Scientific Writing
The horrors, the challenges, and the things they never tell you…
Scientific writing should be clear, concise, and objective. That’s what I have been taught all my life, which is why I usually don’t recommend scientific papers to my friends and family. Instead, I have to interpret, process, and translate that information to them because most scientists write in a language that involves heavy jargon, compound words, and terms that are defined differently in the public sphere. A great example of this is the phrase “adapt,” which in the field of biology generally cannot be applied to an individual, only a species or population. However, it is often used by the ‘common public’ to refer to an individual: “She can adapt to any social setting!” It can be confusing how science is communicated to non-scientists, but it can also be confusing for scientists who are outside of their area of expertise.
I also find reading scientific papers rather boring. Maybe that’s because I grew up reading lots of fantasy and manga, but that also could be for other reasons as well. For example, does the paper follow a compelling narrative? Is it easy for me to connect the ideas, and has the author convinced me to care? Usually, when I cannot answer these questions, I find myself lost on the topic, even if I am familiar with it. However, writing with this in mind isn’t easy.
I’ve been struggling with this myself as I journey through my preliminary exams. I only recently discovered what important stepping stone this is, as prelims are the marking of a student entering candidacy for a doctorate in the program. I had assumed a PhD was similar to my other two degrees, just involving a lot more writing, but I was wrong. There are a lot of other steps that go into pursuing and completing a doctoral degree that I had not fully understood (and likely still do not). Writing more was the only assumption I got correct. All the other parts have been an adventure. So while it may not be as adventurous or exciting as field work in Belize, it is just as valuable and challenging to write about my research.
It may seem like a dramatic statement, but it is the truth that I have learned a lot about myself through this process. I have been challenged in many ways as I continue to navigate my preliminary exams, and very grateful for all of the amazing support I have from my friends, family, colleagues, and mentors. This process has not been easy, but it has been easier with your support, so thank you!
But why has it been so difficult for me? As someone who grew up loving to write and can easily fill a book with words, why do I find myself staring at a blank page? I often find myself struggling to find the right words to express my ideas. I am frustrated when I cannot find the appropriate words to convey my ideas, or cannot find which of the 80 different sources I’ve read that I need to cite. One of my mentors stated something I have heard many a time, but didn’t really put into practice until recently.
Just write. The right words will come later. The first draft is just that, a draft.
Writing doesn’t have to be linear. The summary and abstract usually come last. So go ahead and skip those for now.
Pick an idea to write about and stick to it. Just write on that for a bit until you get all of your thoughts out. Then move on to the next subject.
I find I have struggled the most with the last point. Because everything is connected, and my brain likes to go on tangents (as anyone who’s had a conversation with me knows well), I am prone to shifting or jumping from one section to another. But this makes for a greatly unproductive writing session. Keeping myself on task has been one of my greatest challenges throughout this process. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most difficult. Writing isn’t as easy as it seems, and everyone approaches it in a different way. So “just writing a page” can still feel like a mountain to climb. Giving myself grace has been another challenge that I am trying to address. Setting goals is great, but not meeting them isn’t always the end of the world. Especially if they’re unrealistic… so, be honest with yourself, can you actually do that much work?
What they don’t tell you…
How you spend your time NOT writing impacts how you write.
I know that sounds crazy, but hang with me a moment! I have recently discovered that changing my habits and how I think about my productivity dramatically impacts how productive I actually am. I can write more when I write less. Instead of sitting down to write for three straight hours and only making it to 1 page, I can complete 3 pages in 1 hour of writing (with some breaks in between that add up ot a total of 3 hours). Same total time, less time working, but more progress. When I’m not writing, I shouldn’t be thinking about writing. This is in the vein of the ‘living in the moment’ philosophy that I’ve been attempting to embrace more. It has been a struggle. Spending time with my friends and family and focusing on them in the moment, rather than thinking about how I could be writing, has been the most difficult but most rewarding. Despite the high stress prelims bring, I believe that I’ve handled it well thanks to practicing this. Sharing a meal and good conversation goes a long way toward recharging me when I return to my work. I also refuse to sacrifice my sleep for the sake of productivity because I know that doesn’t work for me. I have tried pulling late/all-nighters, and the work I have produced hasn’t been something I’m proud of.
I hope this helps other writers. If you want to share any tips or tricks that helped you during the writing process, please share!
