Interlude: Language Bias, Methods Sections, and Misused Words

I've often heard peer reviewers suggest that researchers have "a native English speaker" edit their papers. Although I understand the intention behind this advice—to make the writing clearer—I think the issue could be approached more thoughtfully.

I believe that all researchers can benefit from working with a skilled editor. After all, many researchers have not had any training in writing beyond their undergraduate coursework. And everyone can use a little extra support to make their writing shine—even me!

But working with a native English speaker is not the answer. This suggestion, though well-meaning, can unintentionally reinforce language bias.

A great editor or writer doesn't need to be a native English speaker. And not all native English speakers are good editors.

I’ve edited many papers for native English speakers who needed support from a ​professional editor​. And I've known many excellent editors and writers whose native language isn't English.

So rather than suggesting editing by "a native English speaker," let's encourage support from "a professional editor." This way, we keep the focus on the valuable skills and perspectives of editors who have invested in mastering their craft.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

The 3 Most Misused Words in Scientific Writing​
Words hold the power of persuasion ​because​ they influence how readers think, act, and feel. And misusing words can chip away at the clarity and credibility of your writing. In this video, you’ll learn the three most misused words in scientific and medical writing—and how choosing the most precise words can strengthen your message.

📆 Upcoming

​Anthill Med Comms Mixer​ – June 20, 2025 at 10 am PT
The world of medical communications is welcoming and supportive. The Anthill is hosting a free, online event for freelance medical writers to get to know colleagues, ask questions, and have fun. This informal, virtual event will include question prompts and breakout discussions and is open to anyone in medical communications.

👓 Reading

​What your Methods section isn’t​
"...because the thing that unifies my three recommendations is that everything about writing a paper should be done with the reader in mind. The kind of Methods section that serves your reader best may well not be the kind that’s most intuitive, or easiest, to write. But what’s most intuitive, or easiest, to write just doesn’t matter. The reader does."

​Science-integrity project will root out bad medical papers ‘and tell everyone’​
"The project, which has a US$900,000 grant from funder Open Philanthropy in San Francisco, California, to run for two years with a team of three to five people, aims specifically to root out flawed papers that have a serious impact on medical guidelines by skewing meta-analyses..."

🖥️ Watching

​But why is he always reading during his hours of labour?​
This video by @englishnjoyed is a fun skit on a common problem I see with subject-verb agreement. Tools like Grammarly often give incorrect advice on fixing this issue, so I highly recommend watching this video.

💭 Thoughts

The best way to describe complexity is with simplicity.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Uninterrupted Focus, Memorable Stories, and Trends in Authorship

Do you think that multitasking will help you accomplish more in less time?

Try the following exercise (courtesy of ​this post​ that landed in my feed):

Step 1: Count to 10.

Step 2: Cite the first 10 letters of the alphabet.

Step 3: Count to 10 and cite the first 10 letters of the alphabet by alternating between one number and one letter (eg, 1, A, 2, B...).

What did you notice? Was the third step harder and slower?

The first two steps are single tasks, so you can easily and quickly complete them. But in the third step, you need to switch between those tasks, which is harder and slower.

Out of curiosity, I timed myself while completing all three steps. I completed the first two steps in 2 seconds each, for a total of 4 seconds. How long did it take me to complete step 3?

15 seconds. That's nearly 4 times as long! 🤯

This exercise is just a simple example of how uninterrupted focus on one task at a time can help you accomplish more tasks faster and easier.

So when you need to focus and get in a flow state, avoid interruptions and multitasking so that you can get more done faster and easier.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

Make Your Science Memorable with SUCCESS Principles​
Do you want to make your scientific and medical writing memorable? In this video, I break down the six SUCCES principles of memorable messages from the bestselling book Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. I also share how these principles are relevant to scientific and medical writing. And I add a seventh principle to take your story to the next level—and add a letter to spell SUCCESS correctly.

📆 Upcoming

​Enlighten Medical Experts with the Power of Plain Language​ – June 4, 2025
I was delighted when the AMWA Mid-Atlantic chapter invited me to speak about how plain language is not just a tool for communicating with the public. Plain language is also a powerful tool for communicating with expert readers. During this presentation, I'll debunk misconceptions and share data-proven tips for simplifying writing to craft clear prose that makes the reader’s job easy. You must be a member of the AMWA Mid-Atlantic chapter to join.

...Oh, and if you're interested in sponsoring a seminar or workshop for your group, just reply to this email. I'd be delighted to exchange ideas!

👓 Reading

Scientific writing in physiology: confused/misused terms and phrases​
"In this perspective, we attempt to provide general guidance when selecting between or among options for commonly confused and misused terms in scientific writing. We have organized inaccurate, confusing, ​commonly misused​, and misleading words and phrases into separate tables categorized as general language, demographic descriptors, general science, physiological sciences, and exercise physiology."

​Global Trends in the Value of Author Order Across Medical Publications: A Cross-Sectional Bibliometric Study​
"We collected papers and examined the ​author order​ in the fields of ‘Medicine General Internal’ and ‘Surgery’. Hierarchical clustering revealed that the positions of the corresponding authors varied according to country and specialty. These findings highlight the need for clear and internationally accepted standards regarding the value of author order in academic papers, particularly in the context of advancing international collaborative research."

​Hyperprolific authorship: Unveiling the extent of extreme publishing in the ‘publish or perish’ era​
"The results reveal that hyperprolific ​authors​ are concentrated in fields such as Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Research, and Chemistry, and in countries with substantial research investments, including China, the United States, and Germany. Contrary to concerns about a trade-off between quantity and quality, hyperprolific authors tend to produce higher-impact publications on average compared to their peers. Their output is strongly associated with extensive co-authorship networks, reflecting the role of collaboration in enabling prolific publishing."

🖥️ Watching

​Why storytelling is more trustworthy than presenting data​
"Because storytelling and data is [sic] actually not this 'either/or.' It's an 'and.' They actually create this power ballad that connects you to information differently. To understand how, we have to first understand what happens neurologically when you're listening to a story and data."

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Lessons in Waiting, Communication Illusions, and Medical Art

I've recently learned an important lesson in waiting.

Several months ago, I applied for diplomate status with the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. I've had the first-level "ELS" status since 2019 and finally had the courage to apply for the diplomate status of "ELS(D)."

For the application, I had to submit a portfolio of my editing work for review by a panel of editors with diplomate status. And let me tell you that I was nervous to have my work dissected by a panel of highly skilled editors!

Honestly, I think my nerves were a good reminder of how my collaborators (whom you might call "clients") might feel when they send me a project to review.

I've always been aware of how my collaborators might feel when they receive my editing suggestions, which is why I'm thoughtful about the changes I suggest and the comments I add to the draft. But I had not considered how they might feel while waiting for my editing suggestions.

I suppose one difference is that my collaborators have the benefit of a set date for when they will get their project returned to them, whereas I only knew I would get news within a handful of months. But I think this process showed me that I can do better by also considering how my collaborators might feel while waiting for my suggestions.

