Interlude: Strong Verbs, Zombie Nouns, and the Power of Simple
I'm currently enjoying the sound and smell of rain outside my window. I live in California and am grateful for every drop we get.
When it's gloomy out, I like to focus on a task that brings me joy. Lately, I've been focusing on my Scientific Writing Masterclass. I'm so delighted to be teaching again. It fuels my soul. And I'm really looking forward to creating more courses to help you overcome your writing challenges.
Do you want to learn about something in particular? Please reply to this email to let me know. Your thoughts will help me to create something that will work well for you.
Now onto my latest curated round-up of the best tips, tools, and resources on scientific and medical writing.
💌 Round-up
🎉 Featured
Growing Your Career as an Editor
At the 2021 AMWA Conference, I joined two in-house editors in a panel discussion about tips and tricks for navigating the world of editors. This article summarizes our discussion. Access requires an AMWA membership.
💻 From My Desk
Craft Compelling Aims with Strong Verbs
Compelling aims spark your reviewers’ curiosity and excitement with strong verbs that add clarity and energy to your writing.
Comprise vs Consists
Comprise and consists have similar definitions, but only one of these terms is followed by the word of.
📆 Upcoming
Build Meaningful Relationships and a Positive Reputation with Your Clients and Colleagues – May 6
I'm looking forward to talking about strategies that help to strengthen your working relationships at the 2022 AMWA NorCal Pacific Coast Conference. All are welcome to attend. Register
Enlighten Experts with Simple Language and Easy Reading – Save the date! May 12, 3 pm PT
I'm delighted to speak for the AMWA Florida Chapter about the value of using simple language for expert readers. Open to anyone who wants to attend.
👓 Reading
Novelist Cormac McCarthy’s tips on how to write a great science paper
"McCarthy’s most important tip is to keep it simple while telling a coherent, compelling story." The article offers 17 great nuggets of advice for writing a great science paper.
Analysis of 567,758 randomized controlled trials published over 30 years reveals trends in phrases used to discuss results that do not reach statistical significance
If you describe nonsignificant results as "trends," "approaching significance," or similar, this article highlights some important things to consider in this practice.
The big idea: should we get rid of the scientific paper?
This article suggests shifting from traditional manuscripts to mini-websites that openly report the details of a study. Although these websites would need some form of oversight, I think the model is an interesting concept.
Nature is trialling transparent peer review — the early results are encouraging
I like the idea of publishing peer-review exchanges for manuscripts. I think that the practice promotes transparency about the peer-review process, especially for that manuscript.
How to Rehearse for an Important Presentation
"...rehearsing is the single best use of time before a critical presentation. More preparation means less panic and more confidence."
🖥️ Watching
Beware of nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns) - Helen Sword
I recently revisited this video about nominalizations (or abstract nouns). I really like the creativity of the story and design.
🧰 Tools
RODE NT-USB Microphone
When I decided to create online courses, I invested in this microphone. My students say that the sound quality is exceptional and puts them at ease while listening to my presentations.
💬 Quote
“Verbs are the most important of all your tools.” —William Zinsser, On Writing Well
💭 Thoughts
Short sentences with short words make powerful points. Simple is powerful.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
