What You Should Do Next:
Then you have to begin having an open conversation with your adviser. This is the time to speak with them about the courses you might want to take in order to help you prepare for your goals. Ask for their insight into what courses can best prepare you, and what pieces you should read regarding the physical process of writing. They might be able to give you some great ideas, since they have all been there. Even if you are still lacking in an idea at present, it is good to begin the dialogue process because an idea might spark in the very near future as a result of a conversation you had with them or an email exchange which took place.
One of the most beneficial ways to learn is of course to visit some of the works previous students have completed. You can look over the published documents held in the school library or within your department so find those which are the best representation of the school you are attending. You can of course look online at the thesis repository your school library might have or ask for a recommendation.
During the fall of your second year you want to begin sketching out potential topics. Think over the courses you have taken to take to determine if there are any other you might need to take in order to improve your methodological processes, such as a quantitative methods course or a qualitative methods course. Your school will offer courses for each and once you decide which methodology you are going to use, you can turn to them for this information.
By the middle or end of your second year, you want to begin creating a list of people with whom you want to work and to look for research funding if it is applicable.