Advice for Beginning Science Writers

Posted May 14, 1997

This document is the record of a discussion that took place on the nasw-talk mailing list from May 10th through May 14th, 1997. It deals with several issues at the core of our profession.

These include:
How to get a start as a science writer.
What training does a science writer need?
How and whether to make the transition from scientist to science writer.
How to advise somebody making that transition.
The distinction between science journalism and science writing.
Because of the high quality of the discussion, I've decided to preserve it here. I have made minor editorial changes, mostly in shortening the headers and the amount of material quoted from earlier messages. In addition, each a discussant's signature file is included only in his/her first message.

Information on joining or participating in the nasw-talk mailing list can be found here.

Bob Finn

The discussion started with this message from Susan Grammer:

Message From: susan grammer
Date: Sat, 10 May 1997 15:30:22 +0000
Subject: New Subscriber

Hi all - I have been lurking here for about a week and am both
encouraged and discouraged by the "talk" I've been following.

I'm a very, very green freelancer (actually can't even call myself
such yet ;). I have spent 15 years "at the bench" doing basic
immunology research - both in academic and industry settings. My
husband is a university faculty member and has recently been kind
enough to work his fingers to the bone doing consulting work so that I
can leave my full-time job and try to get a start in a new career (at
40 yrs old with two year old twins at home! Yeah right!).

I have a BS in microbiology and have been lucky enough to work with
several of the "hot-shots" in the field who nutured me to the point
where I became a relatively independent researcher in their labs.
Alas, I have realized I must either go back for a PhD or change
careers. Through my series of very challenging positions, I have had
ample opportunity, through writing grant proposals, review articles, a
number of articles for peer reviewed journals and one book chapter, to
realize that not all laboratory scientists are capable of (or have any
interest in) making their discoveries understandable to the general
public. Since I have kind of peaked in my career, having only a BS,
and absolutely love trying to simplify complicated issues so that I
can get a better understanding of them, I thought that science writing
might be the place for me. Currently I am just making contacts,
listing ideas for future articles and honing my writing skills and
reading, reading, reading........about all of the issues confronting
science writers such as yourselves.

Now that I have set up my home office, I am about to pick up some
part-time work writing proposals for a former employer. Until I have
some income from that I am unable to put my twins into a part-time
preschool, therefore unable to devote the time to research as would be
necessary to get my foot in the door. Hopefully, soon......

In the meantime, is there anyone out there who got their start this
way and can give me a few pointers as to how to query editors, where
the best internet resources are, etc. I have done a few proposals for
general interest magazines on more personal type issues, just to get
my feet wet, but am not sure whether the ins and outs of science
writing/editing are similar.

Thanks for listening and keep up those interesting discussions. I
might as well know what's ahead before I get in over MY head...

Happy writing

Susan Grammer
grammer@herald.infi.net
=============================================================

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Sun, 11 May 1997 11:46:39 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 03:30 pm 10/05/97 +0000, susan grammer wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>Since I have kind of peaked in my career, having only a BS,
>and absolutely love trying to simplify complicated issues so that I
>can get a better understanding of them, I thought that science writing
>might be the place for me.

Aaaaarrrrggggghyhhhhh!!!!!

_______________________________________________________________________
Michael Kenward OBE / Phone: +44 (0)1444 400568 Fax: (0)1444 401064
Science Writer & / michael.kenward@dial.pipex.com
Editorial Consultant / http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/michael.kenward/
=============================================================

Message From: k.malik@ic.ac.uk
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 15:23:34 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Dear Susan Grammer,

I am in a very similar position to you although I do have a PhD I decided
to givw up active research and concentrate on Science Writing. If you get
any useful tips, be sure to let me know! Good luck, I'm on my wy to make
some new contacts.

All the best

Kamran Malik
Science Writer
Devon, UK.
=============================================================

Message From: Stephen Hart
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 09:42:44 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

>Aaaaarrrrggggghyhhhhh!!!!!
>MK

Could you be a trifle more specific?

Steve

=============================================================

Message From: Stephen Hart
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 09:23:28 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

>Message From: susan grammer
>...I can leave my full-time job and try to get a start in a new career (at
>40 yrs old with two year old twins at home! Yeah right!)....

I know at least one somewhat similar case--mine. I was 40, with a
5-year-old son, three middle-school age kids, a wife with a tenured
position, a half-finished home and both bench science and teaching
background when I decided to dive into science writing. (I was home with
the son until he was 3 and could go to child care at least parts of days.)

I attended the graduate science writing program at UCSC
. (That involved a school
year-long move for the entire family. Poor teenagers, they had to live 5
minutes from the beach.) In addition to teaching me to write (I never
believed that old saw that anyone can write if they just had the time), it
enabled me to land a summer internship at Science News. That gave me the
day-to-day experience and the clips to get started freelancing.

I can't say it's been lucrative, but I have kept a small and slowly growing
second income going for 8 years now.

I'd suggest thinking about a sabbatical for your husband at UCSC. There was
an excellent pre-school on campus then, at least. It's a beautiful place to
spend nine months, and IMHO there's no better place for a scientist to
learn science writing.

Steve

=============================================================

Message From: Rick Borchelt
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 13:11:14 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Susan -- I got my start in science writing in just the way you describe,
with a BA in biology, a couple years of grad school in entomology behind
me, and the coaching of some good friends and mentors who suggested I was
wasting good writing skills in the lab.

My "break" came in the form of a co-op education program writing news
releases and feature articles for our State extension service and scripts
for a cable home & garden show (now H&G Network!). It was a painless
transition, but I had a monetary cushion and no dependents, so you'll have
other concerns.

As a new subscriber, you may not be familiar with the new NASW book from
Oxford U. Press, A Field Guide for Science Writers. Highly recommended;
lots of your initial questions are dealt with there ...

Good luck,

Rick

Rick Borchelt
Manager, Media Relations
Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
POB 2008 MS 6416
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6416
423-241-4208 (p)
423-574-0595 (f)
http://www.ornl.gov

=============================================================

Message From: susan grammer
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 14:04:00 +0000
Subject: Re: nasw-talk V2 #102

Michael Kenward At 03:30 pm 10/05/97 +0000, susan grammer wrote, among other things
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
> >Since I have kind of peaked in my career, having only a BS,
> >and absolutely love trying to simplify complicated issues so that I
> >can get a better understanding of them, I thought that science writing
> >might be the place for me.
>
> Aaaaarrrrggggghyhhhhh!!!!!
>
> MK

Trying hard not to take this one personally........I did receive no
less than 5 personal messages from subscribers who were very
supportive and friendly. Which welcome is the norm around here?????

