Science writing that sparks and sizzles

Art by Marcin Wolski for WELCOME TO THE FUTURE

These tips come from my workshop, “Science writing that sparks and sizzles.” If you’d like me to give the workshop at your organization or event, you can reach me at kathryn@kathrynhulick.com

1. Ask questions

• Read news articles and books.
• Seek primary sources to help deepen your understanding.
• If you don’t understand the topic, you’re not ready to write.

2. Get your WOW on!

• Before you write, get excited! Get fascinated!
• What is it about this subject that makes you say, “WOW”?
• If you’re bored while writing, your reader will be bored, too.

3. Open with a hook

• This is especially important in journalism.
• A hook is something surprising or tantalizing that pulls the reader in.
• Try starting with the middle or end of the story, then backing up.

4. Relate to your audience

• Who is reading?
• What do they care about?
• What do they already understand or have experience with?
• Make comparisons
• Consider diversity

5. Paint pictures

• šUse the five senses. What can your reader…
  • šSee?
  • šHear?
  • šTouch?
  • šSmell?
  • šTaste?

6. Spark and sizzle

• Use active verbs
• Avoid passive voice

7. Simplify

• Do not “dumb down” anything.
• Break down complex information into a series of steps.
• Use simple, every-day words as much as possible.