#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller
Feb 16, 2025
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Dava Sobel, a best-selling science writer celebrated for her works like Longitude, shares her journey of intertwining science and storytelling. She discusses transforming historical narratives into bestsellers and emphasizes women’s contributions to science, particularly focusing on Marie Curie. Sobel reflects on her transition from journalism to book writing, the complexities of simplifying scientific concepts, and effective self-editing techniques. Her insights on resilience in both writing and science offer inspiration for aspiring authors.
Dava Sobel emphasizes the importance of persistence in writing, especially when tackling complex scientific subjects that often face skepticism and rejection.
She advocates for uncovering women's contributions in science, aiming to reshape historical narratives that have historically overlooked their vital roles.
Deep dives
The Journey of a Writer
The author reflects on the uncertainty of her writing career, revealing that early attempts to tackle complex subjects, like the problem of finding position at sea, were met with skepticism from friends and widespread rejection from publishers. Despite the challenging reception, her passion for storytelling drove her to explore intricate scientific histories and transform them into relatable narratives. This journey showcases her perseverance through initial doubts, as she navigated the difficult realm of writing about science in a way that captivated readers. Ultimately, her experience underlines the importance of persistence in pursuing one's writing interests, even when faced with external criticism.
Highlighting Women in Science
The author discusses the importance of uncovering and sharing the stories of women in science, acknowledging her prior biases and misconceptions regarding their contributions. This realization ignited a commitment to ensure that women's narratives were represented, leading her to write about influential figures like Madame Curie. Her exploration of the history of women in scientific fields prompted her to recognize patterns of dismissal and underappreciation that have persisted in past and contemporary narratives. By spearheading this effort, she aims to contribute to a more inclusive understanding of scientific history that celebrates these often-overlooked figures.
The Impact of Personal Experience
An unforgettable 25-day research assignment in a chronophysiological laboratory left a lasting impression on the author, as she experienced the effects of isolation from the concept of time. This unique opportunity allowed her to observe the impact of circadian rhythms on human behavior firsthand, which later informed her writing. The experience highlighted how environments can shape our understanding of scientific subjects, serving as a pivotal moment in her development as a writer. By integrating personal insights from her research into her narratives, she strives to create a more vivid and relatable portrayal of complex scientific concepts.
Crafting Accessible Science
The author's writing process emphasizes making complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging for general audiences, often by focusing on individual characters and their stories. By imagining a specific reader for each narrative, she tailors her explanations to connect deeply with those less familiar with the topic at hand. This approach not only humanizes science but also reveals the emotional and personal stakes involved in scientific endeavors, making the material relatable. Through her dedication to clarity and relatability, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific communities and the public, facilitating greater interest and understanding.
Best-selling Science Writer Dava Sobel on blending science with storytelling—how to craft compelling narratives, navigate deep research, and bring historical figures to life. Plus insights on nonfiction publishing, overcoming creative roadblocks, and making complex ideas accessible to readers.
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ABOUT DAVA SOBEL
Dava Sobel is the bestselling author of The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science, Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Glass Universe. A former New York Times science reporter, she has received numerous awards for her contributions to science writing and currently edits the “Meter” poetry column in Scientific American.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Lulu. If you're interested in self-publishing, Lulu has free resources such as helpful tutorials, templates to help you layout a book, design for print, and they have a very watchable YouTube University channel. Our community anthology is in fact published using Lulu. Check them out at lulu.com. *