Comments on: Any technical writers out there? Tell us about your job http://www.garyspeer.com/any-technical-writers-out-there-tell-us-about-your-job/ Tips for writers and musing about writing and life in general Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:43:31 +0000 hourly 1 By: Gary http://www.garyspeer.com/any-technical-writers-out-there-tell-us-about-your-job/comment-page-1/#comment-593 Gary Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:06:15 +0000 http://www.garyspeer.com/?p=543#comment-593 Ah, great. Thanks for your comment. I have a strong feeling that many writers and editors out there who do it professionally -- whether full-time or part-time -- generally have a strong life experience background in writing. In your case, you had a great family setting to learn a lot about writing and editing. In my case, most of what I've done as a writer has been similarly "self-taught." And of course, very few best-selling writers in any field sport any sort of "how to write" degree. (Side note -- my son is an aerospace engineer. That was his college degree. His work experience has been mostly as a production engineer and currently as a senior research scientist. To his credit, he's highly literate and a great writer. Of course, with my background and my wife's background as a professional proofreader, the lad wouldn't dare NOT be able to write.) Ah, great. Thanks for your comment. I have a strong feeling that many writers and editors out there who do it professionally — whether full-time or part-time — generally have a strong life experience background in writing. In your case, you had a great family setting to learn a lot about writing and editing. In my case, most of what I’ve done as a writer has been similarly “self-taught.” And of course, very few best-selling writers in any field sport any sort of “how to write” degree.

(Side note — my son is an aerospace engineer. That was his college degree. His work experience has been mostly as a production engineer and currently as a senior research scientist. To his credit, he’s highly literate and a great writer. Of course, with my background and my wife’s background as a professional proofreader, the lad wouldn’t dare NOT be able to write.)

]]> By: ld http://www.garyspeer.com/any-technical-writers-out-there-tell-us-about-your-job/comment-page-1/#comment-592 ld Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:25:24 +0000 http://www.garyspeer.com/?p=543#comment-592 I don't know if "Technical Writer" is totally accurate, although I certainly do my share of it. I'm actually Configuration Management II certified, but spend a great deal of time doing technical editing, and yes, technical writing, in the aerospace industry. Learned at my parent's knees - Dad was an advertising salesman, and artist, and Mom was a freelance writer, editorial advisor, and published a book she edited. Life experience and many great professional opportunities afforded me the experience needed to assist engineers when they are truly struggling with words, a common problem. Interesting work, wish I could do it full time. I don’t know if “Technical Writer” is totally accurate, although I certainly do my share of it. I’m actually Configuration Management II certified, but spend a great deal of time doing technical editing, and yes, technical writing, in the aerospace industry. Learned at my parent’s knees – Dad was an advertising salesman, and artist, and Mom was a freelance writer, editorial advisor, and published a book she edited. Life experience and many great professional opportunities afforded me the experience needed to assist engineers when they are truly struggling with words, a common problem. Interesting work, wish I could do it full time.

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