Blog - BAILEY DEBARMORE

day 11: how to strengthen your argument

12/19/2018

How to strengthen your argument #EpiWritingChallenge

“Countless manuscripts are rejected because the discussion section is so weak that it’s obvious the writer does not clearly understand the existing literature.” - Angel Borja

What an eye-opening statement from Angel Borja, established scientist, and experienced reviewer and editor.

In this post, we'll summarize some key writing tips aimed at strengthening your argument. We'll also think about what peer reviewers and editors are looking for in a submitted manuscript.

All of these tips build strongly upon what we've discussed in the #EpiWritingChallenge so far - keeping it simple, writing clearly, getting to the point, etc.

With that being said, I'll get to the point.

day 10: using reverse outlines

12/19/2018

Using reverse outlines to edit your writing #EpiWritingChallenge

On Day 6 we talked about using an outline to organize your writing.

Making a plan before writing is helpful, but we also make new connections and discover new information while we are writing.

So then what’s a reverse outline?

These tips on making a reverse outline from www.thesiswhisperer.com can help get you started.

day 9: crystal clear writing (part 3)

12/19/2018

Using voice-to-text to clarify your writing #EpiWritingChallenge

In Crystal Clear Writing: Part I we mentioned “writing like you speak”.

Thinking through what to say in your head often results in prose that is more “interior decoration” than “architecture”.

Take the guesswork out of your head and speak aloud, and typing as you speak.

If this feels silly, or if you’re feeling overly influenced by seeing your text on the screen, then cover the screen and type blindly.

day 8: crystal clear writing (part 2)

12/19/2018

Get to the point #EpiWritingChallenge

In Part 2, we're going to talk about an overall approach to manuscript writing that keeps your purpose clear and your words simple.

We'll also touch on words we commonly mix up.

On Day 3 of the challenge (Read Before You Write), we talked about reading before you write. Many of the #EpiWritingChallenge participants were excited that reading counts as writing and they shared tips on how you stay on top of your reading piles.

Day 3 of the #EpiWritingChallenge: Read before you write. Reading regularly allows you to absorb information and influence what you put back out into the science literature.
— Bailey DeBarmore (@BaileyDeBarmore) November 7, 2018

day 7: crystal clear writing (part 1)

12/19/2018

Crystal Clear Writing - Keep it Simple #EpiWritingChallenge

During the #EpiWritingChallenge we did 3 whole days dedicated to Crystal Clear Writing.

Part 1: Keep it Simple
Part 2: Get to the Point
Part 3: Using Voice-to-Text

In the first week of the challenge, we had some great Twitter conversations about how challenging it can be to read methods papers.

Dr. Bill Miller pointed out the flip-side of challenging reads: it's not that the content is necessarily complicated, but that it is likely poorly written.

Keep in mind that many times when you need to read something over and over, it is because it is poorly written, rather than a problem with you and your ability to understand. We should write so that others can understand easily in one pass. #EpiWritingChallenge
— Bill Miller (@BillMiller_Epi) November 8, 2018

day 6: using outlines to plan

12/18/2018

Using outlines to plan #EpiWritingChallenge

The opening line of this Grammarly article by Karen Hertzberg is better than I could ever write:

"When I was a novice writer, I chafed at the idea of using an outline. I was certain organizing my thoughts in advance would stifle my creativity and make my writing stiff and uninspired. After all, how can serendipity happen if you’ve got everything planned?"

Is that how you feel, too? Or do you start with an outline every time you write?

No matter which camp you're in - or even if you're straddling both sides - let's go through the basics of using an outline to plan your writing so you can make an educated decision.

By the way, if you haven't jumped on the Grammarly train yet, you're really missing out. The plug-in is easy to use, and not-in-the-way. It's helped me improved my writing on every platform I type on (which is all of them).

Check it out here and at @Grammarly on Twitter.

day 5: structuring your argument

12/18/2018

Structuring your argument #EpiWritingChallenge

On Day 11, we talk about how to strengthen your argument. Check it out here.

Traditional journal articles have a familiar but rigid structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion.

So, when you’re writing anything but a traditional journal article, how do you structure your argument?

If you’re thinking to yourself, "But I’m not writing an argument?" I would counter that if you’re writing something to illustrate your perspective, it’s an argument even if there isn’t a clear counter suit.

Keep reading for some bookmark-worthy resources and an introduction to the "Print Cut Shuffle" method.

day 4: you gotta be teachable

12/18/2018

You gotta be teachable #EpiWritingChallenge

In this age of email communication, the mood you’re in when you read strongly influences the way you perceive what you’re reading.

On Day 2 we talked about scheduling time for writing, and on Day 3 we mentioned allocating time for reading (and for answering emails).

Setting aside time to review feedback allows you to adjust your mindset.

Those changes won’t land like a bombshell on your day, but instead on an open and teachable mind.

day 3: read before you write

12/18/2018

Read before you write #EpiWritingChallenge

why spend time reading when I could be writing?

While writing regularly is an exercise in “practice makes perfect”, to truly provide good science communication, you should be absorbing information from your environment, allowing it to influence what you put back out.

Never stop learning, never stop reading.

day 2: scheduling time and making space

12/18/2018

Today we're talking about scheduling time for writing and making space for writing - both to improve productivity and to create a new habit. Let's jump in.

Scheduling time and making space to write #EpiWritingChallenge

Creating a new habit takes time, and with something like writing, it’s particularly effective to take advantage of your most productive time of day.

We often kickstart our mornings by checking our emails (here’s 7 reasons why you shouldn’t start your day with that) but if you’re a morning person, blocking off time to write would be better use of your time.