Maybe I'm just oversensitive since my 13 year old dog died this
morning.

Thanks to those who sent their support and encouragement. Be back
with you later.

Susan Grammer

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 12:29:49 -0700
Subject: Re: nasw-talk V2 #102

>
>Trying hard not to take this one personally........I did receive no
>less than 5 personal messages from subscribers who were very
>supportive and friendly. Which welcome is the norm around here?????
>

We are actually helpful, friendly. courteous, kind, obedient, thrifty,
brave, clean and reverent, in other words, scouts one and all. Don't let an
occasional curmudgeon discourage you.

And Aaaargh to you too, Michael.

Joel N. Shurkin
500 Jupiter Terrace,
Santa Cruz, California 95065

Phone: 408-438-3877
Fax: 408-438-4848
E-mail: joel@nasw.org
http://web.wwnorton.com/engines.htm

=============================================================

Message From: John Ludwigson
Date: Mon, 12 May 97 15:51:11 -0400
Subject: Re: New subscriber

Susan Grammer asked:
>Which welcome is the norm around here?????
>
>Maybe I'm just oversensitive since my 13 year old dog died this
>morning.

a.) The welcoming welcome is the norm.

b.) Deepest sympathy about your dog. We have a bunch (pride? gaggle?) of
live cats and four late cats up on boot hill behind the garden. They're
family...and it hurts when one dies.

c.) Glad to see you got lots of good advice. Read the Field Guide, and
join DCSWA if you're in these parts.

Best wishes,

John L.

John Ludwigson
Scienceworks
Gambrills, Maryland

=============================================================

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 18:17:27 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 09:42 am 12/05/97 -0700, Stephen Hart wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>>Aaaaarrrrggggghyhhhhh!!!!!
>>MK
>
>Could you be a trifle more specific?
>

Not unless you want to see some real sparks flying.

Did I tell you about my dreams of becoming a brain surgeon? It is pretty
obvious to me that my career as a science journalist is on the wane. I
don't have a degree in journalism. My peak is behind me. No one has
suggested that I become this year's answer to Walter Cronkite, or even
David Dimbleby. I don't know any medicine. I haven't done any surgery. But
I am pretty good at carving the turkey at Christmas. What do you think of
my chances?

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 13:37:04 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

>
>Did I tell you about my dreams of becoming a brain surgeon? It is pretty
>obvious to me that my career as a science journalist is on the wane. I
>don't have a degree in journalism. My peak is behind me. No one has
>suggested that I become this year's answer to Walter Cronkite, or even
>David Dimbleby. I don't know any medicine. I haven't done any surgery. But
>I am pretty good at carving the turkey at Christmas. What do you think of
>my chances?
>

You might want to work on your bedside manner a bit.....

Joel N. Shurkin

Message From: Jim Kling
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 14:20:16 +0000
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Michael Kenward wrote:

> Did I tell you about my dreams of becoming a brain surgeon? It is pretty
> obvious to me that my career as a science journalist is on the wane. I
> don't have a degree in journalism. My peak is behind me. No one has
> suggested that I become this year's answer to Walter Cronkite, or even
> David Dimbleby. I don't know any medicine. I haven't done any surgery. But
> I am pretty good at carving the turkey at Christmas. What do you think of
> my chances?

I think they're pretty good, Michael, if you're anything like me. I
went into science writing from a career as a chemist with pretty much
that approach, and I've succeeded nicely -- no journalism school, just
hard work, lots of reading and thought, and the guts to go forward
when people around me suggested that my ambition was ill-conceived.

Let's face it, writing is not brain surgery. Some folks have a knack
for writing, others do not but can learn the craft through some
coursework. But kicking sand in the face of someone with an
outstanding science background and an inkling to communicate it is
self-defeating. After all, if she fails it will be with or without
our encouragement, if she succeeds she might make us all look bad.

Jim

- --
Jim Kling
science/medical writing
Bellingham, WA
jkling@pacificrim.net
http://nasw.org/users/jkling
=============================================================

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 09:12:56 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 02:20 pm 12/05/97 +0000, Jim Kling wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>coursework. But kicking sand in the face of someone with an
>outstanding science background and an inkling to communicate it is
>self-defeating. After all, if she fails it will be with or without
>our encouragement, if she succeeds she might make us all look bad.

Over the past quarter of a century I have advised dozens of people on how
to become science writers. My first piece of wisdom is "don't do it if all
you want is a way out of science". I have heard too often the comments "My
professor says that I won't make it in research and I should consider
science journalism."

My next piece of advice is always that you have to passionately want to be
a science writer. It isn't something you fall into. And to suggest
otherwise insults the whole profession. Maybe that doesn't bother you.

There are lots of very bright people who could go on to be great scientists
but who whose to be science writers. They really do want to find out about
science and to communicate it. These passionate believers people elbow
aside the 'force majeur' brigade with little trouble.

A further piece of advice would be that you do yourself no favours by
suggesting that you have been pushed into this business. Even if it
strictly isn't true, you should come on like you have wanted to do it all
your life and you will get plenty of good advice.

Finally, anyone in the writing game has to learn how to take criticism. For
heaven's sake haven't we all me the editor from hell? I know, I was that
soldier. If you rush off and cry the first time someone criticises what you
have written, your career will be very short.

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 08:34:01 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 01:37 pm 12/05/97 -0700, Joel N. Shurkin wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
>You might want to work on your bedside manner a bit.....
>
>

Yes. I will have to learn how to be grumpy and to ignore the complaints of
patients. That seems to be the pattern with medics in this country.

Message From: gstrobel@warren.med.harvard.edu
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 08:26:23 -0400
Subject: Re[2]: New Subscriber

Why be so testy toward people who you think are not in it for the right reasons,
your right reasons?

If simply wanting to get out of science does seem naive at first blush, anyone
who seriously tries science writing will soon enough come up against its
difficulties. She will find out quickly if she is cut out for it, but good
advice helps her do that even if she wasn't.

When I started out in this business, my confidence as a writer needed quite a
bit of pampering and I generously got it, from Joel Shurkin. I would not have
made it otherwise, but that did not mean it was not the right job for me. It is.
Plus, there is room for different types of writers in this business.

