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The advice given by Rowena Murray in her book How to Write a Thesis ("A racy remedy for PhD writers' block", THES , September 6) is not as ridiculous as it first sounds.

There is a misbelief that writing should await inspiration. In fact, the most productive and satisfying way to write is habitually, regardless of mood or inspiration. Writers who overvalue spontaneity tend to postpone writing, and if they write at all, they write in binges that can then be associated with fatigue.

Writers who write regularly in reasonable amounts benefit from greater productivity and creativity.

Mark Griffiths
Psychology Division
Nottingham Trent University