So. You probably know and understand all about transcribing and translating a gene. People, presumably trained biologists, transcribe a DNA sequence and
translate it into a protein.
Yeah, I don’t understand it either. I read about it on-line, and it's no surprise I didn't understand much of anything said. But to boot, I have no idea Why scientists go through this process because the article I read didn't say. To be fair, the author probably knows his main audience already knows Why. But what if the Why could help an interested layperson?
Yeah, I don’t understand it either. I read about it on-line, and it's no surprise I didn't understand much of anything said. But to boot, I have no idea Why scientists go through this process because the article I read didn't say. To be fair, the author probably knows his main audience already knows Why. But what if the Why could help an interested layperson?
Writing is more up my alley than genes and proteins. You see, transcribing (and yes, I am making this up) is writing about what you think, or know, or think you know. Translation (still fabricating here) is turning that information into a complete message that entertains, informs, inspires, or all three.
Occasionally as I edit, however, I notice that an author leaves out a Why. Not Who, What, Where, and When (see self-editing
what’s not there), perhaps, but Why. For example, I edited a piece that promised a certain
benefit if three specific entities are present in a person’s life. But Why
(or the oft-related How)
would those two entities create that benefit? He did not say. Why ask the reader to ponder the Why on their own when a few
more words transcribed from the author's brain could enhance the reader's experience in the first
place, helping to translate the intended message?
For readers, have you ever read a book that never explained a Why? How did that change your experience?
For writers, do you already have a process for ensuring everything your reader needs to know is included in your work?