Crafting Science Narratives: Insights from Ed Yong
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Ed Yong is widely regarded as a master in the field of science writing and communication. His expertise covers a diverse range of subjects, including the microbes that inhabit our bodies, orca conservation, language genetics, and, most recently, the global pandemic.
Yong's reporting on the coronavirus has received acclaim for its depth, clarity, and informative nature. Currently, he serves as a staff writer for The Atlantic, with contributions appearing in prestigious publications like National Geographic, Scientific American, Wired, and the New York Times. His exceptional pandemic coverage earned him the Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting.
During his college years, Ed explored subjects from molecular biology to animal behavior and even embarked on a Ph.D. program with aspirations of becoming an academic researcher. However, after two years, he discovered that discussing science and how others approach it intrigued him far more than conducting research. Thus, he made the pivotal decision to leave academia.
He transitioned into a self-guided blogging journey, establishing himself over a decade as a talented science writer through his now-defunct blog, Not Exactly Rocket Science, where he authored over 1,800 articles by 2016. Following his blogging success, he began freelance writing for notable outlets like National Geographic and Scientific American, providing a roadmap for aspiring science writers aiming to break into the competitive field.
As an academic researcher increasingly focused on public communication of environmental research, I frequently analyze Yong's work to glean insights into effective science writing. His advice often centers on the importance of reverse-engineering articles that resonate with you to understand their underlying mechanics.
Yong also emphasizes the need to appreciate the diverse voices contributing to scientific discourse and highlights the interplay of emotion in a discipline often perceived as detached and objective. At a recent talk, he noted, “You cannot displace a feeling with a fact. It just does not work. You can only displace a feeling with a different feeling.”
11 Essential Science Writing Tips from Ed Yong
Fortunately for emerging science writers, Ed Yong has provided additional guidance. In 2020, the National Press Club Journalism Institute sought his insights for novice journalists entering the field. Here are some key takeaways from his wealth of experience, complemented by my personal reflections on their application in my writing.
#### 1. Maintain High Standards "Above all else, work to the highest possible standard, always: Protect your work and your work will protect you." Publishing your writing is akin to sharing fragments of yourself with the world. While these pieces may not fully represent your current thoughts, they reflect your integrity, standards, and values as a writer. Yong's reminder to uphold high standards ensures that you can take pride in your published work.
#### 2. Uphold Professionalism "Be professional: File your copy on time, to word count." Avoid lapses in communication, missing deadlines, or unprofessional behavior.
#### 3. "Park Downhill" "At the end of the day, leave a sentence or paragraph unfinished." I interpret this as "inviting your future self to take a seat" by crafting a starting point for the next writing session, such as an anchor sentence or a question to explore further.
#### 4. Value Good Editors "Cherish good editors: Don’t be precious about your words." This aligns with William Faulkner's famous advice to "kill your darlings." It’s beneficial to involve others who can refine your writing, as effective communication is the ultimate goal.
#### 5. Deconstruct Quality Writing "Actively deconstruct the work of good journalists." Analyze the pieces you admire to understand their effective techniques. Consider how the writer engages the reader, presents expert sources, and structures the narrative.
#### 6. Focus on Structure "Most writing problems are actually structuring problems." Often, my writing struggles stem from unclear structure rather than a lack of content. A map of your argument and the flow of your piece can be invaluable when you feel lost.
#### 7. Embrace Nuance "Ignore easy answers in search of deeper truths." In environmental writing, this means uncovering hidden narratives and emphasizing significant aspects that are often overlooked.
#### 8. Stay Humble "Recognize that you will often know relatively little about what you’re writing about." Approaching your subject with humility fosters an engaging educational journey for both you and your readers.
#### 9. Know When to Move On "Be accurate and nuanced, but know when to let a piece go." Acknowledge that writing is an ongoing process, and stories should lead to new inquiries rather than feeling like final statements.
#### 10. Prioritize Accuracy "It is better to be right than to be first." Strive for accuracy in your reporting, but it’s a bonus to be timely as well.
#### 11. Write for Your Readers "Don’t write to impress." Focus on clarity and helping your readers understand rather than merely showcasing your expertise.
Next Steps
To enhance your science and environmental writing skills, consider these resources: 1. Explore more of Ed Yong’s work and apply his insights to your writing practice. 2. Utilize The Open Notebook, a valuable resource for budding science writers. 3. Watch Ed Yong’s TED talk, "Zombie Roaches and Other Parasite Tales," to learn about his storytelling approach.