Yes, one has to take criticism, but "aarrgh..." against a novice isn't exactly
that.

Gabrielle Strobel
Science Writer
Office of Public Affairs
Harvard Medical School

Message From: "Gene Charleton"
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 08:21:39 CST6CDT
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

> Date sent: Tue, 13 May 1997 09:12:56 +0100
> From: Michael Kenward
> Subject: Re: New Subscriber

> A further piece of advice would be that you do yourself
> no favours by suggesting that you have been pushed into
> this business. Even if it strictly isn't true, you should
> come on like you have wanted to do it all your life and
> you will get plenty of good advice.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I was pushed, Michael, but I
did get into this business almost by accident -- during a
beat shakeup at a former shop where I'd written about
everything except science.

But I'd be the first to admit, hell, proclaim, that it was
the best thing that ever happened to me, writingwise. I
discovered I have a knack for explaining science and
technology. And better than that, it was FUN. Almost 20
years later, it's still fun. And once in a while I even
have a chance to do some good work.

- ----------------------------------------------------------
Gene Charleton Science/Medical Writer
Texas A&M University Office of University Relations
e-charleton@tamu.edu (409) 845-4644
charleton@nasw.org (409) 845-6237
"Even Peter Pan had to grow up, but I'm fighting it every
step of the way."
- ----------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================

Message From: Rick Borchelt
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 09:45:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

>
>Finally, anyone in the writing game has to learn how to take criticism. For
>heaven's sake haven't we all me the editor from hell? I know, I was that
>soldier. If you rush off and cry the first time someone criticises what you
>have written, your career will be very short.
>
>MK
>

With all due respect, Michael, aaaarrrrgghhhh! is not criticism,
constructive or otherwise. It was merely gratuitous venting of no help to
the new subscriber or of value to the discussions here. The thread that
resulted has been very interesting, and for that I appreciate your
comments, but I too question your bedside manner. It's not a matter of
grumbling at the patients; it's a matter of blaming patients for their
illness and refusing to tell them your diagnosis.

IMHO,

Rick

Message From: Sally Fran Pobojewski
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 10:56:53 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Hi, Susan! I started freelancing when my son was 18 months old, so I
understand what you're going through. In my opinion, it's actually a good
way for a new writer to build writing experience, since you'll be limited
initially to the types of assignments you can accept. Try to stay away
from anything with a tight deadline, which may rule out writing
for publication.
Is there a college or university near your home? If so, I suggest
you contact their public relations office and inquire about freelance
assignments writing brochures, grant proposals, etc. Since most
scientists have minimal writing skills, you could build up a sizable
freelance business, develop your skills and get writing samples for
your portfolio. Advertising agencies and small-to-medium sized businesses
often hire freelancers, also. This type of writing pays well and it's an
excellent way to get experience.
Try to find some daycare arrangement for the twins even if it's
just for two afternoons a week. Schedule your writing time during those
blocks of time. Naptime and the middle of the night work well, too.
You'll need to become compulsively organized and extremely protective of
your writing time. You will often be exhausted and discouraged. You'll
have to work very, very hard. But it can be done.
As the kids get older and you get more experienced, you
can gradually increase the number of assignments and perhaps try some
magazine or newspaper articles. Start small with the local paper and
build from there. By the time your twins are old enough for you to
pursue this as a full-time career, you'll have the experience and
confidence you need to be giving advice on nasw-talk, instead of asking
for it.
Good luck!

________________________________________________________________________
Sally Pobojewski Phone: (313) 647-1844
Sr. Science Writer FAX: (313) 764-7084
News and Information Services E-Mail: pobo@umich.edu
University of Michigan
________________________________________________________________________

=============================================================

Message From: Lisa Bain
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 12:03:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Hi Susan,
Let me add my welcome to the group. I started out as a science writer (with
an M.A. in immunology and a baby at home) by enrolling in the Science
Communication graduate program at UCSC in 1983. The program was great and
led to an internship at the Milwaukee Journal, where I decided I wanted to
be a reporter. But after my internship, it became clear to me that the job I
thought I wanted wouldn't let me be the kind of mom I wanted to be. So, for
about 10 years I freelanced. I wrote for a variety of publications:
magazines and other publications from academic medical centers, training
manuals for pharmaceutical companies, an occasional mass-market magazine
piece, editing a few books and grant proposals, and finally writing three
books in conjunction with a children's hospital.

I feel pretty lucky that I've been able to do so many different kinds of
writing, and most of the time it was exciting and interesting. But mostly, I
feel lucky that during that time I was able to be at home when my kids got
home from school, volunteer to help out in their schools, and hang out with
kids and other moms. I didn't make enough money to support my family on my
own, so eventually I did have to go back and take a full-time science
writing job (in public afffairs), which I also enjoyed. Now I'm doing
research (and a little freelancing on the side), which I hope will
eventually lead to another book or two.

The great thing about freelancing is that it's flexible. So I encourage you
to stick with it (it sounds like you have made a good start already) and be
open to new possibilities.

Lisa Bain

lbain@mail.med.upenn.edu

=============================================================

Message From: slatta@shout.net (Sara Latta)
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 11:24:46 -0500
Subject: Re: New subscriber

>Trying hard not to take this one personally........I did receive no
>less than 5 personal messages from subscribers who were very
>supportive and friendly. Which welcome is the norm around here?????

I hope Michael Kenward's reply was an anomaly. I thought Steve Hart gave
you great advice-if I could do it over again, AND I had the mobility, that
's what I'd do too. My situation was similar to yours. I got a BA in
microbiology, got my master's in immunology, and worked as a technician in
a lab for a couple of years before I realized that benchwork was not for
me. I was fortunate enough to be hired-with no formal writing experience-as
a science writer at my (then) local university's medical school PR office.
Lots of on-the-job training, and while I learned a lot about the art of
writing there, I learned little about journalism or the business of
publishing. Still, whether you're on staff or freelancing for a university
PR office, it's a good way to get clips. Studying science writing at a
place like UCSC would definitely had shortened the learning curve, though.
Like you, I also had twins (they're now 8-you WILL get a good night's sleep
again, and it does get easier!) and am now freelancing.

So, hang in there, and good luck. Believe me, we're not all jerks.

