Telling Science Stories Reporting, Crafting and Editing for Journalists and Scientists

About this book

A practical manual for anyone who wants to turn scientific facts into gripping science stories, Telling Science Stories provides an overview of story elements and structure, guidance on where to locate them in scientific papers and a step-by-step guide to applying storytelling techniques to writing about science.

In this book, Martin W. Angler outlines basic storytelling elements to show how and where fledgling science storytellers can find them in scientific output. Journalistic techniques like selection through news values and narrative interviews are covered in dedicated chapters. A variety of writing techniques and approaches are presented as a way of framing science stories in ways that are informative and compelling in different media – from short films to news articles. Practical examples, selected interviews and case studies complement each chapter, with exercises and experimentation suggestions included for deeper understanding. Review questions at the end of each chapter cement the newly gained knowledge to make sure readers absorb it, with links to articles and online tools inviting further reading.

A valuable resource for students of journalism and science communication as well as professional journalists, scientists and scientists-in-training who want to engage with the public or simply improve their journal papers. Telling Science Stories is a one-stop-shop on science storytelling with a clear focus on providing practical techniques and advice on how to thrive as science writers and communicate science in all of its complexity.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Story Elements
3. Discovering Science Stories
4. Narrative Structure
5. Story Formulas
6. Language and Style
7. Screenwriting Techniques
8. Literary Techniques
9. Writing and Revising
Appendix: The Scientific Method

Customer Reviews

Biography

Martin W. Angler is a science journalist with a background in technology and journalism.