Interlude: Dedicating Time, Misusing Terms, and Using Definitions as Guides
I often say that the hardest part of writing is not the writing itself, but the thinking needed to write. And thinking takes time and attention. But in our fast-paced world, you may struggle to find the time to think (and write).
How can you dedicate time to thinking?
In this article, the author shares five strategies to help you find your flow and make the most of your time:
State your intention.
Change your environment.
Truly disconnect.
Capture your ideas systematically.
Take strategic breaks.
Although the author describes these strategies in the context of a "creative retreat," writing is a creative process. So these strategies are great tools to help you plan a "writing retreat," even for just a few hours.
How do you find your flow and make the most of your thinking and writing time?
Now onto this week's round-up...
💌 Round-up
💻 From My Desk
How You Might Be Misusing 32 Common Clinical Terms
Some authors misuse common clinical terms in their writing and clinical practice. To ensure the language you use is accurate and inclusive, check out this list to learn whether you are using these common terms accurately.
👓 Reading
‘Transformative’ journals get booted for switching to open access too slowly
"Two-thirds of the more than 2300 scientific journals participating in a program designed to flip them to open access (OA) failed to meet prescribed targets for progress in 2022. As a result, the Coalition S group of research funders behind the initiative announced today that it will remove these journals from the program at the end of the year."
🖥️ Watching
TriCalm Commercial
This commercial is a clever reminder of how the curse of knowledge can make it difficult for experts to describe information with plain language that the general public can understand and relate to their lives.
🧰 Tools
Clinical Research Glossary
This glossary includes a list of research words and their meanings. Although you can use this glossary to learn more about words that are used in research studies, I like to use the definitions as guides when writing content for a lay audience.
📝 Challenge
Think about a word that you often misuse. Write that word on a sticky note and place it near your desk. After you finish writing something (eg, a manuscript, an email, a chart note), search for that word and replace it with the better word. Over time, you'll stop misusing that word.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
