A method and apparatus for completing a large research and writing project. The invention comprises an instructing portion, an interactive portion and a motivation portion. Through the use of intuitive interface elements, the instructing portion instructs the author how to choose a writing topic, how to research the topic, how to manage the project, how to process the writing of the project, and, in the case of graduate writing projects, how to choose an academic advisor and how to defend a thesis or dissertation. The instructing portion enables the author to quickly and easily construct a plan and strategy to complete any writing project. The interactive portion provides motivation to the author and a means for the author to query others about the writing project and process. The motivation portion provides various actions to motivate an author to diligently pursue the completion of the writing project. The invention provides a customizable calendar, templates, a budget tool, checklists, and a methods journal.