In this paper, the author aims to discuss some of the problems newcomers to the field of interpreting research may meet when writing a doctoral dissertation. It is not the aim of the paper to give a complete account of beginners’ problems. Instead, the author draws upon his own experience because, when writing a dissertation, he encountered a number of difficulties which, the author believes, are illustrative of beginners’ problems in interpreting research in general. Thus, although this paper is a personal account, the author hopes that it may make readers aware of some common sources of frustration.