🖋️ Cormac McCarthy’s Writing Wisdom for Scientists
For over 20 years, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy has helped scientists at the Santa Fe Institute refine their writing. His advice, distilled by Van Savage and Pamela Yeh, emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and storytelling.
✨ Key Principles
- Simplicity is paramount: Focus on telling a coherent, compelling story with minimal clutter.
- Minimalism for clarity: Remove unnecessary punctuation, words, or sections if they don’t serve the core message.
- Define your theme: Choose 2–3 key points and ensure every part of the paper supports them.
- One idea per paragraph: Even a single sentence can stand alone if it conveys a clear message.
🧠 Style and Structure Tips
- Short, direct sentences: Avoid complex constructions and excessive transition words.
- No footnotes or jargon: These disrupt flow and alienate readers.
- Avoid repetition and over-explanation: Say things once, clearly.
- Grammar guided by speech: Prioritize being understood over strict rules.
✍️ Tone and Voice
- Use a personal, engaging tone: Passive voice doesn’t make writing more objective.
- Colloquial language is okay: But avoid region-specific expressions.
- Concrete examples: Replace abstract terms with vivid imagery (e.g., “red balloon” instead of “colored sphere”).
🔢 Handling Equations
- Keep math separate from prose using line breaks and intuitive notation.
- Explain transitions between assumptions, equations, and results clearly.
📚 Final Steps
- Read aloud: It helps catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues.
- Find a trusted editor: Make their job easier with clean formatting.
- Accept feedback gracefully: Revise when needed, but defend your choices respectfully.
- Write for yourself: Aim to create a paper you’re proud of, not one tailored to anonymous reviewers.
McCarthy’s ultimate message? Make your writing lively and accessible so readers want to spend time with it. Whether you're a scientist or a novelist, that’s the shared goal.