So the next time you are waiting for something, ask yourself what lessons you can take away from the process.

And in case you're wondering, after nearly 4 months of waiting, I finally heard news this week. I'm thrilled to share that I'm now one of less than 40 international editors who have the diplomate status Editor in the Life Sciences! 🎉

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​The #1 Cause of to Bad Scientific Writing​
What is the top contributor to poor scientific and medical writing? The curse of knowledge. In this video, you'll learn what the curse of knowledge is, how it tricks all of us into thinking we’re communicating well, how I discovered my curse of knowledge, and five actionable strategies you can use to break the curse in your writing.

👓 Reading

​Scientia machina: a proposed conceptual framework for a technology-accelerated system of biomedical science​
"Creating a new technology-accelerated knowledge system for biomedical science—what I’m calling here Scientia Machina—may be best approached through first articulating the conceptual and epistemological framework of the current system of biomedical science as it moves from data to information to evidence to knowledge and its application. Along the way it passes through layers of trust and is eventually captured in the artifacts of biomedical science we have come to rely on and expect. For applications of emerging technology—such as the automated complex information processing of AI and the automated trust and governance of blockchain—to be most beneficial to science, we should use them to systematically augment and accelerate these processes and create the artifacts of science while maintaining or improving the basic conceptual framework of biomedical knowledge discovery and implementation."

​Granting access: Development of a formal course to demystify and promote predoctoral fellowship applications for graduate students​
"Outcomes of GWB [Grant Writing Basics] include a substantial increase in the number of applications submitted and fellowships awarded. Rigorous evaluation provides evidence that learning objectives were met and that students gained confidence in both their scientific writing skills and their ability to give constructive feedback. Our findings show that investment in formal training in written scientific communication provides a foundation for good writing habits, and the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this vital aspect of a scientific research career."

🧰 Tools

​Smart Servier Medical Art​
"Are you a medical student, healthcare professional, or researcher searching for high-quality medical illustrations to elevate your educational materials, ​research articles​, or ​presentations​? Look no further—Servier Medical Art is your ultimate resource, offering over 3,000 free, professional-grade medical images tailored to meet your needs."

💬 Quote

“The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” –George Bernard Shaw

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Training Every Day, Choosing a Journal, and AI Disclosures

I was scrolling on Instagram the other day, and ​this post​ grabbed my attention.

Basically, the creator makes a visual case for how athletes train every day to master their craft, but business professionals only train every once in a while. The creator then asks, "Are we doing something wrong?"

I think so. And I think the same case can be made for scientific writing (or any form of academic writing).

Many researchers believe they ​spend 25%–50% (or more) of their time writing​. Yet, few organizations offer adequate training in writing. And if they do, they might host a webinar or a half-day workshop. Or they might throw you in front of a firehose by cramming as much as possible into a weekend retreat.

You might walk away from these trainings feeling energized and with a few nuggets of helpful information, but the rest will fall from your memory within a few months or weeks (or less). This approach is not the best way to learn and retain something, especially when it comes to mastering the craft of writing.

That's why I created the Redwood Ink Academy. It's a place where researchers and professional writers can get longer term access to course materials, my ongoing support, and an encouraging community (which is so important in the current research climate).

My intention here is not to make a sales pitch. My intention is to highlight that there is a better way to develop your skills that goes beyond reading a book, attending a webinar, or participating in a weekend training. And my hope is that you will take steps to find the most fruitful ways to get the support you need to become the best writer you can be.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​How to Choose the Right Journal for Your Manuscript​
Choosing a journal for your manuscript can be challenging. Many people focus on the impact factor, or they are overwhelmed with so many choices that they just submit to journals that they’ve published in before. But choosing the right journal for your manuscript can make or break the broader, longer-term impact of your work. In this video, I walk you through the most important factors to consider when choosing a journal for your manuscript.

👓 Reading

​Rethinking journal metrics: how enhanced publication content improves engagement​
"…57.9% of HCPs still rely on impact factor when selecting articles to read or choosing where to publish. However, such metrics do not always reflect the true value or reach of research. To move away from this outdated method of research assessment, publication professionals must advocate for a shift towards more diverse and transparent metrics, as outlined by the Declaration on Research Assessment. Additionally, efforts should focus on encouraging HCPs to engage with a more varied pool of publications, select appropriate target journals, and promote open access.”

​Disclosing artificial intelligence use in scientific research and publication: When should disclosure be mandatory, optional, or unnecessary?​
"We distinguish between mandatory, optional, and unnecessary disclosure of AI use, arguing that disclosure should be mandatory only when AI use is intentional and substantial. AI use is intentional when it is directly employed with a specific goal or purpose in mind. AI use is substantial when it 1) produces evidence, analysis, or discussion that supports or elaborates on the conclusions/findings of a study; or 2) directly affects the content of the research/publication. To support the application of our framework, we state three criteria for identifying substantial AI uses in research: a) using AI to make decisions that directly affect research results; b) using AI to generate content, data or images; and c) using AI to analyze content, data or images.”

🎧 Listening

​Megapod: The Crisis in American Science ​– Plain English Podcast
Several months ago, I said that I would keep this newsletter free of the challenges we are facing in American science. I am making an exception for this podcast episode, mostly because I learned a lot about the history of the NIH. The episode includes three expert interviews about (1) what’s happening to American science and why it’s so serious, (2) how the American science system works and where it came from, and (3) how American science could be reformed.

💬 Quote

Last week, I was in a meeting with Tamsen Webster, founder of the Message Design Institute (we collaborate for TEDxNewEngland). During the meeting, she made a casual statement that struck me so profoundly that I immediately wrote it down to share with you. Her words are more relevant now than ever.

“Inference is the enemy when it comes to understanding.” – Tamsen Webster

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Manuscript Order, Beyond PubMed, and Secret Cameras in Excel

Last week, I made a small error that many editors might find discreditable.

Just before my newsletter went out, I thought I'd do another quick pass through the text. I wanted to change the wording ever-so-slightly (meaning, the change didn't really make a difference). And in a mad dash to schedule the newsletter, I made the change quickly.

And that quick change resulted in...a typo. Right out of the gate. Sigh.

When I noticed the typo, I immediately felt embarrassed. But rather than get swallowed in my embarrassment over a typo, I paused and thought about the lessons I could take away from it.

Lesson #1: Avoid making "quick" last-minute changes that aren't crucial. These changes could lead to much bigger problems than a typo.

Lesson #2: Give yourself grace. You can be highly skilled at something and still overlook things and make mistakes (especially when rushed).

Lesson #3: You are your own harshest critic. (This one is actually something that my college advisor shared with me and that has stuck with me ever since.) Be kind to yourself.

Although I'm still a bit embarrassed by the small typo, I think it was a great reminder of some bigger life lessons.

What is something that a typo has taught you? Hit reply and let me know.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​Best Order to Draft Sections of a Research Manuscript​
Are you struggling to figure out the best order to draft the sections of your research manuscript? Whether you’re just starting out, have bits and pieces drafted, or are looking to optimize your writing process, this video is for you. You’ll learn a practical, 10-step process for drafting the main sections of a research manuscript that will help you build momentum and save time and energy.

