Text and style

Academics want to be read by their peers but also by others. Many want to reach out to a wide audience and be discussed in editorials and op-eds. Perhaps commenting on current affairs as an acknowledged expert. Others prefer to gain recognition within the academy. To be cited and discussed. To be invited to Harvard as a visiting scholar. To be a keynote speaker at a major international conference. 

Neither is particularly easy but, obviously, not impossible. There are a lot of academics who succeed. Some even manage to combine cutting-edge research with being in the public light. What most of these academic stars have in common is that they write very well. They are able to make almost any subject fascinating. 

This theme – language and style – is something I have been able to avoid up till now. In spite of external pressure. A blog about academic writing can’t only concern productivity, feelings and failures. Sooner or later it surely needs to address what brings life and momentum to a text? OK then, but I’m going to use some outside help. 

In the last few days, I finished reading Magnus Linton’s recently published book on academic writing: Text och stil. Om konsten att berätta med vetenskap. This book is unusual in its genre. Not only is it written in Swedish. Linton is also a journalist and author. Not an academic. However, he is able to present both an overview and an insight into how the academy works as a result of, among other things, being a writer in residence at the Department of History of Science and Ideas at Uppsala University. 

Linton’s book is tight and well-organized. Many of the points made in the book are illustrated in a congenial fashion. Linton writes the way he tells his readers to write. Playful and concrete, with rhythm and drive. Simultaneously, he offers classic advice: write simple, write short, write for the reader. Make sure to vary the length of sentences and which words you use. Delete and purge. 

As far as I’m concerned – which has probably been noticeable in the blog – I lean toward a minimalistic ideal. I prefer simple words, short sentences and expressing myself in concrete terms. Abstract or poetic texts don’t impress me. In academic prose, furthermore, I prefer an argumentative style over a narrative style. If I want the latter, I’d much rather read novels by Kjell Westö or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie than a text with academic ambitions. 

When reading Linton, however, I start to become uncertain. Is my style of writing too boring? Have I become too comfortable in my ideal style? Should I try to write in a more narrative and colorful fashion? Use more scenes and metaphors? And how frequently do I really try out new words and new styles? Ever? Do I simply play it safe? 

Yes, perhaps. It’s certainly worth considering. Perhaps it will even be the goal of the next academic year: developing as a writer by stepping outside my cozy comfort zone. Those reading this blog come fall will see!

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