My summer writing for Chemistry World

I would begin my days – hot chocolate at the ready – looking at various science journals to see if there were any new and interesting papers to pitch at Chemistry World’s daily news meeting. Once everyone has pitched their ideas, the meeting becomes rather like an episode of Shark Tank, but instead of money being offered, it’s words. Newsletter – 100 words, news-in-brief – 300 words, full news story – 600 words.

A typical research news story focuses on a single research paper and writing one follows a certain pattern. First, I’d read and understand the paper (after much googling), email the paper’s authors, find and email independent experts, then hopefully interview those authors and experts. Once I had gathered all that information, I would settle down to compose my story.

It took me a while to learn what makes a good article and unlearn some of the bad writing habits that are common to many of us with a scientific background. For example, writing in an active voice instead of a passive one, and using more verbs and fewer nouns helps to both clarify the story and keep it short. And when I needed more help, my Chemistry World colleagues were always available to steer me in the right direction. Over time, I became more comfortable and confident in writing stories – even if I didn’t realise until further down the line.

Like I mentioned before, a big part of my role has been interviewing scientists. I was quite nervous to begin with, but I found that most scientists are excited to talk about their research and have it read by our readers, which helped. I’m also now an expert when it comes to time zones. It may seem simple, but figuring out – through minor stalking – where an interviewee is and thus an appropriate time for us both, caused me a significant amount of stress.

Outside of news, I also wrote this Last retort about the differences and similarities between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and scientists in our own universe. This was an especially fun opportunity as it focused on my voice and the story I wanted to tell. These articles are always accompanied by a custom illustration that often features the author, ie me!

Alongside all this writing, I received a backstage pass into what it takes to get an issue of the magazine ready for print and how the team publish articles on the website. I never appreciated how much time and effort goes into press week: overviewing the previous issue and preparing for the next one.

An unexpected positive of this internship is I now have a heightened awareness of the chemistry around me. For example, after writing an article about scratch-resistant metal oxide films, metal oxides are now one my first thoughts when I pick up a fizzy drink can. That, alongside talking to people passionate about their research, has been a particular joy of this opportunity.

Most of the time, I’ve been working from home, but I visited the RSC’s Cambridge office, Thomas Graham House, a handful of times and I’ve got to commend its canteen for the delicious and, more importantly, great-value food.

Lastly, a small anecdote to end on: When I told a friend I was working for the RSC, she thought I was working for the Royal Shakespeare Company (despite knowing I studied chemistry and never showed a particular interest in Shakespeare). I’ve certainly written thousands of words this summer, but none of them have been in iambic pentameter.

If you too love chemistry and writing, are approaching the end of a chemical science degree or postgraduate course and relish the thought of writing for chemical scientists and chemistry enthusiasts across the globe, then don’t hesitate to apply.