👓 Reading

​Inclusion of Retracted Studies in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
"This study found that retracted studies have been included in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with retractions occurring mainly after the publication of the systematic review. The inclusion of retracted studies can impact the results and interpretation of reviews. Quality control measures should be implemented to prevent the dissemination of unreliable data in scientific literature.”

🎧 Listening

Beyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure Map​ – Write Medicine
PubMed is a well-known resource for evidence-based information for researchers, clinicians, educators, and medical communicators. But with recent uncertainties at the NIH, many people are concerned about PubMed's future. In this podcast episode, medical librarian Rachel Wedeward, MLIS, AHIP, reveals why PubMed matters and practical alternatives to this platform.

🖥️ Watching

​The Problem of Creating Value with Words (Highlights)​
In this video, Larry McEnerney, former director of the University of Chicago's writing program, shares his thoughts on the role of words in creating value in academic writing, the relationship between thinking, writing, and reading; why an outdated model of science leads to writing with no value; and more.

🧰 Tools

Excel has a secret camera button​
Do you need to take a picture of a table in Excel but don't want the image to look like an amateur screenshot? This feature lets you capture an image of an entire table or part of a table. And if you change a value in the table, Excel will automatically update that value in the image.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: YouTube, Human Expertise, and Self-Retraction

I have big news!

I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can help researchers and other professional writers learn how to write better (and enjoy the process!). So after mulling over the idea for longer than I'd like to admit, I've decided the take a big leap...

I started a ​YouTube channel​! 🎉

On the channel, I'll share weekly videos packed with principles, frameworks, and strategies that can help you optimize your writing and writing process.

I'm so excited about this new journey. And I've already uploaded my first two videos (linked below). I'm still fine-tuning things, but I hope that you will at least find the information in these first videos valuable.

If you like the videos, please give them a thumbs up so that I know the type of content that you find most helpful. And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a thing.

And if there is something you'd like me to discuss on the channel, add your ideas to the video comments. I started this channel for you, so I want to be sure I'm creating something that you will find valuable.

​Check out the channel​

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​This book changed how I think about scientific writing​
In this first episode of the book club series, we'll dive into my favorite book about scientific writing: Writing Science in Plain English by Anne E. Greene. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to make their scientific and medical writing clear, engaging, and accessible. I share my favorite takeaways and practical tips you can use to transform your writing, bridge gaps between disciplines, and connect with a broader audience.

​This common phrase could manipulate reviewers​
Are you using a common phrase in your scientific and medical writing that could be eroding your credibility? In this video, I reveal the two-part phrase that could be perceived as manipulating reviewers, editors, and other readers. You’ll learn why this language might weaken your arguments, erode your credibility, and damage trust in your work, you, and science. And you'll learn a better way to show the novelty of your work and persuade reviewers.

👓 Reading

​CONSORT 2025 Statement: Updated Guideline for Reporting Randomized Trials​
"We have made substantive changes to the CONSORT checklist. We added 7 new checklist items, revised 3 items, deleted 1 item, and integrated several items from key CONSORT extensions. We also restructured the CONSORT checklist, with a new section on open science. The CONSORT 2025 statement consists of a 30-item checklist of essential items that should be included when reporting the results of a randomized trial and a diagram for documenting the flow of participants through the trial."

​Artificial intelligence in academic writing: Enhancing or replacing human expertise?​
"The study reveals that AI-generated articles exhibit higher readability scores...but may lack depth in analysis. Evaluators could correctly identify AI authorship with 61 % accuracy, and preferences were nearly even between AI-generated (47 %) and human-written (44 %) articles. While AI improves accessibility and efficiency in academic writing, its limitations in clinical experience, originality, and nuanced analysis highlight the need for human oversight. The integration of AI should be as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human expertise."

​Self-retraction as redemption: Forgiveness for repentant authors​
"...this paper proposes a model for Hierarchical Self-Retraction Forgiveness (HSRF). The model is specifically designed for retractions related to misconduct, aiming to mitigate systemic obstacles to retraction. By alleviating concerns over reputational damage, it seeks to encourage both authors and their affiliated institutions, as well as the higher supporting layers of the system, to engage in self-retraction without fear of social or institutional penalties."

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Unconventional, Time Management, and Misunderstanding AI

Happy National DNA Day! Today, I'm recalling one of the most seminal scientific papers ever published—​Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid​ by Watson and Crick.

This paper had a profound impact on the scientific community that lives on more than 70 years later. Yet, the style of writing deviates from conventions that many people believe are expected today.

The text is brief and direct. The authors use first person, ​simple words​, and ​short sentences​ and paragraphs. And readers do not need to read a sentence more than once to understand the meaning.

I'll admit that the writing isn't perfect (no writing is). I would certainly suggest a few edits (especially to remove ​expletive pronouns​). But this paper is an incredible example that you don't have to follow writing conventions to make a valuable contribution to science. Especially when those writing conventions are not backed by evidence and plague poor scientific writing.

So when you think you need to follow the conventional path to fit in, maybe you just need to follow the unconventional path to stand out.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

👓 Reading

​Has AI Replaced Editors?​
"Fundamentally, the question of whether AI is a good substitute for a human editor is a misunderstanding of what AI is. AI is a tool. It can be useful in helping you spot errors or improve your writing, but it can also make poor or redundant suggestions that will waste your time and confuse your readers. In this way, though AI is cheap and fast, it cannot replace the knowledge and expertise of a ​professional editor​."

​20,000 scientists publish at unrealistic rates, study says​
"The analysis...found that around 10% of those on the list—around 20,000 scientists—published an improbable number of papers. Some produced hundreds of studies per year with hundreds to thousands of new coauthors annually. . .What surprised Pilia and Mora is the sheer number of authors who seem to be using unethical practices, such as ​coauthorship​ listing without adequate input to the research, to boost their publication numbers. Around 1,000 of them are early-career researchers who have worked in academia for 10 years or less."

​Productivity​
In this article, Sam Altman shares many of his ​productivity​ tips. The tip that I'm mulling over: "In general, I think it’s good to overcommit a little bit. I find that I generally get done what I take on, and if I have a little bit too much to do it makes me more efficient at everything, which is a way to train to avoid distractions (a great habit to build!). However, overcommitting a lot is disastrous."

🖥️ Watching

​How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines)​
"Human beings and computers alike share the challenge of how to get as much done as possible in a limited time. Over the last fifty or so years, computer scientists have learned a lot of good strategies for managing time effectively — and they have a lot of experience with what can go wrong. Brian Christian shares how we can use some of these insights to help make the most of our own lives."

💬 Quote

"There is no form of prose more difficult to understand and more tedious to read than the average scientific paper." – Francis Crick

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Procrastination, Weird Phrases, and Metrics of Success

What is the root of procrastination?

Many of us think that procrastination is due to problems with motivation or time management. And we think that we can solve these problems with willpower and better organization.

But procrastination is not rooted in discipline. It's rooted in emotion.

