As a graduate student in clinical psychology at the U. of Illinois, Chicago, Miller overcame the challenges of writing her dissertation by developing her own structured, systematic approach to academic work. Working as a private dissertation coach over the past ten years, she has shared her system with numerous students to help them conquer similar challenges and earn their master's and doctoral degrees. Her text offers current graduate students a guide to understanding the intellectual and psychological challenges of completing a dissertation; using a structured, project management approach of creating timelines for each stage of the project and daily action plans, to manage your energy and the dissertation study process; using effective writing and revising strategies; working with your chairperson and committee members; having successful proposal and final dissertation-defense meetings; and taking care of oneself throughout the process. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)