According to the Rules - Shirley S. Tye

A few years ago, I didn't even know what a thesis was let alone have any clue as to how to write one. I've just finished writing one and boy, it has really stretched my knowledge and abilities, not to mention my patience. All those rules! Before I even began to write, I took a course on how to write a paper.
Rules! Rules! Rules! The margins have to be so wide, the title begins on line such-and-such, bibliography must be listed this way, footnotes written thus, et cetera. The list is long and involved. It's all there in "A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations" by Kate L. Turabian. I can't imagine writing anything as dry as that manual. But, it's a good thing Kate made it her business to record the rules so that all papers have uniformity and a professional appearance. She certainly had an eye for detail, and obviously way more patience and stamina than me.

As I wrote that paper and continue with assignments, I search for better words to explain and describe a topic. My old thesaurus which I've had for years is much heavier now with all the tape that is holding the pages together and the whole book is tightly bound with a rubber band. My paperback Oxford dictionary which is much lighter to handle than the huge hardcover Oxford has been used the most and therefore is showing signs of wear; pages are curled and creased and the spine is beginning to release its hold. My Bible is still hanging together although the pages look a little crumpled and my "Strong's Comprehensive Concordance" is looking a little tired, too.

Soon the courses will be over. Well, for a little while. And during the break I'll enjoy writing and living in my fantasy world again; writing down whatever thought or mini movie floats through my head. Maybe I'll get back to that romance novel or the murder mystery play. Ah...to dream again.