Abstract
How a text is written influences what is written. The writing process involves more than grammar and sentence structure. The authors use Laurel Richardson’s “writing-story” to discuss the process of writing a dissertation. The authors share how they negotiated the advisor—advisee relationship throughout the dissertation process. Narratives are used to illustrate the differing perceptions experienced and negotiated within the advisor—advisee relationship. Mentoring emerging scholars requires knowledge of the student beyond evaluation of his or her manuscript. Five aspects writing frame the discussion: trust, communication, time, identity, and reflexivity.