Sara Latta

- ---------------------------
Sara Latta
Science writer
1101 West University Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61821
slatta@shout.net
Phone: 217-352-0288
Fax: 217-352-0289

=============================================================
Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 15:52:45 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 09:45 am 13/05/97 -0400, Rick Borchelt wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>With all due respect, Michael, aaaarrrrgghhhh! is not criticism,
>constructive or otherwise.

I did not realise that it was a capital offence to take offence at crass
comments. My reponse was a scream of anguish at someone who was suggesting
that the career I have pursued for a quarter of a century was a bit like
knitting, something to be taken up when the mood takes you.

I expressed my views as I did because I knew that the thought police would
step in and would complain about anyone who has the temerity to criticise
someone else.

Perhaps you can devise an alternative way of correcting the original error
without upsetting the writer.

To coin a phrase, people who don't want to get shouted at, shouldn't shit
on my doorstep.

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 15:44:37 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 08:21 am 13/05/97 CST6CDT, Gene Charleton wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>> Date sent: Tue, 13 May 1997 09:12:56 +0100
>> From: Michael Kenward
>> Subject: Re: New Subscriber
>
>
>> A further piece of advice would be that you do yourself
>> no favours by suggesting that you have been pushed into
>> this business. Even if it strictly isn't true, you should
>> come on like you have wanted to do it all your life and
>> you will get plenty of good advice.
>
>I wouldn't go so far as to say I was pushed, Michael, but I
>did get into this business almost by accident -- during a
>beat shakeup at a former shop where I'd written about
>everything except science.
>
>But I'd be the first to admit, hell, proclaim, that it was
>the best thing that ever happened to me, writingwise. I
>discovered I have a knack for explaining science and
>technology. And better than that, it was FUN. Almost 20
>years later, it's still fun. And once in a while I even
>have a chance to do some good work.
>

Gene

I should have been more specific. I was writing about scientists turned
writers. You clearly set out determined to WRITE. That is exactly my point.
This has to come first.

I have come across science writers of the (really) old school who started
off as crime reporters! (Not sure that the hallowed Dan Greenberg didn't
pursue that beat for a while.) Some would say they didn't really change
when they got into science.

It sure doesn't sound like something that you were pushed into because your
career had hit the buffers.

Mike

Message From: ADold@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 13:08:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: nasw-talk V2 #104

>>
My next piece of advice is always that you have to passionately want to be
a science writer. It isn't something you fall into. And to suggest
otherwise insults the whole profession. Maybe that doesn't bother you.
<<

Funny, that's EXACTLY how I got into science writing!

I had NO intention of being a writer and got a degree in biology. After doing
PR for a while, I heard about the NYU science writing program. Pretty much
just fell into it -- applied on the spur of the moment in July, started
classes in September. Got my master's when I was about 30. No planning, no
lifelong passion. Just fell into it! (Unlike my brother, who knew from the
age of ten that he wanted to be a reporter!)

However I got into it, I certainly do have a passion for it now. And I've
been very happily and successfully freelancing for six years.

Sometimes it helps to remember that not everyone takes the same straight and
narrow pathway. Lots of us do a lot of different things before we *find* our
passion.
Haphazard career planning sometimes works very well!

I hope I'm not insulting the profession with my (haphazard) presence! :)

Catherine Dold
freelance writer
Boulder, CO
=============================================================

Message From: John Gever
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 13:44:25 -0700
Subject: bad advice to New Subscriber

At 10:56 AM 5/13/97 -0400, Sally Fran Pobojewski wrote:
>Since most scientists have minimal writing skills, you could
>build up a sizable freelance business...

I guess it must also be true, then, that since most journalists have limited
science skills, Susan could build up a sizable business in helping them with
their science.

In my experience, and given that Susan has no writing portfolio of any kind,
the approach Sally suggests is only feasible if Susan has friends in the
business who are willing to throw her some work. There are very, very few
assignments available to someone with no experience and no credential,
except as a personal favor.

I go with Steve Hart's suggestion of a sci-j program. I think you learn the
day-to-day skills faster than is possible as a mentor-free independent
contractor, you make contacts (with a good program, at least) and you get
credibility. Mike Kenward's monosyllabic response to Susan's initial query
may have been rude, but I guarantee that if Susan makes the same pitch in
looking for writing assignments, it'll get the same reaction, though perhaps
phrased more diplomatically.

- -John Gever
jgever@imagixx.net

=============================================================

Message From: awach@friend.ly.net
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 14:19:38 -0400
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 09:45 AM 5/13/97 -0400, you wrote:
>>
>>Finally, anyone in the writing game has to learn how to take criticism. For
>>heaven's sake haven't we all me the editor from hell? I know, I was that
>>soldier. If you rush off and cry the first time someone criticises what you
>>have written, your career will be very short.
>>
>>MK

>With all due respect, Michael, aaaarrrrgghhhh! is not criticism,
>constructive or otherwise. It was merely gratuitous venting of no help to
>the new subscriber or of value to the discussions here. The thread that
>resulted has been very interesting, and for that I appreciate your
>comments, but I too question your bedside manner. It's not a matter of
>grumbling at the patients; it's a matter of blaming patients for their
>illness and refusing to tell them your diagnosis.
>
>IMHO,
>
>Rick
>
Let's look at aaaarrrrgghhhh! from an anthropological perspective. I
hypothesize it's an alpha male reaction to a perceived threat. Alan
Wachter, freelance medical writer.

=============================================================

Message From: ShaunaR989@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 15:37:35 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: new subscriber

In a message dated 5/13/97 10:45:02 AM, Michael Kenward wrote:

Michael, from the various online NASW discussions here and previously on
CompuServe, it's clear that some NASW members have become freelance science
writers so they can have both a career and a family. Others have chosen this
path so they can have a career despite having a chronic illness. These seem
like good choices to me, both from the viewpoint of society (talented people
are making the world better instead of being unemployed or trapped in mundane
part-time jobs) and from the viewpoint of the person (they are living the
richest and most fulfilling life they can). Many science writers I know,
both freelance and staff, came to science writing because of an inability to
find a job in the science field they were trained in, not because of any
passionate longing beforehand to be a science writer.

I'm one of the people who stumbled into science writing accidentally and
stayed here because of personal circumstances. But I don't think if you met
me that you'd really think I was an insult to the profession--I work hard and
take pride in what I write, just as I'm sure you do.

There's room in science writing and in NASW for all of us. Our varied
backgrounds allow us to help each other to become better writers than we
would be if we all had identical training and identical trajectories through
life.