Procrastination is often due to avoiding uncomfortable emotions—the stress, fear, or discomfort we associate with a task.

“Procrastination is an emotion regulation problem, not a time management problem.” – Dr. Tim Pychyl

So how can you overcome procrastination? Here's a simple, three-step process that I've found helpful.

1️⃣ Notice when you're procrastinating

When you find that you’re avoiding something, take a moment to ask yourself how you are feeling. Identify the emotion that is getting in the way.

2️⃣ Reframe the task

After you identify the emotion, shift your mindset. If you're feeling anxious, break the task into smaller tasks. If you're feeling uncomfortable, remind yourself that discomfort is often an opportunity to grow.

3️⃣ Take just one tiny step

After managing your mindset, take the smallest possible action to just get started. Often once you start, you'll find momentum to keep going.

How do you overcome procrastination? Hit reply and let me know.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

🎉 Featured

​Interview on the The Bold PhD Podcast​
I was thrilled that Gertrude Nonterah, PhD, invited me to talk with her on The Bold PhD Podcast. Check out the episode to hear our conversation on the challenges of starting a career in medical writing, the journey of climbing the career “jungle gym,” and the ways you can hone your writing skills. ​Web​ | ​Apple​ | ​YouTube​

👓 Reading

​A weird phrase is plaguing scientific papers – and we traced it back to a glitch in AI training data​
"Earlier this year, scientists discovered a peculiar term appearing in published papers: 'vegetative electron microscopy'.

"This phrase, which sounds technical but is actually nonsense, has become a 'digital fossil' – an error preserved and reinforced in artificial intelligence (AI) systems that is nearly impossible to remove from our knowledge repositories.

"Like biological fossils trapped in rock, these digital artefacts may become permanent fixtures in our information ecosystem.

"The case of vegetative electron microscopy offers a troubling glimpse into how AI systems can perpetuate and amplify errors throughout our collective knowledge."

​On defining your own metrics of success​
"If you’re an academic scientist like Dr. Montgomery, or like me, you’ll know that career advancement usually depends more than we might like on various metrics that attempt to quantify scientific achievement and impact – things like numbers of papers published, number of graduate students supervised, number of undergraduate courses taught, even the dreaded H-index.

"The alternative Montgomery offers is that of rejecting these externally imposed metrics in favour of your own – or at least, supplementing them with your own. She describes her own practice of defining something she calls the “B-index” (for Beronda), which is a set of personal goals or criteria she then uses in self-assessments – and that she advocates for as she goes through more formal assessments in her career."

🎧 Listening

​Interview with Editor-in-Chief of Nature Magdalena Skipper – SSP’s Early Career Development Podcast​
In this interview, Magdalena Skipper shares how the beauty of being an ​editor​ is that you stay connected to science and the research ecosystem, but with a broader focus that lets you stand right behind researchers and "look over their shoulder" as they make discoveries and develop solutions. Her words so accurately describe one reason why I love what I do.

🎓 Training

​CME Writing Success Formula​ – April 23, 2025 @ 10 am PT
If you’re curious about writing in continuing medical education (CME), CME guru Alex Howson is hosting a free 1-hour live workshop designed to help you launch your CME writing journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this hands-on session, Alex will walk you through the four foundational pillars of a successful freelance CME writing business: craft, knowledge, business, and wellbeing.

📆 Upcoming in the Redwood Ink Academy

​Writing Feedback Lab​ – April 23, 2025
During writing feedback labs, members of the Redwood Ink Academy can get feedback on their writing from me and other members of the community. In this month's Writing Feedback Lab, we will review the Discussion section of one of our member's research manuscripts. You must be enrolled in ​​​Scientific Writing Simplified​​​ to join.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Asymptotic Editing, Copying Tables, and the Pressure for Perfection

How do you know when you are done editing?

I get asked this question a lot. And I get it. Editing is an iterative process that can feel like an endless path to an unattainable destination of perfection.

I recently heard someone describe this process mathematically. And if you know a little about me, I'm a former math nerd turned word nerd, so I'm all for a math analogy related to writing.

Editing is asymptotic. (I have to give credit to my friend Leslie for this one. Thanks, Leslie!)

In case you're not a math nerd like me, an ​asymptote​ continuously approaches a specific value as a variable tends toward a limit, often infinity, without ever actually reaching it. In other words, as you change the variable (edit the text), the line get closer and closer to the desired result (the "perfect" draft) but never actually reaches it.

That analogy is a great way to describe the editing process. No matter how many changes you make, perfection is unattainable.

But if you cannot reach perfection, how do you know when you are done editing?

For me, I know that I'm done when the changes I make aren't really improving the writing. They might make things different, but not better.

How about you? How do you know when you are done editing? Hit reply and let me know.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

👓 Reading

​Writing for Greater Impact: How to Improve Readability​
Readability is not just for the general public. It's for everyone, including experts. (If you're skeptical, ​check out my free masterclass​.) In the article, Nature Portfolio’s expert trainer Dr. Jeffrey Robens shares fantastic strategies for how to improve the readability of your writing for all readers.

...Oh, and if you want to even more strategies, check out my ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ course inside the Redwood Ink Academy.

​Perfection Under Pressure​
I recently downloaded this free ebook from Draftsmith. The book is packed with "real-world strategies top editors, writers, and translators use to juggle deadlines, maintain excellence, and stay sane in an industry obsessed with perfection." I highly recommend checking it out.

🧰 Tools

​Excel trick for copying printed tables​
Have you ever had a table in a printed document or online that you needed to put into Excel? Rather than manually create every cell of that table, you can use a function in Excel to create the table for you. This is a great time saver and helps you avoid inputting errors.

🎓 Training

​Finding the Freelance Clients You Deserve​ – The Mighty Marketer
In this 7-week online course + personal coaching with Lori De Milto, you can discover exactly how to get the steady, high-paying clients you deserve. Lori recently gave me some marketing tips that were outstanding, so I know that if you are a freelancer, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

💬 Quote

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." –Vince Lombardi

📆 Upcoming in the Redwood Ink Academy

Writing Journal Club – April 16, 2025 In this spin on the classic journal club, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the writing in manuscripts, grant proposals, and other documents. Next week, we'll continue our manuscript series by discussing the results section of a research manuscript. You must be enrolled in ​​Scientific Writing Simplified​​ to join.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Persuasion Consistency, Stealth Corrections, and Book Printing

Persuasion is an important part of scientific and medical writing. You want to write in a way that supports the ​three pillars of persuasion​ so that you can motivate readers to publish, fund, cite, and otherwise recognize your work.

But is persuasion about intensity or consistency?

I recently read an ​Instagram post​ with the following message:

"You throw a bucket of water on a rock and it doesn't do anything. You let a drop of water fall onto a rock every day and it creates a hole.

Consistency beats intensity.

Although the post was referring to goal setting, I think this same concept applies to persuasion.

When you intensely "pour a bucket" of promotional words into the text, persuasion surges on occasion and feels forced and like hype.

