, think of your research as a journey where you uncover and refine your ideas along the way. You can read the full post here:
Embracing the Role of Mapmaker Instead of Map Follower
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to put pen to paper because you’re unsure of your destination, you’re not alone. I have met many scholars who are afraid to start writing because their ideas are not fully developed in their heads yet. They long for the map to magically appear in their minds before they begin.
Today I’m including a worksheet that may help you navigate the uncertainty of writing by treating your research as a process of discovery and mapmaking. It encourages you to start with initial ideas and sources, embrace new questions and wrong turns, and adjust your direction as you learn more. By reflecting on your progress and the lessons learned along the way, you can chart your research landscape and gain a clearer understanding of your project.
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