I want to start writing, but don't know where to start

[steelersfan1243]

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I am in a gap year now and I feel as if this is the perfect opportunity for me to really explore other interests I have, namely writing. If I can somehow incorporate writing, such as the likes of Atul Gawande, in my future medical career I think this would be extremely rewarding. Therefore, I would really like to use this year to jumpstart that. Does anyone have any previous experience in this? I want to forgo the whole "online blog until you are noticed" because I think it is possible to get your work published somewhere with a reader base. I started emailing some journals that I think would like an article on the topic I am interested in writing about, but are there any journals or online blogs that are receptive to newbie free lance writers? Also my only credentials now are a Bachelor's and currently working at the NIAID (my article is bacterial infection related), so I believe that puts me more in of a bind. For the current article I know I can get a grad students name on it to boost up the credibility. But yeah any thoughts? I would really like to talk this out to see if there really is a path.

 

[WedgeDawg]

If you want to play the long game, keep a journal of your thoughts and experiences, then put it together to form an autobiographical-esque memoir book of your journey into and through medicine.

 

[ridethecliche]

Start writing about not writing and go from there.

 

[NonTrad16]

Since you only have a BS (and probably not in anything communications related?), you need to understand that a lot of people have interest in science communication, and as someone with little experience you may have to try very hard getting a response, you'll get rejections, and you should moderate your expectations...

That said, if you work at the NIAID and have an in with the research AND the organization, you could ask to work with the PR folks who handle press releases, organization publications (for education, outreach, etc). Definitely easier to talk your way into something in-person (or in the organization) than through random e-mail solicitations to people who have no connection with you.

This website also has some tips: http://www.theopennotebook.com/2013/07/30/ask-ton-breakinginto-science-writing/

 

[Satire5Texul]

I am guessing you are over 21. Start there

 

[steelersfan1243]

Since you only have a BS (and probably not in anything communications related?), you need to understand that a lot of people have interest in science communication, and as someone with little experience you may have to try very hard getting a response, you'll get rejections, and you should moderate your expectations...

That said, if you work at the NIAID and have an in with the research AND the organization, you could ask to work with the PR folks who handle press releases, organization publications (for education, outreach, etc). Definitely easier to talk your way into something in-person (or in the organization) than through random e-mail solicitations to people who have no connection with you.

This website also has some tips: http://www.theopennotebook.com/2013/07/30/ask-ton-breakinginto-science-writing/

Thank you for the advice. I do expect to be rejected just as much as I am on Tinder so I believe my expectations are at the right place 😛, but really thank you for the link, it is very helpful and what that I did not encounter in my research.

Also I am a lowly research assistant the NIAID, I might see if I can actually start building connections though somehow....

 

[NonTrad16]

Thank you for the advice. I do expect to be rejected just as much as I am on Tinder so I believe my expectations are at the right place 😛, but really thank you for the link, it is very helpful and what that I did not encounter in my research.

Also I am a lowly research assistant the NIAID, I might see if I can actually start building connections though somehow....

Everyone appreciates someone else appreciating their craft. If you approach them with interest, I'd expect you could find someone who is willing to help.

Even within the one organization there are probably a handful of people doing similar (enough) things. You can either start from higher up (ask for an informational interview, if it goes well you could ask for a referral to a writer to discuss the area), or try to meet with an individual writer right off. Or talk with your boss. Etc. I'd say it depends on your level of comfort within the organization, the culture, the people, etc.

Good luck!

 

[Cotterpin]

I'm doing this again next month: nanowrimo.org It's always really great for jump starting some writing.

 

[vk77]

I'm currently applying this cycle and have some significant writing experience. PM if you have any questions/want advice about getting into writing.

 

[LizzyM]

Perri Klass wrote a series of essays on medical school that were published in the NYTimes in the 80s. Of course, that was back in the day when papers made money. Frankly I think a blog is the place to be.

 

[Lost in Translation]

Same thing with Dr. Holland and Weekends at Bellevue–just keep a daily log and when you want to write it for public eyes, follow HIPAA.

 

[pageantry]

I know a lot of professional writers and if they don't already have a blog to assist with marketing, they're constantly complaining that they need to get off their butts and start one.

Blogs become books and books become landfill. Such is potato. Don't stop reading. 🙂