But when you consistently use strong verbs and well-framed arguments, persuasion permeates the entire document and feels natural and real.

I think this consistency is a much stronger way to show confidence without being pretentious, and to gently—but powerfully—motivate readers to take action.

So when it comes to persuasion, I believe that consistency beats intensity.

What do you think?

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

📆 Upcoming in the Redwood Ink Academy

Mastermind Calls
Next week is mastermind week, when you can join a small group of fellow members in your career path for a live Zoom conversation, Q&A, and hot seats. These calls are great opportunities for collectively brainstorming ways to tackle writing challenges. You must be enrolled in ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ to join.

...Oh, and if you're not sure if Scientific Writing Simplified is for you, ​check out this free masterclass​.

👓 Reading

​The Existence of Stealth Corrections in Scientific Literature—A Threat to Scientific Integrity​
"The stealth corrections presented in this paper demonstrate a fundamental and mostly ignored problem in the scientific literature. Correct documentation and transparency are of the utmost importance to uphold scientific integrity and the trustworthiness of science. Post-publication changes need to be clear for readers to understand if, and why, changes have been made."

​Author fees and waivers​ – Committee on Publication Ethics
"Scholarly journals may charge a variety of author fees, such as page charges, colour charges, editing, peer review, or article improvement fees, submission fees, fees for uploading supplementary files, and (open access) article processing charges, also called article publishing (or publication) charges (APCs). Journals should have clear policies in place to deal with direct or indirect conflicts of interest arising from charging author fees, including policies on how and when fees are disclosed, applied, and administered."

🖥️ Watching

​How books are printed​
Have you ever wondered what the process of book printing looks like? This Instragram post shares an inside look into a machine that prints thousands of books every day.

💬 Quote

“In the short term, you are as good as your intensity. In the long term, you are only as good as your consistency.” – Shane Parrish

💭 Thoughts

Even the best writers need editors. Olympians have coaches. CEOs have mentors. Leaders have advisors. An editor will help you become the best writer you can be.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Recovery Days, AI in Publishing, and the Oxford Comma

Have you ever thought that you just need a "lazy day" when you don't need to do anything on your to-do list?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine shared that she was feeling exhausted and just needed a lazy day to recoup. But I could sense that she felt guilty for wanting to have a day like that.

I think her feelings are related to how we think and feel about the word "lazy." We associate the word with being unproductive and even not caring about things getting done.

But I think this association is flawed. I think that lazy days are about resting so that we have more energy and motivation to be productive.

So I've decided to stop calling them "lazy days" and instead call them "recovery days."

In sports, recovery days are not just days to "do nothing." They are days to let our bodies rest to prevent injuries and get stronger.

The same is true for our minds. We need recovery days to prevent injuries (like burnout) and get stronger (have better mental clarity).

So when you need a day of rest, think of that day as a needed recovery day. And give yourself permission to build recovery days into your calendar—guilt free.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

📆 Upcoming in the Redwood Ink Academy

​Quarterly Quests Workshop​ – April 4, 2025
Big annual goals can feel overwhelming. But breaking big goals into smaller quests can make progress feel achievable, motivating, and exciting. Next week, we are kicking off a new recurring workshop in the Redwood Ink Academy. During this interactive workshop, you'll get clear on your most important goals for the next 90 days and map out a plan to accomplish them. You must be enrolled in ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ to join.

👓 Reading

​AI in SLRs: a tool, not a replacement​
"AI tools can streamline SLRs [systematic literature reviews] by analysing large datasets, summarising and grouping data, identifying patterns, and visualising findings – all in a fraction of the time it would take a team of researchers. However, careful attention must be given to how ​AI tools​ handle sensitive input data, including confidential content, copyrighted material, and personal information. Human validation remains essential to address potential inaccuracies, ‘hallucinations’, omissions, and bias produced by AI."

​Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) usage guidelines for scholarly publishing: a cross-sectional study of medical journals​
"Although most medical journals provided their own GAI usage guidelines or referenced external guidelines, some recommendations remained unspecified. For example, many journals did not address whether AI can be used for data analysis and interpretation, or whether authors should conduct fact-checking. . . Additionally, journals with lower SJR scores were less likely to provide guidelines, indicating a potential gap that warrants attention."

🖥️ Watching

​The case of the missing Oxford comma. Are you for or against its use?​
This Instagram post by @englishenjoyed is an entertaining skit on why the ​Oxford (or serial) comma​ "is not just a flourish—it is a guardian of clarity."

💬 Quote

The most powerful productivity tool ever invented is simply the word "no.” – Shane Parrish

💭 Thoughts

Editing while writing is like driving with the emergency brake on.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: SCSIR Database, Maximizing Impact, and Promotional Language in Grants

After I opened my ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ course to investigators who had their federal grants terminated, several writers and editors reached out to me to offer help with the program.

Although they can't exactly help with my course and community, I had an idea.

And I ran with it.

This morning, I launched the ​Science Communicators Supporting Impacted Researchers (SCSIR) Database​.

The SCSIR Database is a free resource to connect volunteer science communicators with researchers whose federal grants were terminated by the new US administration. This database houses information shared by science communicators who are willing to offer pro bono services to support impacted researchers and help them find alternative funding sources, shift research focuses, or transition career paths.

This database will be an evolving project. I welcome your feedback—just hit reply to let me know. And if there is a lot of interest, I already have plans for what to do next.

If you are a science communicator, I hope you'll consider adding your information to the database to support our struggling research community. And if you're a researcher, please share this resource with someone in your community who needs the extra support.

​Learn more about the SCSIR Database​

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​How to Transform Your Writing to Maximize Your Impact​
In this FREE masterclass, you'll discover the top 3 challenges that get in the way of clear, compelling writing; the surprising truths about writing for experts in your field; the #1 thing holding you back from maximizing your impact; and a simple framework that will help you transform your writing.

👓 Reading

Use of Promotional Language in Grant Applications and Grant Success​
"This survey study revealed a correlation between the percentage of promotional language in grant proposals and the likelihood of funding success, with applications featuring a higher fraction of promotional words having increased odds of being funded. Our analysis also revealed that men tend to use more promotional language than women across various funding levels. This finding underscores the significant association of linguistic style alongside scientific merit in determining funding outcomes."

​Linking citation and retraction data reveals the demographics of scientific retractions among highly cited authors​
"Retractions were more common in the life sciences and rare or nonexistent in several other disciplines. In several developing countries, very high proportions of top-cited scientists had retractions (highest in Senegal (66.7%), Ecuador (28.6%), and Pakistan (27.8%) in career-long citation impact lists). Variability in retraction rates across fields and countries suggests differences in research practices, scrutiny, and ease of retraction."

🖥️ Watching

​The 60 seconds that make or break a conversation​
I'll admit that I think the title is a bit "clickbaity," but the video is worth the watch. In this TEDx talk, you'll discover a three-step technique to help you frame your next conversation with a TIP: topic, intention, and point.

💬 Quote

One of my students shared part of a poem with me recently (Thanks, Maria!). It really speaks to how I've been feeling lately, so I wanted to share it with you. You can find the full poem ​here​.