Shauna Roberts
=============================================================

Message From: susan grammer
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 15:19:21 +0000
Subject: Thanks for welcome

Hi all,
I'm sorry to tie up this list with much more on this topic, but I
wanted to thank all of those who either posted their encouragement to
the list or sent me a personal message. Thank you to Kamran Malik,
Stephen Hart, Rick Borchelt, Joel N. Shurkin, John Ludwigson, Jim
Kling, Cathy Dold, Bob Holmes, Alison Mack, Larry Krumenaker, Robin
Meadows, and sorry to anyone who I forgot......I will be writing to
several of you for more information eventually, once I check out all
of the books and resources you suggested.

Since my post seemed to fuel a small brushfire, I thought I'd clarify
my "dreams" a little. I've written personally to the person I
offended with my belief that I could leave one career and make use of
it to build a career in science journalism, but in case anyone else
out there took offense, let me say that I have been a "writer"
forever........just haven't tried to turn my talents in your direction
yet.

I have been writing since I can remember. At six years old I
submitted a poem to the school newspaper. They didn't publish it and
called my parents to report that I must have plagiarized it because
a six year old can't write like that. In the end I was vindicated, but
it did leave some scars.....

In my freshman year of college I took short fiction and
literature classes instead of freshman english and was often
encouraged to go into writing/journalism. The problem was that I
loved science and found "science" writing at that time to be more of a
tool for
communicating within my chosen field and "creative" writing a hobby to
pursue when I had time. Little did I know there was a career in which
the two could meet. During my research career, I became aware of a
severe lack of communication between most laboratory scientists and
the "real world". I was constantly filing away ideas for articles I
wanted to write on topics that I thought the general public should be
more aware of. I then started noticing how many of you out there are
doing such a fine job of communicating many of these issues.

I spent the morning today negotiating with a former boss in the
biotechnology industry who needs a grant written this summer and is
familiar with my writing abilities. I am most excited about this job,
not because of the job, but because of the opportunity it will give me
to do background research on the topic of immunotherapy of parasitic
infections.
May not sound like a great topic for most science writers, but you'd
be amazed at the mechanisms parasites such as malaria have evolved to
evade the immune system. I could go on and on about the incredibly
intricate balance the immune system maintains to keep our bodies from
being destroyed by external forces or destroyed from within by
anti-self immunity..............The malarial parasites have developed
a way to trick the body and make use of it's self-protective features
to maintain an infection. Not only that, millions die from such
infections each year and travelers to areas where malaria is endemic
would be happy to hear that inroads are being made in prophylactic
measures to prevent this infection.

So you see, I am not exactly asking to do brain surgery with out the
requisite education and practice. My writing experience will take a
bit of developing, maturing, honing, whatever -- but writing about
science on one level or another has been a major part of my 15 year
career.

That's why I wrote to this forum. For help and guidance from others
(and apparently there are many) who have approached this career in a
similar manner. I intend to make a go of it. Whether I suceed
remains to be seen.

Have a good day......

an aspiring science writer, searching for inspiration, criticism,
encouragement and an occasional dose of reality.....all of which I've
received through this encounter

Thanks.

Susan Grammer

Message From: susan grammer
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 16:09:59 +0000
Subject: Thankyou part-two

Just after I sent the previous post I checked my mail and found volume
#104 and the continuing saga of support for this fledgling science
writer......What better way to get name known in the field!;);)

In response to Michael's list of "pieces of advice"

> Over the past quarter of a century I have advised dozens of people
>on how to become science writers. My first piece of wisdom is "don't
> do it if all you want is a way out of science". I have heard too > >
>often the comments "My professor says that I won't make it in >
research and I should consider science journalism."
>
> My next piece of advice is always that you have to passionately want
>to be a science writer. It isn't something you fall into. And to
>suggest otherwise insults the whole profession.

I hope it is clear from my post of a few minutes ago that I am not
trying to "get out of science". I truly have no desire to insult a
profession in which I hope to be successful. Actually, writing about
what I've been doing was the most challenging (and therefore most
satisfying) part of my research career - the reason the most recent
positionwas so unsatisfying to me.

Michael, can you imagine the perserverance and acceptance of criticism
I have endured to be "allowed" to publish as primary author in peer
review journals, to write review articles, patent applications and a
book chapter in academia. Believe me, without a PhD I've had to prove
my abilities time and time again...In my original post I was
consciously trying not to "blow my own horn" about what I have
considered quite a successful career - I only want to get out of it
because I want more flexibility (when I burn the 2 am candle I want it
to be at home after dinner with my kids, not in the lab) and because I
absolutely LOVE to tell "non-believers" all the amazing and wonderful
things about the natural world.

I could chose a multitude of other careers at this point, or I could
work as a nine-to-five bench scientist and pretend not to care about
science. But, as I stated above, and more clearly in the personal
message I sent to Michael, I've been waiting years for this
opportunity. After all, I could be sitting in front of the TV watching
soaps and eating bons bons during my twins nap. Instead, I'm trying
to convince someone who isn't even considering paying me that I have
the experience and drive to break into a new career. A career in a
field which I believe is one of the most important in forming the
public's view of science and the wonders of technology - a world in
which my children will be growing up and later living as adults.
Science policy has been dealt a difficult hand in years past.
Technology forged ahead too quickly for those without a science
background to keep up - hence, they pretend it isn't important. Isn't
it the responsibility of those who have chosen science as a career to
find a way to communicate their discoveries and to answer the "So
What?" question for those who are unable to decipher those papers in
Nature and Science.

Excuse the rambling format of this message as I now have two naked two
year olds in my office begging for me to read to them......nap time is
over! And this afternoon's chore, as yet unfinished, was to fire off
to my first potential "client" a detailed fee structure for his
approval -- if it's approved I have my first "job" since I've been out
on my own. This will allow me to put my two year old twins into a
preschool three days a week, spend two of them (and many long nights)
on his grant proposal and the other day on the "stuff" I've been
waiting these ten long years to write.

Hope some of you have the opportunity to edit and critique the
*&(^$#%&^ out of something I write someday. Sounds like you have
some good ideas.

I PROMISE I will never again tie up this list with such personal
issues - have just been trying to prove to others that I can write
something they don't think I'm cabable of for 34 years -- ever since
that first grade poetry incident, during 15 years doing "PhD level"
work without a PhD and now at the NASW-talk forum......I was
successful at the first two........this one remains unresolved (for
the moment!)

