Attention, DC readers! I’ll be one of the speakers this Saturday at a meeting entitled “Science Writing: From Eureka to Digital Publishing.” I’ll be giving the “digital tools and techniques” talk. Don’t expect an html tutorial; I’ll be talking instead about how to adapt the fundamental of good science writing to new formats.
Here’s where you can register. To get the $35 member discount, use the promo code 182603.
From the meeting web site:
Co-sponsored with the Science-Medical Writing
Concentration of the Master of Arts in Writing Program, Johns Hopkins University.
From cells to stars, from evolution to swine flu, writing about diverse and complex scientific topics is an engaging, challenging endeavor requiring special skills. Today, well-known practitioners discuss how to find ideas, develop essential skills, and thrive in the digital age. Their ideas resonate with people currently working in the science or medical fields, writers who want to re-direct their work toward science or medicine, or anyone interested in how scientific information is communicated to the public.
9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Getting Started
Challenges of science writing. How to target audiences and choose an area of concentration.Ann Finkbeiner, writer, columnist, critic, and director of the Master of Arts in Science Writing Program at Johns Hopkins University; Chris Mooney, author and Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT; Nancy Shute, contributing editor and blogger for U.S. News & World Report and vice president of the National Association of Science Writers.
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Finding and Developing Ideas
Writing about advances in science and medicine, science policy, and the scientists themselves. Chris Mooney.
12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Lunch
Participants provide their own lunch.
1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Five Essential Skills of Science Writing
Explaining, storytelling, profiling people, establishing perspective, and using creative language. Jon Hamilton, correspondent, National Public Radio.
2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Digital Tools and Techniques
Succeeding in the online and multimedia world.Carl Zimmer, freelance writer for the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American, and the blog The Loom.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Advice from the Pros
Jon Hamilton, Nancy Shute, and Carl Zimmer give practical advice and answer questions.
The seminar is moderated by Nancy Shute.
LOCATION:
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit (Blue/Orange)
Originally published May 10, 2010. Copyright 2010 Carl Zimmer.