“Good timber does not grow with ease.
The stronger wind, the tougher trees.
The further sky, the greater length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.”

–Douglass Malloch

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Sick of It, Strategic Thinking, and Feedback Framework

Have you ever thought that you're sick of working on a particular project? That you've given everything you have to give to something and feel like you just can't see straight anymore?

That feeling might be a good thing.

Sometimes, being "sick of it" is a symptom that shows how hard you've worked on something and how much you care about it.

So you may not actually be sick of it. You might just care a lot about getting it right. And that's a big part of making your work the best it can be.

So if you're feeling sick of working on a project—whether it's a manuscript, grant proposal, presentation, or something else exciting—congratulations! You just might be on the verge of something extraordinary.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

🎉 Featured

​The Future of Editing – Three Experts Share Insights at AMWA 2024​
I was thrilled to discover that I was featured in an article about a panel discussion I joined at the AMWA conference last year. During the session, we talked about mentoring scientific and medical communicators, encouraging use of ​inclusive language​, navigating cultural differences among diverse clients and colleagues, and adopting helpful technology tools to make your work faster and easier.

💻 From My Desk

​Passive Voice Primer​ – Now Available for Free!
Do you often debate whether to use passive or active voice in your writing? Have reviewers or colleagues advised you to revise ​passive voice​ in your manuscript, grant proposal, or other document? The Passive Voice Primer mini-course will give you the skills, strategy, and resources you need to confidently use passive voice to strengthen your writing and maximize the impact of your work.

👓 Reading

The question every academic writer should be asking themselves​
"Most of us are so involved in our text that we forget to pay attention to the other player in this game: the reader. We find it hard to stop and think about where our reader is, what our reader is thinking of, and what our reader needs. Instead, we focus on ourselves: 'What do I want to say here?' and 'What do I find important?'...There is one basic way to improve your writing skills: shift your perspective."

🖥️ Watching

Simon Sinek on How to Improve Strategic Thinking​
In this video, author and public speaker Simon Sinek shares how strategic thinking can be improved by using simple, direct language that people understand. "When the language is clear, when the language is specific, when the language is simple, it's easy."

🧰 Tools

​I Like | I Wish | I Wonder​
This Miro template is a great ​framework​ to help you ensure you give great feedback that covers three areas: I like (what was done well), I wish (what could be improved), and I wonder (what new questions arise).

💬 Quote

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Transformation, Terminated Grants, and Risks to PubMed

I recently read an investigator's termination letter from the NIH. It broke my heart, not only for the research team but also for the study participants. It's devastating...and just beginning.

Last week, I mentioned that I'm giving a lot of thought to how I can help in the current funding climate. I want to help the principal investigators (PIs) who have had their grants terminated. So, I'm starting a little program to help them strengthen their odds of receiving a new award from the NIH or other organization.

I am sponsoring 20 PIs who have had their federal grants terminated to join our Scientific Writing Simplified course and the Redwood Ink Academy at no charge (no payment information required). I hope to expand this program to more PIs, and even co-investigators and other research team members, as our resources and capacity allow.

You can ​find more information and the application on our website​.

I know that this program doesn’t change what’s happening or have a hugely broad impact. But it’s at least a small contribution that I can make to help in this situation. I know that every contribution, no matter the size, can help.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

Passive Voice Primer​
I'm excited to share that my Passive Voice Primer course is now available for free! This course will guide you in overcoming one of the biggest challenges in scientific and medical writing—the simple way.

👓 Reading

​Writing as Transformation​
"Writing became almost immediately the form of communication that seemed to me most true and least fraught. Important conversations are routinely remembered differently. Of speech, an impression remains, which memory amplifies and distorts. No two people hearing the same remarks are likely to have identical memories of what was said. Certainly, the exact words will not be remembered. Whereas the written word can be remembered only exactly; if a written line is not repeated exactly, word for word, it is not being remembered, it is being paraphrased. The existing text will confirm this. In that text, words do not mutate or switch places. Meaning can be disputed, but the actual words survive argument and mutilation."

​Generative AI exists because of the transformer​
Do you wonder how Large Language Models (LLMs) work? This interactive and beautifully crafted guide shows what's really happening behind the scenes.

🎧 Listening

PubMed Uncertainty: Smart Alternatives for CME Professionals​
Many of us depend on PubMed for evidence-based research. But with looming funding changes, this go-to resource is at risk. In this episode of Write Medicine, Alex Howson shares what’s happening with PubMed and why it matters, alternative tools for researching the medical literature, and actionable strategies to future-proof your literature search and avoid research roadblocks.

💬 Quote

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Grant Opportunities, Recycled Images, and the Power of Names

If you've been around here for a while, you know that I'm particular about word choice. I believe that the words we choose have the power to affect how people think, act, and feel.

I believe that names can have the same power.

That's why I chose my company name, Redwood Ink. If you're interested in that story, check out our About page (scroll to the bottom).

When I chose the name of our learning community, The Grove, I took the same approach. I chose the name because in a grove of redwood trees, the trees gain strength by intertwining their shallow roots to withstand strong winds, floods, and tumultuous storms.

In our community, we know that as individuals, we can overcome challenges and continue to grow. But together, we can support each other to strengthen our writing and the impact we make in the world.

As much as I love how "The Grove" represents the values of our learning community, I'm excited to announce that we've changed the name to Redwood Ink Academy! 🎉

The concept of "The Grove" will still represent the driving philosophy of our community, but the new name better aligns with our future vision. And we are so excited for what's to come!

The Redwood Ink Academy is the new home for all our courses: Scientific Writing Simplified, Passive Voice Primer, and Inclusive Language Fundamentals. Right now, you can only get access to the full community through Scientific Writing Simplified.

More to come soon.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

Alternative Grant Funding Opportunities​
The current situation with federal funding is challenging and unpredictable, and I’m giving a lot of thought to how I can help. One thing I can do is share resources to find alternative funding sources for your research. In a recent LinkedIn post, I shared four great repositories worth exploring. If you know about other great resources, hit reply and let me know.

📆 Upcoming in The Redwood Ink Academy

AI Tools and Strategies for Research and Writing – March 4, 2025 @ 12 pm PT
Do you struggle to know what AI tools to use and how to use them for your work? Join us for an interactive webinar with AI whisperer Núria Negrão, PhDto discover the best AI tools and strategies to help with your research and writing. You must be enrolled in Scientific Writing Simplified to join.

👓 Reading

Language errors in pain medicine: An umbrella review​
"All articles contained at least one error in language, there were no differences in the proportions of errors in language in review articles between years of publication, and various predictors were mostly not associated with a higher or lower number of errors in language counts in articles. Our findings reveal the need for heightened awareness among researchers, clinicians, journals and editorial boards regarding the prevalence and impact of these errors."

​Journal Editors Look to Artificial Intelligence to Spot Recycled Images Before Publication​
"As reports of manipulated western blots, microscopy, and other images in scientific journals mount up, editors and publishers are seeking ways to spot them before they end up in print. Commercial artificial intelligence programs that can compare millions of published images to find copies and corruptions may be one solution, editors said."

