Thread by @TheRealDoctorT

Stories are the pulsing lifeblood of medicine.

Every patient essentially presents with a story. “Once upon a time I was better, and then...”

Even if they can’t tell their own story, it’s there, waiting to be heard.

And every story is littered with clues and insights. 1/

It’s been my experience that the seemingly insignificant details are what stitch together the fabric of our lives.

When I see clinic patients, I always put a little detail about them in their chart that’ll trigger a connection.

If a story is a lockbox, details are the key. 2/

And stories are all around us.

We are drowning in untold stories.

As I go about my day, every day, I try and pay attention to the stories. I’m usually on the run (this doctor gig is busy!) so I keep notes in my iPhone of things that interest me.

I call them my story “keys.” 3/

Pretty much every narrative thread I’ve written has started as a “key.” A key is just one or two words I scribble down in the heat of the moment that will unlock the memory for me later.

It’s just the way my mind works. I work backwards and remember the details of the story. 4/

I usually write my stories at night, in peace. In the past I used to read during this time. Now I write.

Below is a screenshot of my current list of keys. Every one of them has (or will) become a tweet or a thread.

Except “Bloop.” I have no idea what story that unlocks. 5/

I wrote this little thread because ever since my last few threads I’ve started getting several DMs from medical and non-medical people asking me about writing vignettes or medical stories.

This is just my system. Use whatever works for you.

Write in your own voice. 6/

And be open to feedback.

I cherish feedback.

Every clinic encounter I have ends with me asking the patient for feedback. Did everything make sense? Did I rush you? Do you need me to explain anything? Are you feeling okay? Overwhelmed? Scared?

Ask readers for feedback. 7/

@ErinBlaskie was a great source of advice and help to me when I started Tweeting. She constantly gave me feedback and encouragement.

Above all else, she told me to just be myself.

Find those people who hear YOUR voice and want to hear it- who want you to be you. 8/

Crucially, don’t be discouraged.

When I was getting started I commented on a post and someone responded with “look at this clown with 3 followers” or something similar.

I remember wondering, why does how many people are listening to me have any impact on what I’m saying? 9/

Find accounts with only a few followers, or posts with no comments or likes.

And like those posts.

Comment.

Interact and connect with people.

You don’t have to be everyone’s friend, but you can’t find your voice if you never use it.

And you might just help someone... 10/

If you really seriously want to improve your writing, however, don’t listen to me.

Just take a class or go to a workshop. There are professionals who will work with you and help you.

My mom is a teacher. I’ve always had the utmost respect for teachers.

Learn from them. 11/

Read. Read all sorts of books. Listen to as many different voices as you can.

On any day I’ll read some combination of medical articles, news, fiction, non fiction, comics (read Alan Moore, and many others - comics can be a great story-telling medium, each frame is a tweet). 12/

I’m fortunate to be friends with many writers on Twitter, including academics who’ve written incredible papers and amazing authors with wonderful books.

If you’re reading this thread and have more advice for writers, feel free to comment.

Just don’t give up on your voice.

This is excellent advice! I’m not a writer by trade or training so it was very presumptuous of me to write this thread. I appreciate his advice, and know it’s valuable. Please read this. 🙏🏻

https://twitter.com/djmont/status/1159883157304426498?s=21