London Writers' Salon
#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller
Feb 16, 2025
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.
55:44
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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