In the first three chapters of her book, Ideas into Words, science writer Elise Hancock discusses various techniques for interacting with and acquiring information from scientists. In the four following chapters, she addresses the science writing process, offering structural tips, editing methods, and ways to overcome writer’s block.
In Chapter 4 Hancock mentioned different story arrangements, recommending that writers visualize a story as an organic structure. Possible story “shapes” include spirals, meanders, seedpods, and deltas. Spirals are usually when a story, or a topic, loops in and out of a narrative. Meanders describe a back-and-forth story structure; for example, covering a political issue and switching between a conservative and liberal source. Seedpods are a great structure for stories that might require a lot of explanations or include many anecdotes. Finally, deltas are effective story “shapes” when trying to describe a new phenomenon; the story spreads out as new fields of study and technologies accompany this phenomenon.
Hancock included additional advice for tackling a writing assignment. This included having a clear opener, an interesting body, and a short closer. Hancock also recommended that writers envision the audience as one particular reader surrounded by a cluster of readers. Find out the information needs of the main reader; there is one character trait that will bring these readers together: curiosity.
In the fifth and sixth chapters, Hancock addresses the actual writing and editing process. For both actions, Hancock recommended approaching the task with fresh eyes. This includes reading your work on printed paper or taking periodic breaks. Hancock does not recommend editing on the computer screen because it causes the writer to make back-and-forth changes. I certainly have this problem. The recommendations Hancock presented really made me think about my own process and how embarrassingly inefficient it is. I have a tendency to become married to certain sentences, quotes, and phrases, which also affects my writing method. I plan to try applying the “bone heap” technique and see if it works. I also plan to try noting the emotions I feel while reading my drafts. I usually only write fixes, but maybe I’ll find this approach more effective for me.
The major tip that Hancock really seemed to emphasize was approaching each stage of the writing process with fresh eyes, a fresh perspective. She suggested jumping into the minds of the readers and editor.
The last chapter of Hancock’s book was also full of reasonable advice. This section of the book discussed ways of approaching writer’s block. Hancock presented a series of questions writers should ask themselves. In my opinion I feel that the most important questions will be: What is the main idea of this story and why should readers care? I find these two questions always help me get back on track when I write.
My overall impression of Hancock’s Idea into Words is for the most part positive. She certainly offered many tips that I will try applying in the future.
Questions: Do certain “organic shapes” work better for writing about specific fields of science (biology versus physics)? What should writers do in order to gage their readers’ needs?