🖥️ Watching

Did you know these Google secrets?​
In this Instagram post, @setupspawn shares three fun tools to explore. Give yourself a break to play Katamari, create new emojis, and add a rainbow to your spreadsheet.

💭 Thoughts

Choosing words for writing is like choosing spices for cooking.

Salt and sugar may look similar, but they have different flavors that affect how people experience the meal.

Words may seem like synonyms, but they have different meanings that affect how people experience the writing.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Prioritizing Tasks, Research Assessments, and Conflicts of Interest

Have you ever thought, "If I could just get caught up, then I could do [X thing]."

That thought crossed my mind earlier this week. And then I remembered something I realized while reading Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. We never really "catch up" and accomplish everything on our to-do list. We will forever be adding things to that list.

So I realized that I need to stop thinking about completing all the tasks on my to-do list and instead think about prioritizing the tasks on my to-do list. And I need to accept that the prioritizing process will be a cycle that gets continually repeated over time.

Suddenly, I felt less overwhelmed and more focused on the actions I could take.

So if you're struggling to "catch up" on your to-do list, take a moment to review your list and prioritize the tasks. You might even try The Time Management Matrix described by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I've found that process helpful for ensuring I prioritize the right tasks.

What is your process for prioritizing tasks? Hit reply and let me know.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

📆 Upcoming in The Grove

AI Tools and Strategies for Research and Writing – Núria Negrão, PhD
Do you struggle to know what AI tools to use and how to use them for your work? Join us for an interactive webinar with an AI whisperer to discover the best AI tools and strategies to help with your research and writing. You must be enrolled in Scientific Writing Simplified to join.

👓 Reading

Engagement Evolution: How Metrics and Enhanced Publication Content Shape Readership​
"...publication professionals should advocate for a shift towards more innovative, transparent and robust metrics for research assessment, echoing sentiments from the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). The core objective of DORA is to advance a more comprehensive and equitable system for research assessment, shifting emphasis away from traditional metrics like journal impact factors and evaluating research on its merit and significance rather than relying on the journal in which the work is published."

​Are conflicts of interest reported transparently in healthcare guidelines?​
"Clear and complete reporting of COIs [conflicts of interest] and funding is crucial for credibility and is monitored as a key open science indicator. Yet existing checklists, such as Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT), often lack detail on how to report COIs and funding. Xun et al. aimed to address this, building on RIGHT to develop a COI- and funding-specific extension. RIGHT-COI&F can be used both while developing healthcare guidelines and to assess completeness of COI and funding reporting."

🖥️ Watching

​Why you’ll never “get on top of everything”​
"If you set out on some big project of scheduling your time very, very, very strictly, not only will you probably fail and get very stressed, but even if you succeed, you'll fail in a way because there'll be some lack of spontaneity to that path, a sense of having to carry out these instructions that you've given yourself that is at odds with what we really value from being alive. And so that's why we need a way of understanding and thinking about work and productivity that does not treat getting on top of everything as the goal, explains Burkeman. Here, he lays out four guiding principles to lead a better, more fulfilling life."

🧰 Tools

Motifolio Biomedical PowerPoint Toolkit​
A colleague recently recommended this toolkit of images for creating slides for PowerPoint presentations. You can access a sample subset of slides for free to help you decide if you want to purchase a field-specific or comprehensive toolkit.

💬 Quote

“Don’t let the things that matter least, get in the way of the things that matter most.” – Roy T. Bennett

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Breaks, Tactics, and Taking Care of Readers

Over the past few weeks, we've seen a lot of unpredictability and felt some big feelings about everything that is happening with research funding.

I want you to stay informed about everything. However, I've made the decision to stick with the intention of the Interlude to give you a break in your day, which also means a break from the firehose we are experiencing. So although I will (mostly) omit information about the state of things moving forward, please seek trusted sources to stay up to date.

And know that I am here to support you in any way I can.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

10 Tactics to Help You Stop Overlooking How You Can Improve Your Writing​
Editing your own writing can be challenging. You might think that you can just edit your own work. But you are so close to the work that you can easily overlook mistakes and other problems with the writing. I encourage you to collaborate with a professional editor, but you can also try these 10 tactics to avoid overlooking how you can improve your writing.

👓 Reading

Leonard Cassuto on Taking Care of Your Reader​
"If you know that your readers will stay with you no matter what, you don’t have to worry too much about how you treat them. Instead of working to care for the reader, academic writers are taught by their earliest experience that readers are unconditionally invested. They require no consideration because they’re already on the hook. That unfortunate lesson invites all kinds of bad writing..."

​Three books to sum up where we’re at with “AI” tools for writing​
"Fortunately, we’re just far enough into the age of LLMs that books are beginning to be published providing the kind of treatment you’d hope for – broad enough to cover the idea of LLMs in general, and deep enough to let you consider well-reasoned cases both for and against writers using LLMs." Heard's book recommendations: Generative AI for Academics, AI Snake Oil, and More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.

...Oh, and if you're interested in getting hands-on training with AI tools for research and writing, join us in Scientific Writing Simplified for an interactive session with AI whisperer Núria Negrão on March 4. You must be enrolled to join.

🧰 Tools

Simplelists​
I recently learned about this great tool for managing an email distribution list. With Simplelists, you can "optimise group email communications for small or large groups with email hosting that is user-friendly, advert-free, has robust virus protection, quality email deliverability, plus more."

💭 Thoughts

Writing without thinking about your readers is like hosting a dinner party without thinking about your guests.

Just as you wouldn’t want to cook steak for vegetarians, you don’t want to write content that is difficult for readers to digest.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Expertise, Evidence Bank, and Responsible Use of AI

I recently received a newsletter that included detailed recommendations that I would expect from an expert. But the author is still quite new to the field. I immediately suspected that they used AI to craft the newsletter.

And I began to wonder: in a world with AI, how can we distinguish an expert from an imposter? And is knowledge alone enough to establish yourself as an expert?

I've been thinking about these questions a lot this past week. I don't have clear answers yet. But I do think experts need a particularly important quality: lived experience.

I think that to establish yourself as an expert, you need to do more than regurgitate (or generate) knowledge. You need lived experience that gives you a unique perspective and adds an aspect of humanity that AI cannot generate.

I'm still mulling this over, and I'd love to know your thoughts. In a world with AI, how do you think we can distinguish an expert from an imposter?

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

📆 Upcoming

Scientific Writing Simplified Accelerator​ – February 14, 2025
Next week, we kick off the annual accelerator program for the Scientific Writing Simplified course. The program will help you stay on track to complete the course with weekly reminders, check-ins, and live calls with me and your fellow classmates. ​Enroll by February 13 to join the program​.