Thanks again,

Susan Grammer

Message From: Warren Kornberg
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 17:35:58 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Lisa Bain wrote:
>
> Hi Susan,
> Let me add my welcome to the group. I started out as a science writer (with
> an M.A. in immunology and a baby at home) by enrolling in the Science
> Communication graduate program at UCSC in 1983. The program was great and
> led to an internship at the Milwaukee Journal, where I decided I wanted to
> be a reporter.

Risking (again) the likelihood of embracing curmugeonhood: I don't
approve of Kenward's hormonal response, but I do wonder if there's
anybody left out there--except for Bain who tried and couldn't make it
fit--who started out as a reporter and learned the trade from that
aspect. There's a healthy skepticism and an ability to dig beneath the
surface of a story that comes with a news background--and I suppose even
the kind of news background I'm talking about may be hard to come by
these days--that may be even more important than having studied the
science. I used to advise young science reporters (you see: I fall into
that word better than the other) that a couple of years on a police
beat, even for a used-to-be microbiologist, would do a world of good. I
know that doesn't make any sense to a new mother of twins, but
journalism is more than interpreting complex material and making it
palatable. I guess science writers can cut their teeth doing odd bits
for the local college PR office. Reporters have a whole different trade
to master, but I think the become better journalists--science or
otherwise--in the process. This isn't meant in any way to pull back the
welcome mat the I'm-not-Kenwards have put out. It's intended, rather,
to add another dimension to the discussion.
=
Warren Kornberg
kornberg@ix.netcom.com
MOSAIC MAGAZINE Science Article Archive
http://www.nasw.org/users/mosaic
======================================================

Message From: dhayes@ukans.edu (Dann Hayes)
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 17:05:34 -0500
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

>Risking (again) the likelihood of embracing curmugeonhood: I don't
>approve of Kenward's hormonal response, but I do wonder if there's
>anybody left out there--except for Bain who tried and couldn't make it
>fit--who started out as a reporter and learned the trade from that
>aspect. There's a healthy skepticism and an ability to dig beneath the
>surface of a story that comes with a news background--and I suppose even
>the kind of news background I'm talking about may be hard to come by
>these days--that may be even more important than having studied the
>science. I used to advise young science reporters (you see: I fall into
>that word better than the other) that a couple of years on a police
>beat, even for a used-to-be microbiologist, would do a world of good. I
>know that doesn't make any sense to a new mother of twins, but
>journalism is more than interpreting complex material and making it
>palatable. I guess science writers can cut their teeth doing odd bits
>for the local college PR office. Reporters have a whole different trade
>to master, but I think the become better journalists--science or
>otherwise--in the process. This isn't meant in any way to pull back the
>welcome mat the I'm-not-Kenwards have put out. It's intended, rather,
>to add another dimension to the discussion.
>=
>Warren Kornberg

Warren,

I started as a reporter (sports) and moved on to editor (sports) and jumped
to outdoors (writer/editor). I then started work at a DOE site in Colorado
as the editor of a newsletter, moved into community relations, and am now
at the University of Kansas as the science writer.

I got the science bug when working the outdoors beat in Colorado.

I don't have a science background. Heck, I didn't have a background in
journalism until I started at a small weekly and just kept moving up. I've
won a number of awards (national, regional and state) and wasn't trying to
win.

I really don't know how I got to where I am. I just enjoy what I am doing.

See ya'

Dann Hayes
University Relations, University of Kansas
(913) 864-8855, FAX (913) 864-3339
E-mail: dhayes@ukans.edu

=============================================================

Message From: Stephen Hart
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 16:31:24 -0700
Subject: Re: As we're all taking offense and cheap shots

A reader of the list lately could take *lots* of offense:

At John Gever's "I go with Steve Hart's suggestion of a sci-j program."
The UCSC program *prides* itself on *not* being a "sci-j program," but a
science *writing* program!! Harumph.

At Mike for implying that if you lack passion, you disgrace the science
writing club. I mean, what *else* can you do with a master's in biology in
Port Angeles, Washington (except the job my wife has teaching biology at
the community college)? I mean, it's better than being a McDonald's
manager, isn't it? And what ever happened to the old saw "It's worth doing
well"?

At Mike's detractors for failing to see the (probably inadvertent) insult
in the original post. Mike's response expressed my feelings exactly. I've
gotten variations of this as a teacher and as a writer--"Those who can't,
teach." "Anyone can write, I just don't have the time."--and I rail every
time.

At those who suggest that the original poster "just freelance" for a while.
Freelancing's a job, just like being a beat reporter or PIO, only harder
and more poorly paid. Furthermore, suggesting that someone just get a few
freelance jobs with no writing experience (at best) aims that poor person
toward the kind of jobs professional freelancers work so hard to eliminate:
the ripoffs that pay $0.10/word.

Most science writing's a job. Some do it well, some do it poorly. If you
start out with too much passion to tell the Joe Sixpacks of the world the
"truth," you'll fail, just as miserably as if you start out bitter that you
got slaughtered during your PhD oral exams. I hope we all have a sense of
mission--as Warren alluded to--but I hope we all have a sense that we're
doing a job as well. Balance is the key. Too much mission and you work for
peanuts--and screw your colleagues. Too little and you publish pap or frank
falsehoods--and screw your readers.

Now that I've offended everyone, I'll resign from NASW.

Steve

(Some of the above written with tongue applied firmly to the lingual
surface of the buccinator. The astute reader will distinguish seriousness
from frivolity.)

=============================================================

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 17:44:20 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Warren wrote:

Yeah, me - and my generation. We became science writers largely by covering
the space program. But before that I was a national correspondent for
Reuters, a reporter and war correspondent and bureau chief for UPI. I was
always a reporter, who wound up specializing, as opposed to a specialist
who has to learn reporting. But that largely is a gone era. Now you get
people, many of them scientifically trained, going directly into science
writing. Indeed, most of my best students at Stanford were science-educated
people, many of them once on a Ph.D., track who wanted to become science
writers. And they were and are terrific. You all just heard from one, the
amazing Gabrielle. It's just part of the increasing specialization of
everything.

Joel N. Shurkin

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 17:49:41 -0700
Subject: Re: As we're all taking offense and cheap shots

Okay, guys, you want offensive?

Steve writes:

>
>At John Gever's "I go with Steve Hart's suggestion of a sci-j program."
>The UCSC program *prides* itself on *not* being a "sci-j program," but a
>science *writing* program!! Harumph.

Yes, and that's its biggest weakness.

>
>At Mike for implying that if you lack passion, you disgrace the science
>writing club. I mean, what *else* can you do with a master's in biology in
>Port Angeles, Washington (except the job my wife has teaching biology at
>the community college)? I mean, it's better than being a McDonald's
>manager, isn't it?

Not last week it wasn't.

>
>At Mike's detractors for failing to see the (probably inadvertent) insult
>in the original post. Mike's response expressed my feelings exactly. I've
>gotten variations of this as a teacher and as a writer--"Those who can't,
>teach." "Anyone can write, I just don't have the time."--and I rail every
>time.
>

I actually took the same offense for exactly the same reason. But I assumed
it was coming from someone who had the serious disability of youth, and
Mike K. didn't have to say anything. Folks, particularly the unworthy
young, should be encouraged not discouraged. Mike was right; he just should
have had the kindness to hurrumpf to himself. I did.

Joel N. Shurkin

Message From: Jon Franklin
Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 20:24:01 -0700
Subject: changing careers . . . arrrgh!

Without judging specific cases, I do have a recurring experience with
scientists deciding that the grass is greener on my side of the fence.
Three or four times a year some PhD chemist, say, will come in, plop down
in my office, and announce that he's going to take the summer off and
become a science writer. I used to just sit there, stunned. But now I
usually say I'd like to help, but I won't be teaching this summer. I plan
to take it off and become a thin-film physicist.

The closest I have come to the opposite was once when, frustrated at not
being able to get good information from Johns Hopkins, I lashed out at the
dean of the medical school, "What the hell do I have to do to get into this
damned place?" For two or three minutes the poor guy thought I wanted to
go to medical school there, and he almost fainted.

Then, on third thought, I practice psychiatry all the time.

cheers, Jon Franklin

=============================================================

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:34:08 +0100
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

At 05:35 pm 13/05/97 -0700, Warren Kornberg wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>palatable. I guess science writers can cut their teeth doing odd bits
>for the local college PR office. Reporters have a whole different trade
>to master, but I think the become better journalists--science or
>otherwise--in the process. This isn't meant in any way to pull back the

Have I ever mentioned my theory about the two different types of science
hacking? (There is a reason for the use of the word that will become clear.)

There is a difference between science _writing_ and science _journalism_.

The former is about explaining complex ideas that no one wants to keep
secret. The stuff of scientific journals.

The latter is about explaining things that everyone can understand but that
some might prefer to keep buried. The stuff of tea room gossip.

As an example, science writing might include something on the structure of
the electron. Science journalism might be about the skullduggery involved
in filching someone's thinking on the structure of the electron.

Not everyone can do both. I have known excellent science writers who fail
at the first hurdle in 'journalism'. And some science journalists produce
copy that is unintelligible without the close attentions of a subeditor.

A simplification certainly, but an insight that might enable the newcomer
to decide what they want to do, and that might even alert the old hand to
possible gaps in their own skills base.

PS Why is it permissible to call into doubt the career that I have pursued
for a quarter of a century -- suggesting that it is something that you pick
up, like knitting, when you feel like it -- but unacceptable to cry with
anguish when someone does this? I thought it was us Brits who were accused
of hiding their emotions.

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:44:52 +0100
Subject: Re: As we're all taking offense and cheap shots

At 05:49 pm 13/05/97 -0700, Joel N. Shurkin wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
>I actually took the same offense for exactly the same reason. But I assumed
>it was coming from someone who had the serious disability of youth, and
>Mike K. didn't have to say anything. Folks, particularly the unworthy
>young, should be encouraged not discouraged. Mike was right; he just should
>have had the kindness to hurrumpf to himself. I did.
>

I suspect that our original questioner has found out a heck of a lot more
thanks to my outraged shriek -- the man with the psychobabble can crawl
back into his hole. (I mean psychology? Next thing someone will claim this
is science?)

If everyone had sat on their hands fuming all she would have got was lame
advice from the well meaning but relatively inexperienced writers who have
taken the same road. Now at least I have smoked out some of the hacks.

Now, who else can I find to insult? More to the point, who would this list
have to kick about without me here to act as court jester?

PS Anyone been to Compuserve lately? Dead as a door nail.

Message From: "A'ndrea Elyse Messer"
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:11:58
Subject: Re: As we're all taking offense and cheap shots

Thank you Joel,

I've been sitting here for two days keeping my mouth shut because I didn't
want to offend, but I was offended. Not because someone who was a
scientist wanted to be a science writer, (I was and am) but because of
something in the tone that struck me as once more denigrating my profession
(although I am sure completely unintentionally.) Working at a university
we are constently asked if our department can't find a place for a faculty
spouse. "Well he/she has a Ph.D. in ...esoteric field. I'm sure writing
is well within his/her capabilities." Just because someone has a college
degree it is assumed they can write -- no training or experience necessary.
which implies that 25 years experience and an M.S. in Journalism were all
for nought. I could have, should have just started freelancing or gotten a
P.I. job. Don't bother putting in dues on a newspaper covering child abuse
cases in Federal District Court or any of the other jobs I did to get clips
and experience.

Then there are the writer/editor jobs on campus that are consistently
filled with English majors. Now don't get upset, I have nothing against
English majors, they have to work too, but someone who has studied
literature as an undergraduate is no more qualified to write publications,
news releases or newsletters than an econ, psych, history or biology major.

Besides which, being a science writer or science journalist (I don't split
hairs) is not just writing, it's interviewing, researching, knowing the
market, the publications, the field in general. Although the world seems
to think anyone can do it, having had to come in and clean up after others
too many times, I just don't think that is so. To steal a line, we don't
get no respect.

Be that as it may, I talk to science and engineering students all the time
who think they want to be science writers. I encourage them and suggest
ways that they can get into the field, but unless they have a minor in
journalism, I strongly encourage them to either do a masters, or find one
of the internships intended for scientists, because jumping in without any
preparation is rarely successful.

