Preparing to go: the dissertation journey -- The journey before you: 29 steps -- Planning the trip: the conceptual conversation -- Developing your itinerary: the preproposal -- Advice from other travelers: the literature review -- Getting there: the dissertation proposal -- Things to see and do: data collection and analysis -- Making the most of your travels: the last chapter plus -- Useful phrases: writing and editing -- Travelogue: the dissertation defense -- Making the best use of your guide: advisor advising -- Avoiding delays and annoyances: enacting the scholar role.