👓 Reading

A thorough examination of ChatGPT-3.5 potential applications in medical writing: A preliminary study​
“This evaluation highlights both the benefits and limitations of using ChatGPT-3.5, emphasizing its ability to enhance vocabulary, prevent plagiarism, generate hypotheses, suggest ​keywords​, summarize articles, simplify medical ​jargon​, and transform informal text into an academic format. However, AI tools should not replace human expertise. It is crucial for medical professionals to ensure thorough human review and validation to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the content in case they eventually use AI as a supplementary resource in medical writing.”

​How is ChatGPT acknowledged in academic publications?​
“Around 80% of ​acknowledgments​ were related to text editing and proofreading, while only 5.3% mentioned ChatGPT for non-editorial research support, such as data analysis or programming. A small portion (3.5%) of researchers acknowledged ChatGPT for drafting sections of manuscripts. About two-thirds of corresponding authors who acknowledged ChatGPT were from non-English-speaking countries, and 75% of the publications with ChatGPT acknowledgments were published within January to August 2024.“

​National Academies President on How to Use Generative AI Responsibly in Scientific Research​
“The authors cautioned that although AI will speed scientific discoveries, its tools and processes—particularly generative AI—challenge some of the ‘core norms and values in the conduct of science, including accountability, transparency, replicability, and human responsibility.’ McNutt and her coauthors also called on the scientific community to build oversight bodies that can respond to the use of AI in scientific research.”

🧰 Tools

​CME Evidence Bank​
Recent federal actions have led to barriers in accessing essential public health data. With uncertainty in how these barriers may change, Alex Howson of ​Write Medicine​ is curating a list of alternative evidence sources from the World Health Organization, state and local health departments, medical associations, university research centers, and more. You can ​access, edit, and share the spreadsheet​ with your colleagues and peers.

💬 Quote

“An expert is a person who has found out by his own painful experience all the mistakes that one can make in a very narrow field." – Niels Bohr

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Choices, Errors, and Word Origins

I had to make a difficult choice this week.

After spending several months revamping my ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ course, I was excited and geared up to open the course for enrollment this week.

And then chaos struck the scientific community.

I was torn. Was now the right time to open enrollment?

I didn't want to be disrespectful. I didn't want to add to the stress of the chaos. And I didn't want to cause upset by seeming inconsiderate during challenging times. I started to think that I needed to wait until the dust settled.

But as I considered all aspects of the situation, I reminded myself of one of my core values: to be of service.

I want to help.

And in the unknowns that lie ahead, I anticipate that funding opportunities will change, competition for grants will increase, and the pressure for publications will rise. And I know that one of the best ways that I can help during these times is to continue to arm you with the principles, resources, and support you need to write well.

So I chose to open enrollment.

The choice was not easy. And I felt anxiety after opening the doors. But under those feelings is a deeper knowing that it was the best thing I can do to support you.

So during these unpredictable times, know that I'm here cheering you on and offering you support as we forge ahead on this journey together.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

📆 Upcoming in The Grove

Using PowerPoint to Create Graphical Abstracts and Infographics – Kelly Schrank, MA, ELS
Many journals are requesting graphical or visual abstracts to pair with manuscripts, and other agencies may request summary infographics to complement your publications. Join us on February 4 to move past providing words in a Word document to presenting the content in a more graphical format using PowerPoint. You must be enrolled in Scientific Writing Simplified to join.

👓 Reading

Casual inference and pubic health – What a rise in common spelling errors says about the state of research culture​
"...some academics may be cutting corners to produce papers quickly and remain competitive. Checks of robustness, such as running sensitivity analyses to verify results or waiting for a colleague’s feedback on a draft paper, may be perceived as too time-consuming to warrant delaying publication. This kind of corner cutting also means that quantity is being prioritised over quality, and the literature is becoming clogged with poor quality papers. . .The rise in spelling errors highlights the tension between working slowly and carefully versus publishing quickly.”

​Uncovering scientific ERRORs: can financial rewards work?​
“…the Estimating the Reliability & Robustness of Research (ERROR) project offers cash rewards for reviewers identifying incorrect or misinterpreted data, code, statistical analyses, or citations in scientific papers. . .The ERROR team hopes to convince research funders to allocate money for error detection – ultimately saving them from investing in flawed research.“🎧 Listening

🖥️ Watching

​Linguist Answers Word Origin Questions​
"Linguist Gareth Roberts joins WIRED to answer the internet's burning questions about the etymologies of English words. How did the first languages first form? Was there once a single common language that all the others evolved from? When were swear words invented? Have words like "dude" and "bro" become gender neutral? Who came up with the word poop? Is "unalived" a real word now?"

🎓 Training

​AI bootcamp for medical writers​ – Starts February 17, 2025
Are you feeling overwhelmed by AI tools or worried about privacy? In this bootcamp, AI whisperer Núria Negrão will teach you actionable strategies to use AI safely and effectively to cut your research time in half and produce higher-quality work. I have learned a lot from attending several of Núria's talks and highly recommend joining this bootcamp. ​Register​

...Oh, and if you're not a medical writer, Núria will be a guest speaker for The Grove community in March. You must be enrolled in ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ to join.

💬 Quote

”Writing long sentences is like adding water to tea; the more words, the weaker the message.” – Dianna Booher

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal

Interlude: Grace, Undermining Conclusions, and Retractions as Corrections

I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't always been a good editor.

I still remember my mentor's disappointment when I overlooked the Greek symbols that were missing from the figures in the page proofs of my first publication. Yup, the paper was published without the Greek symbols. Sigh. So embarrassing.

I learned a few valuable lessons that day. One was to pay attention to all the little details when proofing a document, including every label in figures. Another was to slow down and not rush through the process of proofing a document.

And the third? Give yourself grace. We are all human, and we all overlook things and make mistakes. But we can learn from them so that we can do better next time.

So if you're feeling embarrassed by an oversight or mistake, give yourself grace and take away the lessons learned. And with each lesson, you will get just a bit better each day.

Now onto this week's round-up...

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

​How to Avoid Undermining the Conclusions of Your Research Paper​
Do you end your research papers with your thoughts on the future directions of the study? If so, you are weakening the significance of your work. In this article, I share an easy strategy for maximizing the significance of your work in the power position of the paper.

👓 Reading

​Retractions as corrections: shifting the narrative​
"Retractions in academic publishing have long been viewed as a mark of shame, often associated with misconduct. However, this perception can in itself be detrimental to the integrity of the scientific record. . . in order for research to be self-correcting it might be time to shift the narrative and start to view retractions as ‘neutral tools’.”

🖥️ Watching

​Prepositions: Ending a Sentence With​
Do you avoid ending your sentences with prepositions? I often second-guess these types of sentences. But the Merriam-Webster dictionary says that "it is totally okay in English for a preposition to be what you end your sentence with."

🧰 Tools

​Circle​
Circle is a platform for hosting an online community, events, and ​courses​. For the past year, I've been testing Circle for The Grove community, and I've been impressed with the look, set up, and ease of navigating the platform. I recently moved Scientific Writing Simplified to the platform so that everything is located in one place for my students.

...Oh, and in case you're interested, enrollment for ​Scientific Writing Simplified​ opens next week!

💬 Quote

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose." – Zora Neale Hurston

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal