Interlude: Hyphens, Hollywood, and Awful Papers
When someone gives you advice, do you find that you—intentionally or unintentionally—do the opposite?
I believe that we all do this from time to time. I certainly do when I hear advice about skipping dessert (not a chance!) or cold plunging (no, thank you!).
But do you find that you resist advice for writing a manuscript? If so, check out this quick read on how to skillfully write an awful research paper. The author hoped to inspire you to do the opposite of their advice. It's an oldie but a goodie, and it's worth the entertaining read.
Now onto my latest curated round-up of the best tips, tools, and resources on scientific and medical writing.
💌 Round-up
💻 From My Desk
How to Use Hyphens to Create Connections and Clarity in Your Writing
Hyphens might be tiny punctuation marks, but they are powerful tools for adding clarity to your writing. Do you know when you should use hyphens in your writing?
When to Use Apostrophes in Formal Scientific Writing
Apostrophes are used often in everyday writing but rarely used in scientific and medical writing. But when used carefully, apostrophes can add simplicity and clarity to your writing.
📆 Upcoming
Writing Journal Club – August 24, 2022, 11 am Pacific Time
Join fellow scientists, clinicians, and trainees as we explore the strengths and weaknesses of scientific and medical manuscripts.
The Backbone of Manuscripts: Supporting Your Writing With Storytelling – November 5, 2022, 9 am Mountain Time
Mark your calendars for the 2022 AMWA Medical Writing & Communications Conference in Denver, CO! I will be speaking about how storytelling is a foundational aspect of manuscripts.
👓 Reading
Many researchers were not compliant with their published data sharing statement: mixed-methods study
"Even when authors indicate in their manuscript that they will share data upon request, the compliance rate is the same as for authors who do not provide DAS [Data Availability Statement], suggesting that DAS may not be sufficient to ensure data sharing.
What Hollywood can teach researchers about scientific storytelling
"Stories invite others along with us on our research experiences, making science more accessible and engaging to diverse audiences....'There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story.'”
Ethical Considerations for the Inclusion of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Clinical Research
"The PRO ethics guidelines provide recommendations for ethical issues that should be addressed in PRO clinical research. Addressing ethical issues of PRO clinical research has the potential to ensure high-quality PRO data while minimizing participant risk, burden, and harm and protecting participant and researcher welfare."
🧰 Tools
List of Title Word Abbreviations
This website includes a list of all standardized abbreviations used for words in scientific and technical citations. When I'm not sure how to abbreviate the title of a journal, this website is my go-to resource.
💭 Thoughts
Rewriting is when the magic happens in the writing process.
Revising your writing is when you get to become a reader who has the power to change the writing.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