A'ndrea Elyse Messer
Science & Research Information Officer
Penn State
aem1@psu.edu
814-865-9481
=============================================================

Message From: Sally Fran Pobojewski
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:29:42 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Journalist vs. Writer

As someone who came into science writing via the freelance
route and now as a PIO, I'd like to say that Warren's most recent post is
right on target. While I think there's a tremendous need for science
writers (freelance or staff) with the skill and talent to translate
complex material into readable copy, it's not the same as being a
journalist.
Writers tell stories. Journalists protect the public's right to
know. Although the basic skill set required may be the same, there's a
huge difference in the type of personality it takes to succeed and the
culture of the workplace. Personally, I know I'd be miserable working for
a daily newspaper. And most journalists I know would have a lot of
trouble working within the politics of today's "corporate" university.
I'm just as uncomfortable with journalists who think of a PR job
as an easy place to hang out for a year or so until a "real job" opens up
as Michael is with scientists who jump to journalism because they think
it's easier. It is, I assure you, no picnic on the PR side of the fence,
especially these days.
Journalists should be journalists and writers should be writers.
Both professions are difficult and worthy of respect, but they are two
fundamentally different professions with different goals, even though the
ability to write well is a requirement for both.
I can't believe I just agreed with the two self-proclaimed
resident curmudgeons on this list. Miracles do happen.
--- Sally P.

Message From: Jeff Hecht
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:35:15 -0400
Subject: getting into science writing

A big problem with trying to advise people on getting into "science
writing" is that the term covers a tremendous territory. It includes
writing books explaining how science works, with no real "reporting"
involved, to reporting on hot news in a field you know nothing about, with
lots in between and on the sides, including university and industrial PR,
grant-writing, trade magazines, and much more.

If you edit a science magazine (and Michael Kenward did), you soon
encounter scientists convinced that science writing _has_ to be easy for
someone of their intelligence. Most are sadly mistaken, but that doesn't
stop them from waxing indignant when questioned or edited. You also run
into many others who _think_ they are qualified to write, but in reality
have no clue. In my trade-magazine days, I recall trashing a resume from a
woman with a PhD in literature from Harvard, because she had no writing
experience whatsoever outside of her thesis. You also meet people who
think writing must be easy but have never tried it.

I don't try to discourage people who ask me, but I make it clear that
science writing is serious work, not something you dash off when the mood
strikes. I think there is room in some parts of science writing for
ex-scientists. For example, I think an engineer forced into early
retirement could -- with training, skill, and energy -- do a good job for a
trade journal, where he or she is essentially writing for peers, other
engineers and scientists.

Jeff Hecht

=============================================================

Message From: John Gever
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 10:00:39 -0700
Subject: Re: Journalist vs. Writer

I have to say that this "distinction" utterly eludes me. Don't journalists
write? Does anybody really want to argue that I may write, but that doesn't
make me a writer?

- -john gever
jgever@imagixx.net

=============================================================

Message From: Michael Kenward
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 14:48:26 +0100
Subject: Re: Journalist vs. Writer

At 09:29 am 14/05/97 -0400, Sally Fran Pobojewski wrote, among other things
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just in case you forgot what you wrote <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>As someone who came into science writing via the freelance
>route and now as a PIO, I'd like to say that Warren's most recent post is
>right on target. While I think there's a tremendous need for

I wouldn't want anyone else to be tainted with my mucky thinking, so let me
correct any false impression that the above might give. It wasn't Warren's
post that waffled on about science journalism and science writing. That was
me, in response to Warren on something else.

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 08:44:50 -0700
Subject: Re: New Subscriber

Michael wrote:

>
>PS Why is it permissible to call into doubt the career that I have pursued
>for a quarter of a century -- suggesting that it is something that you pick
>up, like knitting, when you feel like it -- but unacceptable to cry with
>anguish when someone does this? I thought it was us Brits who were accused
>of hiding their emotions.
>

It isn't really. It's been my experience in more than a decade of running
an intern program that was made up mostly of science-trained young people,
that if they take that careless attitude they will fail. That makes it
generally their problem not mine, and I'm secure in the knowledge this is a
very difficult thing we do, and if they want to play at it, have fun. It's
only when they drag down the fees and accept outrageous contracts and
behavior that it becomes my problem.

PS. I had mostly science-trained interns because I refused to take (with
two exceptions) any of Stanford's journalism students, graduate or
undergraduate. I would have had to spend too much time unteaching them what
they were being taught. That may be why my students got jobs readily and
their's had trouble.

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 08:56:51 -0700
Subject: Re: As we're all taking offense and cheap shots

This talk (and now I thank the original poster for starting this off and
Michael for reacting as he did) brings me to something that I find
absolutely amazing. Some of you know I act as a part-time agent, working
with my agent to find books he wouldn't normally come across. It is one of
the most depressing things I've ever done. EVERYBODY THINKS THEY CAN WRITE.
Why you just sit at a computer keyboard and type and out that stuff comes.
It has gotten to the point where I used to get furious and offended.

There is a difference between typing and writing. The former requires some
manual dexterity; the latter requires genuine work, painful, mind-stunning,
careful work! I am reminded of Red Smith's line that writing is very easy -
you just sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. I can usually judge
within two or three pages whether it is worth my time to continue reading a
manuscript, and in 90% of the cases, the answer is a resounding no. Truly.
You either are writing or you are not and it is almost always immediately
evident.

I think that's what we are talking about. I am particularly sensitive to
this because I am about to start another chapter of my magnum opus and I am
trying to find things to do - anything at all - so I can avoid the pain of
sitting and organizing what I am going to write and then, God help me,
actually write it. If some biology or geology grad student thinks this is
easy, they will surely find out the contrary and I can't worry about them.
A few will, if encouraged, learn quickly their misconceptions and may
succeed admirably.

You know, the longer this discussion goes on, the more I think Michael was
right.

AAAARGH!

Message From: "Joel N. Shurkin"
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 09:02:10 -0700
Subject: Re: Journalist vs. Writer

>I have to say that this "distinction" utterly eludes me. Don't journalists
>write? Does anybody really want to argue that I may write, but that doesn't
>make me a writer?
>

You can be a fine journalist and not be able to write your way out of a
paper bag. Barlett and Steele, who won 2 Pulitzers at the Inquirer were
cases in point. You can be a great writer and no journalist at all. Phillip
Roth, John Irving to name two. Or you can be both, Ernest Hemingway,
Charles Dickens, to name two. Two different and very difficult skills. The
third skill is editing. Everyone who has every worked at a newspaper knows
of great reporters who were promoted to editors and proved the Peter
Principle.

(continued in next entry)

Last revised: May 2, 2008

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