Science Writing - Behind the Scene

February 11, 2020 10:09 AM

A New York Times science writer gives insight to the writing process by annotating his T.Rex article. For budding science writers, a glimpse behind the art of clear explanation. And in particular the issues that apply specifically to science writing: "Science takes time. Often a lot of time. It can be brutal, tedious work. I try my best not to romanticize it, but rather to describe it as a process that often involves a lot of people working together. And oftentimes their jobs may not be the most exciting. In this case, Aaron Giterman wasn’t a scientist mentioned on the paper. Dr. Zanno had mentioned to me that they worked with a technician who pieced the leg back together, and I thought it would be important to the story to highlight his work alongside that of the paper’s authors."

The article is a companion piece to the STEM Writing Contest, a global contest for students: "The Learning Network and Science News together invite you to bring that same spirit of inquiry and discovery to finding a STEM-related question, concept or issue you’re interested in, and, in 500 words or fewer, explaining it to a general audience in a way that not only helps us understand, but also engages us and makes us see why it’s important."

posted by storybored (2 comments total)

This is great. I've from time to time done a breakdown of my writing (and spent about a month writing a style guide teaching a group of tech support folks how to write articles) ... more more more!
posted by tilde at 11:17 AM on February 11, 2020 [2 favorites]

I enjoyed this! I love accessible science writing, and it was neat to see the thoughts behind the choices of what and how to communicate various elements.

Off to read the brush-made-of-human-nose-hair article...
posted by mixedmetaphors at 1:32 PM on February 11, 2020